2005 SABA Wedge Classic Quick Facts
posted by Olivia Jones on 5th July 2005
WHAT: The 5A rated SABA Wedge Classic is the fourth event on the prestigious 2005 South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) circuit and the points count heavily towards the crowning of the year end SABA champions. Carrying the highest possible event rating the tournament has attracted 203 bodyboarders, the second highest number of entrants in a South African event in the history of the sport.
Divisions include pro, boys, juniors, men, women, masters, drop knee, under 12 boys, under 16 girls and a development section to provide an affordable opportunity for young rising stars to showcase their talent. The tournament which is in its eleventh year is organised by Wave Crest Distributors (WCD).
WHEN: 5 to 8 July, 2005
WHERE: The Wedge, Plettenberg Bay – Southern Cape
WHO: The top SABA seeds from each division will be traveling from around South Africa to take part.
Defending Pro Champion Vaughn Harris (Tsitsikama) has confirmed that he will be back to stake his claim as will 2004 finalists Marc Jucker (PE) and Jonathon Maritz (CT).
Stef Skajarowski (Cornwall, UK), Brandon Foster (California) and Spencer Skipper (USA) are amongst the international campaigners who will converge on the Wedge to do battle against the country’s best local crew.
A first class line up of female riders includes former world champion Karla Costa-Taylor (Brazil) who will be up against local girl Lyndal Pells as well as the usual finalists like Robyn Sorenson (Dbn), defending champion Pamela Bowren (PE) and 2004 National Team member Inge Pieters (Southern KZN).
All eyes will be on Terence Pieters (Southern KZN) in the Boy’s division while Adam Morley (Mossel Bay) and Jared Houston (CT) are tipped to excel in Juniors. Evergreen bodyboarders Steven Polinski (CT) and Mike van Huysteen (Gauteng) will be neck and neck in their bid for the coveted Masters title.
Wedge riders to watch out for include hardened locals Wayne Craig and 2004 Pro finalist Samuel Kamffer; Pro riders Ryan Edwards and Kobus Oosthuizen; talented Juniors Jaandrey Vosloo and Warren Samuels as well as stylish drop knee rider Chris Bosman.
Favourites for the Pro title include Vaughn Harris (Southern Cape), Wesley Fischer (Dbn), Sasha Specker (CT), Craig Jenkins (Dbn) and for the first time in the history of the event former US Champion Alistair Taylor will compete.
The Junior division will be hotly contested between big guns like Adam Morley (Southern Cape) as well as local bodyboarders Emile von Vollenhaven (Margate) and Grant Lee (Margate).
Former World Bodyboarding Champion Karla Costa-Taylor is expected to raise the bar in the Women’s division which includes SA stars like former SA Champion Debra Patterson (Durban North), 2004 SA Champ Robyn Sorensen (Berea) and 2004 national team member Inge Pieters (Margate) who will have the upper hand of local knowledge.
Defending Men’s division champion Wayne Beekman (Margate) will be back to defend his title.
All eyes will also be on the rapidly growing development division with nearly 20 up and coming riders competing.
FORMAT: A new format will be utilized to discourage conservative riding. Only the top 2 wave scores will count.
STATUS: The SABA Wedge Classic carries a 5A rating and is sanctioned by the South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA).
PRIZES: Cash and product prizes to the value of R25 000. There is a R10 000 Pro Division prize purse and R3 000 for the Women.
SPONSORS: First National Bank (FNB), Custom X, Robberg Seafoods and Ocean Life
EVENT LIASON: Wayne Craig (083 463 7102) or Steve Polinski (082 573 3173) from WCD can be contacted for more information about the event.
Email:
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MEDIA: Olivia Jones is the communications manager for the event
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 537 8840
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