Glen Beach Hosts the Richest Bodyboarding Event Ever Held in Cape Town
Source: www.sabaonline.co.za
posted by Olivia Jones on 16th March 2006
Sport Unlimited Reef Spur dEBIS Cape Classic
4A rated South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) rated event
Glen Beach, Cape Town - South Africa
March 17 & 18, 2006
Glen Beach is hosting the richest South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) tournament ever held in the Cape, the Sport Unlimited Reef Spur dEBIS Cape Classic which takes place this weekend (March 17 and 18). The Cape Classic is the second event on the 2006 SABA nationwide tour and the total value of the prizes is R70, 000.
The pro division title race is expected to be an all Cape Town affair closely fought between Ian Kruger who was the runner up 2005 SA Champion, Sacha Specker and Johnny Maritz; the latter pair have both laid claim to titles at previous SA Bodyboarding Championships. The premier pro division carries a R10 000 prize purse and a victory would secure a strong SABA ratings lead for 2006.
Junior super stars Jared Housten and Josh Kleve who are best friends yet the biggest rivals in the surf, are accustomed to bodyboarding in the chilly waters of the Cape and know the waves at Glen Beach like the back of their hands. Mark Watts (Durban) is one of the top ranked out of town riders who will be looking to cause some upsets in the Cape especially in light of the fact that Houston snatched the SA junior title from him last year.
The boys division is expected to be led by the "terrible twins" Aden Kleve and Johnno Mellish (both CT).
Defending event champion Pamela Bowren (Cape Town) will set the pace in the ladies heats, known for her prowess in bigger waves she has been marked as the one to beat but she knows not to underestimate Kwa Zulu Natal's Lize-Mari Ras who won the first SABA event of 2006.
All eyes will once again be on Mike van Huyssteen (Gauteng) to take home his umpteenth master’s title; van Huyssteen will enjoy the support of his colleagues from dEBIS who are travelling to watch the event.
Divisions include pro, boys, juniors, men, women, masters, drop knee, under 12 boys, under 16 girls and a development section which is designed to provide a golden opportunity for young stars to showcase their talent.
In addition to the generous prizes there will be valuable South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) rating points up for grabs which accumulate over the year to determine the ultimate SABA champion as well as influencing the national team selection.
The Western Province Development Clinic is being held in conjunction with the Cape Classic on Saturday (18 March) from 11h00 to 13h00 at Camps Bay Beach. The WP Bodyboarding Association is running a focused development clinic for 20 youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Table View and Ocean View areas. Bodyboarding twins Justin and Jason Lawrence (Ocean View) will be on hand to provide extra inspiration, the pair have been riding for the past two years and represented WP at SA Champs.
The children will be taught about water safety, what to do in an emergency; shown how to warm up, how to hold the board and then the pro bodyboarders will take them into the water for an experience of a lifetime. The clinic has been made possible by sponsorship from dEBIS, Sport Unlimited, Reef and Spur; the youngsters will receive t-shirts and rash vests as well as being treated to lunch by Spur. Fun prizes will also be awarded to the children after the clinic in the hopes of encouraging them to pursue their newfound sport.
A host of generous sponsors have made the prestigious event possible; these include Sport Unlimited, Reef, deBIS Fleet Management, Arnette sunglasses, Mike Stewart Science Project and Spur. The Son Surf Christian surf organization will be adding to the beach festivities by holding different activities throughout the day including soccer, volleyball and rugby.
Late entries will still be accepted but an additional R50 will be charged; please contact Angus Houston on 082 920 5311. The Cape Classic event briefing takes place at the Camps Bay Soccer Club on Friday, March 17 at 6.30pm.
SABA would like to thank Afrique de Sud Backpackers for organising special rates for competitors; they can be contacted on (021) 4399028.
To read more about the latest news and views in SA bodyboarding circles visit South Africa’s most informative bodyboarding website www.sixty40.co.za
Issued on behalf of:
South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA)
Western Province Bodyboarding Association Contact:
Angus Houston (Chairman)
082 920 5311
Email: [email protected]
Issued by:
Olivia Jones Communications
082 537 8840
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors:
www.sportunlimited.co.za
www.reef.co.za
www.spur.co.za
www.debis.co.za
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