Cape Town's finest bodyboarders are preparing to do battle in The Nomad Kalk Bay Shoot Out 2008, which will take place in Kalk Bay between 10 August to 23 September.
The annual event, which is in its third year, will feature 20 of Cape Town's most explosive bodyboarders, consisting of locals and non-locals. The riders will be competing at what is arguably Cape Town's most sought after reef break, the treacherous Kalk Bay Reef, in hope of claiming the coveted "Last Man Standing" award.
Organisers have opted to allow for an extended window period of more than a month during which to run the contest in order to ensure that the competition is held in the best possible conditions within the allotted time frame.
Event organiser and Kalk Bay local, Ian Thurtell, says that in order for the reef to be at its best the swell needs to be moving in a Southerly direction with a light West to North West wind blowing. He added that the reef, which is a predominantly left breaking wave, works best on low tide in water often only 40cm deep!
"The wave breaks close to shore directly in front of a raised parking area, making the venue ideal for spectators and competitors alike to view the action," said Thurtell.
During the window period riders will be given 24 hours notice as to whether or not the event will take place. With such a tight notification period, and the possibility that some riders won't be able to make attend, organisers have catered for 7 reserve riders who will be eligible to compete if a competitor cannot attend.
The event, although serious in nature, is geared towards recognising riders who have over the years become known as locals at the reef. One such rider is Pierre Marqua, 34, who is eagerly awaiting his opportunity to put his 23 years of local knowledge to the test against Cape Town's best.
"Kalk Bay is all about the barrels and the big moves off the end section. Its not often that you get to surf Kalk Bay with 3 other guys in the water so I am really looking forward to the event," said Marqua.
Marqua will have his work cut out for him when he faces the likes of current SA Drop Knee Champ, Sacha Specker, former SA Pro Champ, Daniel Worsley and other experienced locals like JP Nortier, Byron Loubser and Jayden Alford-Loots.
"Going into the event I aim to do my best and I must say that I would like to win at my home break. I will focus on picking off the best barrels and hopefully use my local knowledge to my benefit," concluded Marqua.
The Nomad Kalk Bay Shoot Out 2008 is proudly brought to you by Nomad Bodyboards in association with, Sport Unlimited and The Brass Bell restaurant.
Nomad Kalk Bay Shoot Out 2008 Heat Sheets, which were literally drawn out of a hat by an impartial volunteer are as follows:
ROUND 1
Heat 1
Jamie Higgins
JP Nortier
Jayden Alford-loots
Marc Whitelaw
Heat 2
Peter Lambert
Craig Tully-Allen
Daniel Worsley
Sacha Specker
Heat 3
Jared Houston
Ross Painter
Rory Lancellas
Pierre Marqua
Heat 4
Byron Loubser
Josh Kleve
Peter Brandt
Ian Thurtell
Heat 5
Julien Geffroy
Matt Webb
Johnny Maritz
Donovan Bassit
ROUND 2
Heat 1
Jayden Alford-loots
Peter Lambert
Ian Thurtell
Rory Lancellas
Heat 2
Peter Brandt
Donovan Bassit
Pierre Marqua
Craig Tully-Allen
Heat 3
Byron Loubser
Ross Painter
Matt Webb
Marc Whitelaw
Heat 4
Jamie Higgins
Daniel Worsley
Jared Houston
Johnny Maritz
Well Ian it is great to see you guys are organising the "speciality" events. I hope you are blessed with good solid waves with epic conditions. I have looked at the heats and there are some really good riders chosen for the "Shoot Out" I'm sure it is going to a positive show case for our wonderful sport of Bodyboarding - Please post regular video updates of the actual event - Good Luck to all competitors - May you be the "Last Man Standing" - Cheers MJ (Dubai)
