Testing conditions benefit kite surfers on first day of South Coast Surf Carnival

 Conditions were tough on the first day of the South Coast Surf Carnival at Scottburgh’s Main Beach. The two day event, presented by Jeep Apparel and the Independent on Saturday, saw strong onshore winds and two metre swells, making life difficult for the longboarders, stand up paddle boarders and kayak fishermen. The kite surfers, however, revelled in the blustery conditions, giving the many spectators something to shout about.

It was business as usual for the title contenders in the SALSA (South African Longboard Surfing Association) sanctioned men’s longboarding open division, with defending champ Jason Ribbink (Durban), Dylan Macleod (PE), Donald Brierley (Durban) and Scott Lefevre (Umhlanga) relying on their years of experience to move on to tomorrows second round.

The over 35 longboarding division saw defending champion Brandon Ribbink (Durban) dominate the first heat, and at this early stage looks a good bet to claim back to back titles. Craig Daniels (Durban) also claimed a victory in his heat, and may pose a threat to Ribbink’s title chances. Brendan Callaghan (Durban), Grant Gilmour and Fred le Roux also made it through the first round and are realistic title contenders.

The stand up paddle boarders had a tough time, battling against the less than ideal conditions. Top contenders Jonathan Rosslind, Jason Ribbink (Durban), Brandon Ribbink (Durban), Donald Brierley (Durban) and Ivan van Vuuren (Cape Town) all did well to secure spots in the second round.

Kite surfing contest director Bruce Chrystal said that “the conditions have been near perfect, the waves are a bit messy but the wind has been getting stronger throughout the day, so we are happy”. With the men’s contest underway at the time of going to press, the only available result was that of the Course contest. Pete Peterson (Cape Town) claimed a victory, followed closely by Rob Chrystal (Durban) and Grant Roberts (Port Shepstone).

Contest director Hugh Thompson said that “the guys have really done very well considering the conditions”. Thompson said that “with bigger swell forecasted for tomorrow, it is definitely going to get interesting! If the wind switches it could be amazing, but who knows what the wind is going to do.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow, beach goers can expect some explosive action in the second rounds, semi’s and finals of the open and over 35 longboarding divisions. The junior and ladies longboarding finals are also scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday), as are the final rounds of the stand up paddle boarding contest.

The South Coast Carnival is sponsored by Tourism South Coast, Jeep Apparel and Independent on Saturday. Contributing sponsors to the event Island Style, Pick’n Pay Scottburgh, Bilt Surfboards, Specsavers, Thermo Plastic Concepts & Equipment (TCE), Maisch Fins, Nestle Pure Life Water, Natural Curve surfboards, Bokomo, Ocean 2 Air Kitesurfing, Southern Comfort J Bay Accommodation, Cyclone Kiteboarding, Pro Class Wetsuits, Glaceau Vitamin, uShaka Surf and Adventures and Aunty YO’s.