Competition gets tense as this years SA Champs draws to a close

Darryn Stephen
29th September 2006
Day 5 of the 20th Annual South African Bodyboarding Championships saw the Masters in the water first. Mike Van Huyssteen(CKZN) a hot favourite for the Masters title narrowly made the final after a disappointing semi final heat. Mike will be looking to beat last years champion Steve Polinski (WP).

In the ladies division Lyndall Pells (EP) was knocked out of the womens division causing an upset as she was a favorite for the title. The final will have Pamela Bowden (WP), Lize- Marie Ras (SC), Inga Pieters(SKZN) and Robyn Sorenson(CKZN).

In the men�s division the returning Champion and event organizer Wayne Beekman (SKZN) had an explosive heat finding a great set wave and riding to into the inside section and busting a hue roll. Fellow team mate Martin Otto (SKZN) described it as Wayne�s biggest roll he has ever done. Another standout was Southern Cape team rider Dylan Watson (SC) who impressed the judges with his aggressive style of riding and precision moves.

The Drop Knee division saw the usual suspects through to the semi finals. With the quarter finals being removed from the competition the pressure was on for the riders to push themselves to ensure a top 8 position in the semi finals. The heats will be star studded showcasing the countries top contenders, Sacha Specker(WP), Marc Jucker(EP), Wayne du Preez (CKZN), Vaughn Harris (WP), and Derek Footit will be using his home break knowledge to give him that competitive edge.

CKZN was well represented in the Juniors quarter finals, with both of their riders Dane Beales as well as Micheal Ostler winning their respective heats. Justin Houston(WP) will be the Junior to watch having surfed consistently well throughout all his heats.

In the Pro division last years defending champion Daniel Worsley(WP), go up against Alistair Taylor (CKZN) in the first heat of the Pro Divions Quarter Finals. These are two of South Africa�s top rated riders, and to see them go head o ead was a treat for the entire beach with eventual outcome was a narrow defeat that Worsley had to Taylor, a few points difference was all that separated these two incredible riders. This is what people expect from the top competitors the country has to offer.

The final day of competition will begin at 7:30 am, so if anybody is in the area come down and watch the semi finals and finals of the 20th Annual South African Bodyboarding Championships at Uvongo beach on the KZN south coast, about 3km's north of Margate.

For any further information on this years SA Champs call the Hotline Number 083 488 3916. Sponsored by www.factory7.co.za

The SABA South African Bodyboarding Championships 2006 is hosted by the South Coast KZN Bodyboarding Association and is co-sponsored by SCIENCE, REEF, www.FACTORY7.co.za, ENVIRON, Arnette, Spar and Realty1.

Issued on behalf of:

SABA

Issued by:

Darryn Stephen
SABA SA Bodyboarding Championships Media Liaison
Mobile: 072 511 1578
Email: [email protected]

The 20th Annual SA Bodyboarding Champs