Ward and Nisbet master surfski series curveball

THE mixed doubles crew of Luke Nisbet and Jenna Ward stole the limelight at the HiQ Surfski Challenge on Friday night, as the penultimate leg of the popular FNB Surfski Series had to be modified to suit the heavy cyclone surf conditions in Durban Bay.

Nisbet and Ward won their fourth race of the seven legs raced and in the process defended their series title and won the overall series doubles title as well.

“It feels fantastic to retain our title and to win the doubles series overall. It is a wonderful way to start the year, racing on Friday evenings, and it has become an important part of my bigger training plan. We get involved in such competitive races with the other guys in the doubles that I race harder than I would if I was in my single,” said an elated Ward.

Series winner Matt Bouman won the key overall singles race, once again holding off the tenacious Wade Krieger for the top step of the podium, but they were 30 seconds off the fastest time of the evening posted by Nisbet and Ward in winning the double ski race.

The women’s crown went to London Olympics bronze medallist Bridgitte Hartley, who raced solidly to finish eighth overall, with youngsters Amy Peckett and Cara Waud taking the spoils for the first womens’ double.

Connor Botha was the quickest of the short course paddlers, sneaking across the line on the beach ahead of Dave Rees and Wise Mvubu.

The Varsity College Surfski Challenge and Varsity College SA Schools Champs, of the 2018 FNB Surfski Series take place at Marine Surf Lifesaving Club on Friday, 16 March.

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