World class FNB Durban Downwind battle looms
Top paddlers will compete in the FNB Durban Downwind surfski event at the weekend.
SOME of the best surfski racers in the world will converge on Durban on 25 and 26 June for the 2016 FNB Durban Downwind.
The event sets the stage for another world class duel as the World Surfski Series title event draws top elite ocean racers to Durban for the 26km clash.
With a two day window period and course flexibility, organisers hope to provide participants with the best possible downwind conditions to enjoy between Marine Surf Lifesaving Club (SLC) at Addington beach and La Mercy, or vice versa depending on the wind direction.
Having had two out-of-town winners – Jasper Mocké (Euro Steel/Epic Kayaks) from Fish Hoek, Western Cape in 2014 and Australia’s Michael Booth last year – since its inception two years ago, the richly talented crop of Durban based paddlers will be eager to see the crown remain in the host city this time around.
With six time Canoe Marathon World Champion, Hank McGregor, McGregor’s regular local rival, Matt Bouman and rapidly improving lifesaving convert, Wade Krieger all from KZN shores, the local challenge is set to be a strong one.
The event has however also enjoyed a prominent presence of classy, experienced surfski paddlers from the Western Cape in the past with the likes of Mocké’s brother, Dawid, Sean Rice, Kenny Rice and junior flyer Mark Keeling having all claimed top ten finishes previously, setting up another tough task for KZN’s racing snakes should they hope to reign supreme.
It remains to be seen if international contenders such as defending champion Booth and fellow Australian and 2014 Durban Downwind sixth place finisher, Mark Anderson will make the trip out to South Africa for this year’s mouth-watering match-up.
