THE 32 surfers invited to surf in the 2017 Cell C Goodwave WSL Specialty surf contest have been announced, and the list is an exciting mix of old school chargers and new school wizardry.
The event will be at New Pier, Durban, and the selection criteria is that the surfers need to have good experience and a solid reputation at the New Pier when the waves get solid.
The tournament has a one-year waiting period. When the forecast for New Pier looks excellent, the one-day contest will be called on with a 48-hour notice, and these selected surfers will need to make their way to Durban for an early morning start on the day of competition. That day will be called with the assistance of swell forecaster Spike from www.wavescape.co.za.
Apart from the 32 surfers invited there will also be 32 alternate surfers. Contest organisers are also willing to accept walk-ups on the day.
The 32 invited surfers are Brandon Jackson, Matt MacGillivray, Dale Staples, Shane Sykes, Mikey February, Josh Redman, Damien Fahrenfort, Dan Redman, Mike Frew, Simon Nicholson, Gavin Roberts, Frankie Oberholzer, Matt Bromley, Davey Weare, Grant Baker, Chris Leppan, Sean Holmes, Ricky Basnett, Jason Ribbink, Beyrick de Vries, Gary van Wieringen, Dylan Lightfoot, Chad du Toit, Brendan O’Connor, Warwick Wright, Noel Rahme, Shane Thorne, Paul Canning, Richard Kidd, Davey van Zyl, Robbie Schofield and Greg Emslie.
The contest costs R1 to enter, and first prize is R100 000. California Dreaming, overlooking New Pier on the beachfront, will host the competition on the day.
