Top bodyboarders head for Durban’s surf

TOP bodyboarders will be hitting the surf at Suncoast, vying for the top spot as the Durban Lizzard Classic in association with Suncoast, from 25 to 26 June.

“We are excited to be bringing a contest of this magnitude to the KwaZulu-Natal shores. It has been years since Durban hosted any bodyboarding competition so we are anticipating a lot of interest in the inaugural Durban Lizzard Classic,” said Olivia Reitz, event organiser and one of South Africa’s top seeded bodyboarders.

In addition to the open pro’s division, competitors can enter the boys’ division (14 and under), the junior division (15 to 17 years), the men’s or ladies’ division (18 to 30 years), the master’s division (30 to 45 years) and the grand master’s division (45 years and over) as well as the development rider’s category (first-time competitors).

This illustrious event will be attracting some of South Africa’s top bodyboarders including top South African competitor, Mark McCarthy.

Commenting on the upcoming Durban Lizzard Classic, McCarthy said: “I’m super pumped to see Durban back on the bodyboarding calendar! It was 15 years ago that I entered my first national bodyboarding event in Durban. Durban has been the bodyboarding hub for many years, producing so many South African champs, including two times world champ, Andre Botha.”

A number of top seeded South African ladies competing in the event including Pamela Bowren (SA national team), Sarah Houston (SA Champs 2014 winner), Skye Bothma (defending SABA circuit winner) and always a tough contender, Debbie Patterson.

The event will run from 7am to 5pm on both days with the various divisions participating in time slots which will be based on the current surf conditions. The prize-giving will take place immediately after the last heat on Sunday, 26 June, on Suncoast Beach.

For more information or to enter, visit the ‘Durban Lizzard Classic’ Facebook page.