Bodyboarders take on Classic in challenging conditions
Challenging conditions pushed riders to prove their skill in the 2016 Durban Lizzard Classic.
THE recent inaugural Durban Lizzard Classic, in association with Suncoast, was a massive success with South Coast bodyboarder, Storm Prestwich, taking the top spot in the hotly-contested Pro’s Division.
Event organiser, Olivia Reitz, herself one of South Africa’s top-seeded bodyboarders, said the competition was well-supported with 80 contestants taking to the surf over the two-day event.
“The conditions were quite challenging for both days with choppy waters and two-foot waves but the competitors still managed to go out there and put on a great performance. We were lucky to have some fantastic weather which attracted large crowds to the beach and there was just a great vibe,” said Reitz.
Lizzard-sponsored Prestwich just managed to oust Emile von Vollenhoven in the closely-contested Pro’s Division.
Speaking about Prestwich, Reitz said: “He is performing at an international level and is definitely one to look for. In addition to winning the division, he was also awarded Best Move of the contest for his impressive flip.”
Prestwich was followed by Von Vollenhoven, Doug Lindsay was third, Terence Pieters and Rory Fellow-Smith came in joint 5th and Garryd Ensor tied with Michael Ostler for joint 7th place. Ostler also received the prize for Highest Scoring Wave after receiving a perfect 10 from judges.
There was also enormous talent evident in the Ladies’ Division with Reitz just missing out to central KwaZulu-Natal rider, Debbie Patterson, from Holmes Brothers, while dark horse Jack Sang, showed some impressive skill in taking the Boy’s Division top spot. Teegan Coulonval, who won the Junior’s Division, also won himself entry into the illustrious Cave Rock Invitational which sees international Big Wave riders competing at one of South Africa’s best surf spots.
