THE 2020 Marine Series kicked off in near-perfect conditions on Friday evening as surfski paddlers of all abilities reveled in the festive atmosphere, while Durban surfski legend, Matt Bouman, took home the overall race honours.
Paddlers came out in their numbers to support the first race of the series, a series that sets the tone for surfski paddling in the city throughout the year.
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From a racing perspective, it was the experienced Matt Bouman who was too strong for the rest of the field. Brandon van der Walt took second place and Gene Prato snapped up third place.
The women’s race saw the former lifesaving star, Natalie Beuster, make a long-awaited return to the water as she powered to victory. Just behind her was Tracey van Greunen while Vanessa Mayhew finished third.
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Sanele Nxumalo was the strongest paddler over the short course. He out-stripped two doubles in Keaton Riddle and Deidre Bentley, who finished second, and Kevin Duke and David Glassom who came home in third.
In the stand-up paddleboarding category, Jon Ivins was the strongest paddler.
Race two of the series will be held on Friday (17 January) at the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club.
Men’s long course overall:
1.Matt Bouman 35:47
2.Brandon Van Der Walt 37:22
3.Gene Prato 38:31
Women’s long course:
1.Natalie Beuster 48:05
2.Tracey van Greunen 48:42
3.Vanessa Mayhew 52:59
Long course doubles:
1.Bryan Taylor/Mark Perrow 41:37
2.Jonathan Hollinshead/Gareth Miles 41:40
3.Allan Hold/Geoff Thompson 41:51
Short course overall:
1.Sanele Nxumalo 22:14
2.Keaton Riddle/Deirdre Bentley 22:27
3.Kevin Duke/David Glassom 24:12
Women’s short course:
1.Michelle Burn/Demi-Mae Rodda 25:15
2.Rquel Gomes Robbins 25:45
3.Charleen Baird 27:32
SUP:
1.Jon Ivins 33:18
2.Lande Williamson 35:42
3.Murray James 35:46
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