Rain doesn’t deter surfski paddlers
Matt Bouman claims his second consecutive race win in the series.
DESPITE the rain, Friday evening’s Borland Surfski Challenge Durban served up another memorable set of ocean conditions for the over-250 enthusiasts who took up the challenge, with Matt Bouman claiming his second consecutive race win while Nikki Russell won the women’s race.
uMhlanga’s Bouman enjoyed a tough tussle with Wade Krieger and Gene Prato in the series opener in week one and once again charged home ahead of the pair the second time around.
“I’ve been training really hard and was feeling even better this week, so I went out a bit harder than last week this time around and managed to get away from the guys a bit earlier. Wade is going really well, Hank McGregor will be back soon and then it’s been really great to see Grant van der Walt back on the water, and hopefully once his board exams are done, he too can come play with us again. The series is also a good way to build towards the international season,” he added.
The relatively small surf and flat ocean, together with a ten-knot wind, made for gentle conditions that were enjoyed by many of Durban’s surfski community.
The depth in Durban’s surfski talent continued into the women’s clash with a first race win in her début showing at this year’s Marine Surfski Series for Russell, who was hotly followed by a bumper contest for second, third and fourth positions.
A strong effort from Hayley Nixon saw her edge out a charging Donna Tutton, while an FNB Dusi-focused Jenna Ward (Fenn Kayaks) claimed fourth and junior competitor, Christie MacKenzie, fifth.
Zoog Haynes and Linton Hope put in a strong challenge in the doubles race, leading home mixed doubles winners, Jason Ekstrand and Kerry Segal, as well as Shaun Burgin and Lee Muir.
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