MORE than 100 entrants participated in this year’s Lizzard Hurricane Summer Surf competition, which was the opening event for the Umhlanga Summer Festival. The Open Men Division was won by Ballito resident Richard Kidd, who displayed solid consistent surfing over the two days, while Mt Moreland surfer, Matt Kruger, was thrilled to place second.
In the women’s event, Natasha Van Greunen showed off some of her skills out on the waves and not only took home the win in the Open Ladies division but was also recognised by Zigzag magazine for being the surfer who stood out over the weekend. Lynne Mackey finished second while Nicole Pallet took home third place.
Hurricane Surfboards gave a custom made board to Matt Kruger as the surfer who not only surfed brilliantly, but also has a great attitude and approach to people and the ocean.
The ‘Wave Wizards’ walked away with the tag event victory beating out fierce rivals from North Beach Durban ‘North Swell Club’.
uMhlanga’s Beyrick de Vries came alive and posted a 9-point ride helping the on form team to victory. Teammates, Dan Redman, Matt Kruger, Mikey Venter and Teal Hogg were all smiles knowing they had won the lions share of the R10 000 prize money.
Surfers, parents and spectators were very stoked with the organisation of the event and emails of thanks have been pouring in to Wave Wizards Club Chairman Jestyn Viljoen.
“It is such a pleasure to see so many families all joining in together and having fun in the ocean. The conditions this year were not exceptional but we still saw some outstanding surfing on show. Big thanks to the sponsors, judges, committee, lifesavers and Umhlanga Tourism, who all helped out in making this year another huge success.”
