THE ADreach Ocean Heroes offered some exciting racing on Sunday in a light north east in four foot choppy waves. There were two races on the day and the best 10 men and 5 ladies progressed through to the final race.
In the men’s final, Gene Prato was able to claw his way to the front of the race on the final board leg, however in the mid-break the waves held him up which provided opportunity for Luke Nisbet and Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club member, Connor Botha to catch up.
In the last 100 meters, Nisbet was able to jump off his board first and start his dash up the beach, while being chased down by Botha. In a desperate sprint for the finish Botha was able to defeat Nisbet in the dying millimetres to win his first ADreach Ocean Heroes title.
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The race director Wade Krieger commented “he has never seen such a dramatic finish with Botha and Nisbet racing their hearts out.” During the post race interview Botha commented “I knew I had to stay up there in the first ski leg, so I was super happy with the win.” Botha also explained it will keep him training harder to defend his title in 2019.
In the ladies race it was the focused Alice Edwards who was able to successfully defend her title in true grit after being behind in the first ski leg. Edwards commented that she didn’t have a great race in the start as she fell off on the ski.
In second place, the young Tamryn Mckie was also able to come back from being behind, followed by the determined Carmel Bilson. Paige Horn and Sasha Corris-Nordengen finished in the top five against a talented field.
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