Local paddlers shine at Leatherback Rum Challenge
The event formed part of the Ocean Festival (June 6 to 9), to commemorate World Oceans Day, centred on the theme of ‘Engagement, Education and Economics’ for ocean conservation’.
TOP paddlers came out in force at this year’s Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenge, Scottburgh, on the KZN South Coast recently.
The doubles race saw Luke Nisbet (Durban) and Brent Chiazzari (Salt Rock) finish in first place while the ladies’ race was won by Saskia Hockly (uMdloti) and Christie Mackenzie (uMdloti)
The event formed part of the Ocean Festival (June 6 to 9), to commemorate World Oceans Day, centred on the theme of ‘Engagement, Education and Economics’ for ocean conservation’.
The race went off very well despite the challenging surf conditions, with participants competing in either the 15km long course or the 8km short course which started at Scottburgh Main Beach in front of the Premier Hotel Cutty Sark and headed out beyond the surf zone, north towards the famous Greenpoint Lighthouse.
Speaking after the win, Luke Nisbet said the race was a great day out.
“Luckily we had a backline start which made it a little bit easier as there was quite a big swell. It was an offshore wind so everyone tried to keep quite close to shore on the way there. About 500m before the Aliwal Shoal turn we had a bit of a gap over Luke Swinney and Bryce Lawson so we tried to hold that gap on the way back in. It was really tough as there was an offshore wind coming back as well. It was a quite hard race but very exciting.” he said.
Competing for a second year in a row was Saskia Hockly who said this is one of her favourite surfski events.
“I came back this year and got the chance to race with Christie which was very cool – it was a great prep race for Marathon Trials next weekend. The conditions were good, but the offshore wind caused some little bumps to Aliwal Shoal with a side wind coming back. There were some beautiful wildlife, including a massive turtle at the turn buoy which was lovely. So cool to race with friends and be in Scottburgh on a beautiful weekend, and massive thanks to the event organisers. I can’t wait to come back next year,” she said.
Barry Lewin, the race director, said it was great to see the paddling community gather together in celebration of the ocean.
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