THIS year’s Marine Series kicked off in near perfect conditions on Friday evening as surfski paddlers of all abilities revelled in the festive atmosphere while Durban surfski legend and uMhlanga resident, Matt Bouman, took home the overall race honours.
The Durban beachfront was showing off on Friday evening as 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.
From a racing perspective it was the experienced Bouman who was too strong for the rest of the field. It was a strong collection of paddlers with Brandon van der Walt coming home in second and Gene Prato taking third place.
The ladies race saw the former lifesaving star Natalie Beuster make a long-awaited return to the water as she powered to victory in the women’s race.
Just behind Beuster in second was Tracey van Greunen while Vanessa Mayhew finished in third position.
One of the appeals of the Marine Series is that the event offers beginners and those that might not be up for an eight kilometre paddle, the option to do the short course of four kilometres.
Sanele Nxumalo was the strongest paddler over the short course. He managed to out-strip 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, finishing ahead of the first lady in the race Lande Williamson.
Race two of the series takes place next Friday at Marine Surf Lifesaving Club.
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