SA Champs at St Mike’s proves to be ‘SURF-SATIONAL’
Tidy Towns team does it again by setting the South Coast on the surfing map.
Volunteers from Tidy Towns Shelly Beach to Margate pulled off what has been described as one of the best South African surfing champs in the last decade.
General manager of Surfing South Africa (SSA), Robin de Kock said that the KZN South Coast is the only place where the community gets together and contributes towards a surfing event of this magnitude.
The six-day Tidy Towns SA Surfing Championships held at St Mike’s Beach was described by De Kock as being an ‘exceptional, five-star surfing event’ – as there was decent weather, good surf, stand-out surfing, great community spirit, vibe and hospitality – which made it a very special event.
Wade Botha, chairman of Ugu Surfriders and senior SSA judge, reiterated De Kock’s sentiments, saying that in the 14 years of judging SA Champs, this was hands-down the best he has attended.
“This event has left a good impression and I feel it has brought back the glory and prestige that SA Champs used to have as it was run so professionally, with such incredible waves for six days straight,” he added.
Some 180 surfers from around the country, together with family and friends, descended on the coast, resulting in massive positive spin-offs for the region so heavily dependent on tourism.
The event attracted global attention, broadcast on YouTube, with viewers watching on social media platforms.
“Couldn’t have scripted a better SA Champs,” said Stephen Herbst, one of the drivers of Tidy Towns Shelly Beach to Margate, at a vibey prize-giving last Sunday afternoon.
“It’s the South Coast – we only have one industry, which is tourism – and it was fantastic to see a packed parking lot and tent,” he said.
Reg Horne of Tidy Towns, has become the first person to be awarded the Barry Wolins Memorial Trophy.
He said he was very proud to receive such a prestigious award on behalf of the South Coast, as there was no way he could have achieved this without the Tidy Towns crew.
“It is hard-work organising an event like this, but we are lucky to have the capabilities, and everyone chipped in to make it a huge success.”
Horne thanked the local community and businesses for the unbelievable support, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Superintendent Sfiso Ngcaku and his team from Law Enforcement, and Brigadier William Slabbert and his team from Margate Saps.
The coast’s Ugu Surfriders team, led by coach Ant Brodowicz, did extremely well. The team achieved a fourth place in the opens, a second place in the masters and an overall combined third place.
Gary van Wieringen was awarded for the best male surfer of the contest.
Gavin Robert brought home gold by winning the over 40 division, Van Wieringen claimed second place in the over 45s and Royden Bryson achieved fourth place in the over 35s.
Heather Clark earned second place in the over 30 division and scored a fourth place in the open women category.
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