Challenging race for paddlers

Despite the rough weather, everything went off well.

A number of paddlers made their way to Scottburgh to compete in the 2024 Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenge recently.

This doubles race saw Luke Nisbet (Durban) and Brent Chiazzari (Salt Rock) in first place, with the ladies race won by Saskia Hockly (uMdloti) and Christie Mackenzie (uMdloti).

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.

Men’s doubles race winners Brent Chiazzari and Luke Nisbet. Photo: Anthony Grote.

Paddlers turned around at the first marker buoy and headed in an easterly direction to Aliwal Shoal before heading around the hot spot marker south for the final approach around the backline marker, through the surf zone and to the finish line on Scottburgh main beach.

“It was great to see the paddling community gather together in celebration of the ocean at this iconic venue on the KZN South Coast,” said Barry Lewin, race director.

“Paddling in the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area is such a privilege for sea users, and we look forward to many Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenges in the future.”

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