ADAPTIVE Surfing’s fun day and first official prize-giving at Toti main beach on Saturday, 9 July was hailed a resounding success by the organisers.
“Pro surfers from far and wide visited Toti to enter the expression session,” said Adaptive Unlimited’s Wesley Smith, who has been instrumental in getting disabled and visually impaired children active in watersports.
Heather Clarke (third-placed women’s surfer in the world in 2003), Michael Roscoe (Toti ex-pro) and Calvin Moore (South Coast underground charger) were just some of the big names to visit the event.
Ashley Bates won R500 from Metal Technics for the best bodyboarder manoeuvre with a 360 spin to close out barrel, while Calvin Moore also won R500 in cash from Metal Technics for the best surf manoeuvre with a backhand 360 reverse bunny hop.
“Durran Trevisan won a R1,500 tattoo from Mark Ward of Iron Candy Tattoos for the wipe-out award with a 180 sandbar headbutt to sea-lice mouth-catch combo,” said Wesley.
The children then took to the water in the howling westerly, but still managed to catch a few waves and wow the 500-strong audience of supporters and beach-goers. “Many holidaymakers and locals were absolutely amazed at how well the children surfed after I explained their disabilities,” said Wesley.
“eThekwini Municipality beach manager and senior lifeguard peacemaker, Jace Govender was instrumental in making sure everything was ready and in order for the water events to be safe and successful, and we thank him for this.
Thank you also to Durban Tourism, Sapphire Coast Tourism and Happy Days Holiday Flats for all their assistance and work behind the scenes to make the day a success.”
After the surfing, the grommets were treated to a meal at Clear Water Spur before heading off to Funland with 25 tokens each. “Thanks to Johan of Spur and Kurt of Funland for spoiling them,” said Wesley.
Teams, supporters and co-ordinators took this time to head to Splash Waterworld’s braai area to start their potjie cook-off competition. “The winning potjie went to Team SA LPG for Tracey’s delicious lamb potjie and runner-up was Trevor Booysen and his sweet-chilli chicken potjie, which won him a night for two at Falcon Crest Guest House.”
Results:
- Most improved surfer: Amuri Mwanza
- Rugga steady award: Mohamed Alfaaz
- KZN charger award: Erynn Geddie
- Stoke award: Luke Lotter
- Knee boarder of the year: Ranetsi Manyoni
- Bodyboarder of the year: Sarah Wright
- Surfer of the year: Danito Mondlane
“Thanks to Miles Cartwright of Trophy Centre and Xolani Mthembu of eThekwini Municipality for donating the trophies. Thanks also to Beach Bottle Store Amanzimtoti for refreshments at the after-party, where pros, ex-pros and dignitaries went to unwind and soak up the epic day,” said Wesley.
