Boardriders surf contest a wave of success
It was the first surf contest since the covid-19 pandemic.
IT was a great start to the Bluff Boardriders first surf contest post-Covid 19, which took place at Ansteys Beach on April 1.
Duncan Pratt, co-founder of Bluff Boardriders, said organisers and contestants were greeted by clean three to four-feet offshore conditions at first light, although a light south west wind started just prior to commencement and ruffled the wave faces.
“However, spirits were not dampened and teams were quickly formed so that the heats could get in the water. It was great to see the swelling interest in the surfing contest as participants ranged from age seven to 56,” he said.
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Pratt said teams were made up of two U25s and two O25s. He said there was also a bodyboarding heat in the middle of the event.
“First up were the U25s and it was quickly made evident that the youngsters were hungry to showcase their improvement since the previous contest. While these guys competed fiercely, they were also so supportive of each other. They should go far in representing The Bluff in interclub competitions.
“Furthermore, standouts were Connor Padt and Cole Loader, and it was great to see our youngest competitor, Kaleb Collins-Molliere, holding his own in the mid-break by contributing scores for his team. The bodyboarders put on an epic display of progressive moves that entertained the growing crowd. Shaun Holloway put it all on the line to pip the old guard of Dylan Worman and Steve Atkinson to win the division,” he said.
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Pratt said, the U25s were, however, dominated by surfers over the age of 50.
“The Ribbink brothers showed the form that is needed to win heats, and the evergreen Leon du Preez and Willem van Deventer, also put in fine performances. Ultimately, consistency from all team members proved to be the winning combination and the team in black triumphed over the other five teams.
“Congratulations to Vino Levin, Karl Ribbink, Alex Havenga and Braden Pratt, who all contributed high scores for their team. The Gunslinger skateboard and helmet was won by Michael Cerrigan,” he said.
Pratt said they would their sponsors, Surf HQ, Gunslinger Skateboards, Bluff Hardware, Mobile Auto Repairs, Zigzag, Chembros and Dark Star for their contributions.
He added that they were looking forward to their next contest set to take place in June.
For more information on upcoming events, you can check their Facebook page, Bluff Boardriders.
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