Gale Force winds forced race organisers for the Cape Town Summer Surfski Series, powered by Vodacom, to change the venue of the 7th race in the series, the New Balance Surfer Challenge, from Kommetjie Beach to Millers Point, and strictly only for A,B,C Grade Paddlers and those who had previously taken part in the Fenn Cape Point Challenge for safety reasons.
“Extreme downwind condition’s is what he had for today’s race. Essentially this is the pinnacle of skill when it comes to open ocean paddle racing. Surfskis are designed to catch and ride these big wind driven swells so today was a perfect surfski race,” explains Dawid Mocke. “We had to limit the entry of the event to experienced paddlers only. 71 Paddlers completed the race which is really good considering the conditions. Our safety plan worked very well – 2 paddlers needed assistance and we could quickly and efficiently help them. This is mostly because we have insisted that paddlers are always equipped with the correct safety equipment.”
Strong onshore winds made sure only the best of the best were out in the ocean today, with current World Champion, Sean Rice, taking first place, making this his 3rd win in the series. 2nd place went to Tom Schilperoort and 3rd to the formidable duo of Dawid Mocke and Lewis Pugh teaming up in a double surfski.
“I’m really happy with today’s win,” says current world champ and today’s winner, Sean Rice. “I’ve been working hard on my downwind paddling so I’m really stoked to start seeing some results! A nice confidence booster going into the World Cup later this month.”
In the ladies race, series leader and South African Surfski heroine, Nikki Mocke, took 1st place again today, with Kim van Gysen in 2nd place and Bianca Beavitt in 3rd. “Today’s race was definitely an adrenaline rush,” says Nikki. “It will be talked about for years to come; it was a memorable race, that’s for sure.” Junior World Champion, Kenny Rice, maintained his series stronghold in the junior division by winning this category again today.
The Cape Town Surfski Series, powered by Vodacom, consists of eight races and the last race in the series is the Butlers Pizza Peter Creese Lighthouse Race from Fish Hoek Beach on Sunday the 8th of December. To take part, or for more info, visit www.capetownsurfski.com
Results:
Senior Results:
1. Sean Rice 40min16sec
2. Tom Schilperoort 41min28sec
3. Dawid Mocke & Lewis Pugh 42min14sec
Under 21 Results
1. Craig Flanagan 42min54sec
2. Brandon van der Walt 43min24sec
3. Dominic Notten 43min42sec
Doubles Results
1. Dawid Mocke & Lewis Pugh 42min14sec
2. Brandon Kilbride & Jayden Loots 43min41sec
3. PW Basson & Gavin White 46min18sec
Ladies Results
1. Nikki Mocke 46min35sec
2. Kim van Gysen 49min53sec
3. Bianca Beavitt 50min52sec
Junior Results
1. Kenny Rice 42min44sec
2. Nicholas Notten 44min57sec
3. Mark Keeling 48min25sec