This weekend saw the 58th Scottbrugh to Brighton. This ultra event is a challenge that tests the resolve off all who sand on the cold sand of Scottbrugh watching the sun come up to the sound of crashing surf. Starting the adventure you are in the company of true Surfski Legends with the likes of Tony Scott who has completed 40 of these 46km ocean journeys!
The singles got off to a relatively “easy” launch through the notorious Scotties break, although some damage was inflicted the majority of the field was led out by Hank McGregor, Brandon Van der Walt and former winner Darryl Bartho.
Starting half an hour later the Doubles were not as fortunate and found little place to hide from a monster set of pure South Coast power. Like pick-up-sticks the boats and crews littered the midbreak and sadly some ski’s would go no further and some only as far as the nearest bin.
With no help from the wind the paddlers had to grind it out towards Toti and the compulsory check in on the beach. Toti always saves up some surprises for tired bodies and once again was itself a challenge to many. Brandon van der Walt had a torrid time exiting Toti and had a huge gap to make up on the front 3. Front running Junior Calvin McKie took the cautious approach and showed his lifesaving skills in negotiating the surf both in and out.
The final 16km slog to Brighton passed the notorious “Cutting Monster” is tough for all but the hospitality of the Brighton Lifesavers, the meals provided by the organizes and the eager seconds draw the weary home.
In First place a dominant Hank McGregor was back to winning ways after a disappointing World Championships. Brandon van der Walt stormed through to 2nd after his battering at Toti to catch and pass Adam Nisbet 3rd and Darryl Bartho 4th rounding out the top 5 veteran Travis Wilkinson was able to stay ahead of junior Calvin McKie who won the Juniors and finished a credible 6th overall. Gene Prato was 2nd Junior in 10th position.
The Woman’s race was won by Tea van der Westhuizen from Lauren Felgate in a very brave display from that Ladies who took on whatever the surf could throw at them to tame the ocean.
The doubles was won by Richard Louw & Jason Ekstrand from Scottbrugh locals Bryce Hatton & Marc Stanton 2nd and Surfski legend Anton Fouche & Derek Hauptfleisch 3rd.
1st Mixed Double honours went to Berg Champ Jenna Ward & Byron McKie
Top 10 Doubles
| 1 | RICHARD LOWE | JASON EKSTRAND | A | 3:47:08:22 | 100% | Vet | LCD |
| 2 | BRYCE HATTON | MARC STANTON | B | 3:53:46:47 | 97.08% | Vet | LCD |
| 3 | ANTON FOUCHE | DEREK HAUPTFLEISCH | B | 3:54:29:37 | 96.76% | Vet | LCD |
| 4 | GAVIN PAYNE | MICHAEL STEWART | B | 3:59:37:07 | 94.51% | Senior | LCD |
| 5 | EMILIO CHICCARO | MALCOLM CAREY | B | 4:09:13:38 | 90.28% | Vet | LCD |
| 6 | JENNA WARD | BYRON MC KIE | B | 4:13:09:43 | 88.54% | Senior | LCD |
| 7 | TRENTON LAMBLE | MARK MICHELL | B | 4:14:46:36 | 87.83% | Senior | LCD |
| 8 | DAVID AIKINS | RYAN AIKINS | B | 4:18:48:74 | 86.05% | Senior | LCD |
| 9 | TREVOR HELLENS | CARL FOLSCHER | C | 4:24:14:22 | 83.67% | Senior | LCD |
| 10 | BRETT HADIARIS | KERRY SEGAL | C | 4:27:29:14 | 82.24% | Senior | LCD |
Top Woman Singles
| 28 | THEA VAN DER WESTHUIZEN | D | 5:07:31:78 | 62.84% | Woman | LCS |
| 29 | LAUREN FELGATE | D | 5:07:55:52 | 62.66% | Woman | LCS |
Top 10 Mens Singles
| 1 | HANK MCGREGOR | Elite | 3:44:12:64 | 100% | Senior | LCS |
| 2 | BRANDON VAN DER WALT | Elite | 3:48:34:08 | 98.06% | Senior | LCS |
| 3 | ADAM NISBET | Elite | 3:49:15:76 | 97.75% | Senior | LCS |
| 4 | DARYL BARTHO | Elite | 3:52:27:94 | 96.32% | Senior | LCS |
| 5 | TRAVIS WILKINSON | A | 3:59:34:01 | 93.15% | Vet | LCS |
| 67 | CALVIN MAC KIENICHOLAS BURDEN | AElite | 4:01:11:424:03:13:78 | 91.52% | JuniorSenior | LCSLCS |
| 8 | QUINTON RUTHERFORD | A | 4:03:58:57 | 91.18% | Vet | LCS |
| 9 | ROWAN MATTHEWS | Elite | 4:04:14:39 | 91.07% | Vet | LCS |
| 10 | GENE PRATO | A | 4:05:15:87 | 90.48% | Junior | LCS |