SUMMER SURFSKI SERIES 2009, KZN LIFESAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
APOLOGIES – I must apologize for falling way behind on the diary entries. I can see from the number of hits on the site, that visitors to the site have not given up on me, because if anything, the hits have increased. It has just been incredibly busy, with events on every weekend since the start of the year. It has really been exciting though.
VARSITY COLLEGE SUMMER SURFSKI SERIES DURBAN 2009
These guys have really hit the ground running in 2010. Despite not having a proper clubhouse to run the event from until the new Marine SLSC clubhouse has been completed, despite the first race being held a week before the Dusi Canoe River marathon and despite the first two races being held in rainy overcast weather, it has not deterred a field of around 200 paddlers at all of the first three races so far. Barry Lewin in his first new role of race coordinator for the whole series has brought on board VARSITY COLLEGE as a title sponsor of the event, with a new innovation of the last race in the series doubling as the South African Schools Championships.
The regular stars have been out in force at each race. Mathew Bouman, Hank Mcgregor, Grant van der Walt and company, repeatedly ending the races in a sprint finish up the beach. All the categories are being closely contested. In the mix in the top 10 at each race has been Brandon van der Walt, (younger brother of Grant), and also the World Junior Canoeing Marathon Champion. I have had my own share of fun in the races so far in the masters category, hovering around between 5th and 10th place overall. The racing is tight and fast and you cannot make a small mistake without losing a few places. With 10 races run on Friday evenings, it is a really great way to start the weekend. “Durban style”.
Picture 1 is of yours truly, groping for the finish line, trying to fend of a pack of youngsters just out of picture, that seriously want my blood.
MARINE SLSC – NATAL (KZN) LIFESAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010
I have been a member of Marine Surf Lifesaving club for 33 years. That really shows my age considering that I only joined when I was 21 years old. Like a lot of Lifesaving Clubs, Marine has had lean years and some incredibly years in lifesaving. Marine produced the S.A. Iron man Champion 9 times in 10 years, through the likes of Mathew Bouman and Wade Krige. Marines clubhouse is being rebuilt, meaning that they are trying to operate and train their members from a temporary site. Added to this we are experiencing a strong growth in very keen young black African lifeguards. The older members have really stepped up to the plate to keep the momentum going through this period. I have taken on the role of one of the club coaches. Mathew Bouman has made a competitive comeback and lifted the reel alarm title at this weekends championships. Our clubs surf boat captain, Gary Brummer is training two boat crews. Our Chairman Trevor Martin has achieved what nobody has done in the history of the club, by working tirelessly for the past two years and procuring the club a brand new multi million rand clubhouse. Am I proud of this club.
Last weekends championships is a story in itself, but big gnarly surf, regular shark sightings eventually got day two cancelled altogether, but not without some very exciting racing.
Pictures 2,3,4 and 5 are of Marines fleet of club craft purchased from Lotto funding to cater for the growth in development competitors. Looking after this lot is also my baby, but it does mean that the club is now one of the better equipped in the country.
Pictures 7 and 8 are of one or two of the starts at the event focusing more on the new development paddlers. These are exciting times.
I live for a Friday night this time of the year. Race 4 coming up this week.
See you on the start line
MARK
