Wave Wizzards Surf Club

There were close on75 entriesinto theUmhlanga Wave Wizards Club final event in the series for 2017. Competitors and spectators were treated to perfect summer weather with a light sea breeze. The spring tides brought 2-3 ft.waves in the early afternoon making it 'rippable' and fun for the surfers. The high tide at Bronze Beach Umhlanga brought an Amphitheatre type effect with both surfers hearing their live scores, and spectators very excited and engaged with the show of talent.

Lizzard and Hurricane Surf provided great prizes and surfers in the Masters and Open Men divisions received Poison Brew. Wave Wizards Club also forked out R3000 in prize money for the Open Men.

In the premier Open Men's division - series leader Matt Kruger held the lead for the most part of the final with Beyrick de Vries posting an excellent 8.67 for a single ride in the dying moments of the heat to steal the win with a combined heat total of 15.34 with Matt in second, Calvin Goor third and Kyle Lane fourth.

Mike Frew was on form and took the win in the Masters men with a total of 14.5 over series leader Carl Roux who was narrowly beaten with a total of 13.5. Ian Duff and Rein Van de Wall were third and fourth.

The U18 Boys is always a highly contested age group where there is friendship on the bank, but enemies in the water. All surfers brought their 'A' game and the positions changed throughout the heat. Consistent surfer Tide Lee Ireland bagged the win with his good wave selection. Close on his heals was Saxton Randall, then Luke Thompson and Aya Gericke. All pushed their limits with progressive moves and aerials to add to the excitement.

Luke Thompson was the clear winner in the U14 boys division posting a 7 and 6 point ride. He beat Jordon Boshoff, Brayden Bergset and David Edwards into the runner up positions.

The ocean was tricky during the U12 boys final on the changing tides, but Julian Carbonal showed good form beating his rivals with a clear win and total of 11.5 points. Owen Slack, Luc Lepront and Thor Knutsen placed 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively.

Many brave young novice boys showed up to compete with their Dads paddle assist. There was another win for the Frew family with Damien taking the victory with a two point lead over the others. Jarod Pretorius came 2nd, Indie Van de Wall 3rd and Trent Louriero 4th.

Kat Steffen showed fine form in the Open Ladies with a 3.5 point lead over Olivia Brand, Gabi Lailvaux and Olivia Izzard. Gabi Lailvaux went on to win the U16 girls ahead of Olivia Izzard, Maya Potgieter and Gaby Herbst.

The little u12 girls showed no fear all paddling out without help. Gaby Herbst was outright winner scoring two points ahead of Mayah Potgieter, Kira Attfield and Louise Lepront.

The next big event being held will be the LIZZARD HURRICANE KZN SURFING CHAMPS 2017 on 1,2,3 December at Bronze Beach. To enteronline please go to:https://www.ethekwinisurfing.co.za