Wave Wizards Fun Surf Contest Great Success

The First Fun Wave Wizards Surf contest of 2018 got off to a perfect start on Mother's Day on Sunday 13th May. Surfers and their families enjoyed warm sunshine on the lovely Bronze Beach of Umhlanga. Conditions were difficult but very contestable with 3-4 ft waves and the occasional 5ft set coming through. Winds were moderate SW, which proved tricky but provided plenty of waves for the surfers.

Sponsors Lizzard and Hurricane provided some excellent prizes along with product from Monster Energy, Dragon, Poison City Brew, Distillery 031, and Island Tribe. Umhlanga PPay delivered delicious breakfast and lunch to the hard working judges and contest staff.

Beyrick de Vries was the clear winner in the Open Men division beating his rivals by 4 points with a 9 point (out of a possible 10) and a 7 point ride. Beyrick pocketed R1000 cash from Wave Wizards for his efforts. There was less than half a point difference between 2nd place Dan Redman and 3rd place Matthew Kruger. A much improved young Saxton Randall placed fourth after surfing in the U18 boys final earlier.

Ladies found it very challenging in the Open Ladies low scoring final heat. Sophie Bell and Tasha Mentasti changed the lead position a few times during the heat but it was Sophie that narrowly beat Tasha for the win. Gabi Lailvaux got a good wave but needed a back up and placed third in front of Olivia Izzard who came in fourth. Lifesaver Ross Cairns was on hand to give the ladies jet-ski assist out to backline.

The Masters Division is one of the most competitive of all and the final was exceptionally close between the winner Andrew Banks and Mike Frew. Mike had a 5.5 point wave but could only find a 3 point back up ride. Andrew managed to find a 5 and a 4 point ride which put his total ahead of Mike. Chief Umhlanga Lifeguard Anthony Molgora surfed into third place followed by four times world champion Chris Knutsen who placed fourth.

The U18 boys was another extremely close final where less than half a point divided the top three surfers. In the end it was Calvin Goor who surfed into the win, followed by Brayden Bergset in second, Saxton Randall third and Jaime Irvine in fourth.

Club Chairman Jestyn Viljoen "Thank you to all the sponsors, surfers and spectators who came along on Mothers Day to share our first contest of the year. We gave all our Moms roses to honour them on their special day. I am so grateful to all our hard working committee members for putting on another successful event. It was even more special as Wave Wizards founder Paul Van de Wall and his wife Shaz also came down to the beach.

Pics all supplied by Wave Wizards.