TWO days of intense paddling action is on the cards with the Dischem Automall Pete Marlin Surfski race all set to get under way tomorrow.
The annual race brings some of the country’s best surfski talent to East London to compete in the event which was formed in honour of the late Pete Marlin.
The 23km downwind race usually sees some fast times set and with some top talent back for this year’s race we should see no different.
David Mocke, 2014 men’s champion, will be back to defend his title and he will be tough to beat.
“I am excited to be back in East London. The coastline is spectacular with unbelievable conditions and it makes for one of the best places for open water paddling,” said Mocke.
“I try and be at this race every year and am glad to be back defending.”
A number of strong contenders will, however, be in the mix and they will be gunning for top placings and looking to unseat Mocke.
Jasper Mocke, Dawid’s brother, will be a major player for the title, while strong SA paddlers such as Barry Lewin and Tom Schilperoort will also be on the radar.
On the local front Bevan Manson will probably be East London’s best hope and the strong paddler will be looking for a top placing.
Young local rising paddling talent Joshua Fenn will also be in the mix and aiming for a good performance.
“We have some high calibre paddlers in the country, so nothing can be taken for granted and, on the day, conditions can benefit one and not another, so we will have see what happens,” said Mocke.
On the women’s side East London local and two-time champ Nikki Russell will be gunning for a third title.
A very strong women’s section should, however, see an exciting race, with Jenna Ward, Chloe Bunnett, Donna Tutton and Hayley Arthur all in the running.
A final call on where the race starts and ends will be made tonight. However, provisionally, the race should head off from the Orient Beach tomorrow morning and end at Yellow Sands. The starting time of the race is still to be decided.
“It is all shaping up to be a great race with conditions looking fantastic,” said race organiser Charl van Wyk.
The singles race should be competed tomorrow, with the doubles on Sunday, unless weather changes the plans.
In all, due to a late splurge this week, entries have risen to around 160 paddlers, which makes for another well-supported event.
“Once again the event is proud to be associated with its committed sponsors which enable us to hand out R70000 worth of prize-money,” said Van Wyk.
“With this all in mind, the Border Canoe Club and people of East London look forward to hosting you for what promises to be an exciting event.”
Mocke’s back with real intent
The annual race brings some of the country’s best surfski talent to East London to compete in the event which was formed in honour of the late Pete Marlin.
The 23km downwind race usually sees some fast times set and with some top talent back for this year’s race we should see no different.
David Mocke, 2014 men’s champion, will be back to defend his title and he will be tough to beat.
“I am excited to be back in East London. The coastline is spectacular with unbelievable conditions and it makes for one of the best places for open water paddling,” said Mocke.
“I try and be at this race every year and am glad to be back defending.”
A number of strong contenders will, however, be in the mix and they will be gunning for top placings and looking to unseat Mocke.
Jasper Mocke, Dawid’s brother, will be a major player for the title, while strong SA paddlers such as Barry Lewin and Tom Schilperoort will also be on the radar.
On the local front Bevan Manson will probably be East London’s best hope and the strong paddler will be looking for a top placing.
Young local rising paddling talent Joshua Fenn will also be in the mix and aiming for a good performance.
“We have some high calibre paddlers in the country, so nothing can be taken for granted and, on the day, conditions can benefit one and not another, so we will have see what happens,” said Mocke.
On the women’s side East London local and two-time champ Nikki Russell will be gunning for a third title.
A very strong women’s section should, however, see an exciting race, with Jenna Ward, Chloe Bunnett, Donna Tutton and Hayley Arthur all in the running.
A final call on where the race starts and ends will be made tonight. However, provisionally, the race should head off from the Orient Beach tomorrow morning and end at Yellow Sands. The starting time of the race is still to be decided.
“It is all shaping up to be a great race with conditions looking fantastic,” said race organiser Charl van Wyk.
The singles race should be competed tomorrow, with the doubles on Sunday, unless weather changes the plans.
In all, due to a late splurge this week, entries have risen to around 160 paddlers, which makes for another well-supported event.
“Once again the event is proud to be associated with its committed sponsors which enable us to hand out R70000 worth of prize-money,” said Van Wyk.
“With this all in mind, the Border Canoe Club and people of East London look forward to hosting you for what promises to be an exciting event.”
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