It is that time of the year again when top surf ski paddlers from around the country descend on East London to take part in the ever-popular annual Pete Marlin surfski race next weekend.
The event incorporates the South African National Championships and for the first time, the Eastern Province Provincial Championships (previously the Border Championships).
“The Canoeing SA Surfski committee are extremely excited ahead of the 2018 SA Surfski Champs hosted by the Pete Marlin Surfski Race in East London,” said SA Surfski chairperson Barry Lewin.
“The race is shaping up to be the most competitive national champs in years, with paddlers from around South Africa to take part in juniors to master age categories.
“East London is a great venue for the nationals with a perfect 22km course for both single and doubles events,” Lewin said.
“The course can be switched to make sure the paddlers get the best downwind conditions for the weekend making for great racing all round.”
The championships have a national feel to them, and with the downwind races of approximately 18-23km, it has already attracted some of the biggest names in the sport.
An exciting number of local world class paddlers take part each year, including a few international paddlers, with points garenered in the race also carried over towards their world champs points total..
“The races at the event, hosted by the Border Canoe Club, are not only for pros but are also about having fun and being part of the action,” race director Pete Marlin said.
“Qualified participants of all ages are welcome to compete in the various races, with safety being a top priority.”
All that remains to be seen ahead of the championships, nis if the weather will play along and make for a cracking race.
“It is completely weather dependent as to exactly where we will start and finish the various races and on which day we will hold the singles races,” said Van Wyk.
“We will be monitoring the weather conditions leading up to the event.”
Surfski paddling is a relatively extreme sport and as such the event will be marshalled by the NSRI.
If you would like to have more information on this year’s race you can contact Charl van Wyk on 083-447-1500...