No: SSSCT0905

15 Nov 2009

Van Wildermann powers through monstrous swells to claim Hansa Vic Bay Sedgefield victory

Sedgefield – The Eastern Cape 2008 SA Men’s Surf Ski Champion, Richard van Wildemann claimed this year’s 22km Hansa Victoria Bay Sedgefield which forms part of the Discovery Men's Health Surf Ski Series in a nerve-wrecking and risky finish through monstrous 5 metre swells and finishing a mere 20 seconds clear of KZN’ Durban legend Herman Chalupsky on Saturday afternoon, 14th November 2009.

Race Organiser Alistair Fraser was forced to make a precautionary safety-call and hold a late staggered race-start with graded batches of paddlers waiting for breaks through huge closing-out waves off Victoria Bay Point.

Although about 20 crews elected not to start the race, whilst a fleet of 60 surf ski’s, including 3 indomitable ladies in single skis, eventually braved the mighty Southern Cape ocean and struck off down the coast in light 16 kph south-westerly wind conditions, towards Gericke Point at Sedgefield. A flotiilla of safety jet-skis and NSRI rubber-ducks were in attendance throughout the race.

“The light wind conditions didn’t really suit the likes of Graeme Solomon (third) and I today, as it was really a hard pull for 1hour and 30 minutes and suited PE’s young-gun and muscle-man, Van Wildemann, much better,” said Durban’s Herman Chalupsky who claimed second position.

”East London’s international 2009 World Cup Surf Ski Series contender, Bevan Manson was the fourth elite men’s single-ski paddler home on the day with his veteran East London team-mate Hennie Roos finishing in a creditable fifth place.

Only three hard-core ladies tackled the tough surf-ski ocean paddling challenge and were led home by Beijing K4 canoe-sprint finalist Michelle Eray with Big Bay’s (Blouberg) gutsy young SA Marathon K1 team-member, Bianca Beavitt finishing second, just ahead of Port Elizabeth stalwart Kirsten Wessels taking third position.

For more information detailed results go to www.surfski.co.za.

Elite Men 22 Kms Single Ski Race
1. Richard van Wildemann 1:29:40
2. Herman Chalupsky 1:30:18
3. Graeme Solomon 1:33:20
4. Bevan Manson 1:33:48
5. Hennie Roos 1:35:10

Elite Ladies 22kms Single Ski Race
1.Michelle Eray 1:44:02
2 Bianca Beavitt 2:07:06
3.Kirstin Wessels 2:20:48

Mens Double 22kms Ski Race
1.Ernest van Riet/Heinrich Schloms 1:33:12
2. Steph Le Roux/Martin John Fraser-Mackenzie 1:40:00
3.Rob Maclean/ Shaun Butler 1:41:53

The next series race takes place at 09h00 on Sunday 22nd November at the Powerade Oceana Powerboat Club in Tablebay, Cape Town.

ENDS

Justin Vellacott/ Gameplan Media