Bouman extends his lead in the Varsity
College Marine Surfski Series
Durban - Matt Bouman managed to hold on to his series lead by winning the
eighth race of the Varsity College Marine Surf Ski Series on Friday night in
what was described as ideal Durban ski conditions.
Series regular Oliver Burn took an early
lead but Bouman was quick to overtake and held a substantial lead through to
the finish at Ushaka Beach finishing over two minutes ahead of Burn.
Burn worked hard to keep up with Bouman but
eventually came in second making known the training he has been doing in the
South Coast over the past few weeks. Oscar Chalupsky took home third position
and first in the Veteran category followed by Shadrack Mkhize and Nic Burden
in forth and fifth positions consecutively.
Race organiser Barry Lewin paddled with
ex-Springbok Justin Swart who is currently living in Stellenbosch and flew up
to support the series. "It was lekker paddling with Barry (Lewin)," said
Swart.
"I now know what I've been missing, especially considering the awesome
conditions we had for the race. We don't have this on offer in the Cape, but
what a great way to start the weekend!" he added.
The "hectic" wave conditions created a bumpy
start for some in the ladies race giving Donna Winter an early swim back to
shore and having to then push through the shore break during the men's start
yet managed to come in third position.
Toti starlet Michelle Eder took home another
win and cemented her spot as the series favourite. "It was a stunning evening
to race and what awesome conditions," said Eder. "I was lucky enough to get
out to backline and then I managed to jump on fantastic doubles wave, " she
laughed. "Once we all got out it was nice and calm."
Junior Jenna Ward came in second while
entrenching her position as favourite in the Varsity College SA School Champs
to be held on 9 April.
In the doubles race and for the first time in
two seasons the title was taken from Herman Chalupsky and Andre Pohl who were
bumped to second place to make place for brothers Darryl and Brett Bartho.
The Bartho brothers managed to hone
in on the series leaders which ended in a riveting dash for the finish
line where they claimed the top podium position. The Bartho brothers are
regulars in the surf ski community having paddled together for years and have
once shared the Dolphin Coast title.
Brett Holding and Judd Reid went home with the
doubles short course title and junior Calvin Clack came out on top in the
singles short course.
The ninth race of the series, the Varsity College Marine Surfski School
Challenge takes place
next Friday evening 19 March at 5:30 from Ushaka Beach.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
LEG 7 OF THE VARSITY COLLEGE MARINE SURF SKI SERIES
Long Course Singles - Men
1.Matt Bouman 31:05
2.Oliver Burn 33:19
3.Oscar Chalupsky 34:11
4.Shadrack Mkhize 34:17
5.Nic Burden 34:21
6.Mark Lewin 34:32
7.Jeffery Smith 35:19
8.Brandon van der Walt 35:18
9.Daryn Klute 35:46
10.Jabin Lyons 36:20
Long Course
Singles - Women
1.Michelle Eder 35:09
2.Jenna Ward 39:56 Jnr
3.Donna Winter 39:59
Long Course Doubles - Men
1.Brett Bartho/Darryl Bartho 29:20
2.Herman Chalupsky/Andre Pohl 29:29
3.Wayne Ashford/Steven Atkinson 32:03
Short Course Singles
1.Calvin Clack 19:56
2.Bruce Brauteseth 20:09
3.Jade Wilson 20:21
ENDS
