South Africa's top wave riders are gearing up for the South Coast Surf Carnival including the likes of Johno Rosslind (WP) and Brandon Ribbink (Durban North) who have opted to focus on the SUP division as opposed to their usual preference of longboarding.
The open longboard division will be left wide open with top favourites out of the running as Jason Ribbink (Berea) has to step down due to injury and Matthew Moir (WP) will be away competing overseas. This will result in father and son team Deon and Justin Bing (WP) determined to snatch this year's titles with Jeep and Bilt team rider Dylan Mcleod (WP) hot on their heels.
Working hard to retain his junior title will be Scott Lefevre (Glenwood) who excelled in the conditions last year and punters will have him as a hot favourite in the open and junior divisions.
Brad Trickett (Morningside) will be a dark horse on his new Natural Curve Stealth bomber as will Maisch fins owner Justin Maisch (Southern KZN) who is always calm under pressure while showing progress each year.
The ladies’ division will be sizzling with SA under 17 surfing champion Sarah Baum (Amanzimtoti) confirming her entry. Baum will bring her international flare to the contest with title seekers Jessica Lefevre (Glenwood) and Nikki Trickett (Morningside) giving her a run for her money.
Peter Petersen (WP) will be defending the kitesurfing wave riding event but with the recent ‘weeks’ of relentless north easterly winds local kiters will be pumped up and rearing to go. Early entries to the kitesurfing include Alwin van Breda (Durban North) Gary van Rooyen (WP) and Ocean 2 Air Kiteboarding star Rob Chrystal and Sipho Dlamini (both Durban).
The South Coast Surf Carnival is sponsored by Independent on Saturday and Jeep Apparel.
Reigning national surfing champion Sarah Baum (Amanzimtoti) will be raising the bar in the ladies longboarding division at the eighth edition of the South Coast Surf Carnival.
