Lewin snatches dramatic win

BARRY Lewin took full advantage of a mishap right on the finish line to sneak a win over Wade Krieger in the Seabreeze Built it Five Beaches Surf ski race on Sunday, the second race of the five leg 2015 FNB Durban Downwind Surfski Series.

Krieger had been the dominant paddler throughout the 20km race from Wydenham to Amanzimtoti and led Lewin as they turned into the surf for the finish at Toti lagoon where he misjudged a wave on a shallow sandbank, breaking the tail of his ski.

Lewin, who was right behind him, used his local knowledge to effect, and paddled past the floundering Krieger to the beach, ran the short section of beach to the lagoon and paddled home to the Toti Canoe Clubhouse to claim the win.

“It was pretty lucky! Wade (Krieger) was really strong and I couldn't believe my luck when I came past him in the surf at Toti,” said Lewin.

The pair led the race from Wydenham together with the leading doubles crew of Keagan Kruger and Brian Chedzey and the strong U23 ace Gene Prato.

They handled the beach stops at Karridene easily in the small surf after which Krieger broke away alone. Lewin seized back the initiative after the beach stop at Winklespruit and caught Krieger as they turned into the beach at Warner Beach.

Krieger made his move as they approached the finish, despite being uncertain about the point and breaks at Amanzimtoti, where he surrendered his lead to Lewin after folding the back of his ski on a shallow sandbank.

Predictably Michelle Burn waltzed home to win the women's race on his local waters, showing her form and local knowledge as she bagged an excellent 12th place overall. Classy schoolboy Bailey de Foundamiere was the first junior home, 10 seconds ahead of Burn.

The field revelled in the superb conditions, with small surf, and flat ocean conditions making it very-novice friendly for the classic race which is held each year in honour of Toti paddling icon Sam Wyer.

The Zurich Pirates Umhlanga Pirates race, race three of the 2015 FNB Durban Downwind Surfski Series, will be on 27 or 28 June. Visit: www.durbandownwind.co.za