Top performances at Lizzard Hurricane Surf series

The Lizzard Hurricane Surf series concluded last weekend with a two day event that was held in association with Surfing SA and formed part of the Umhlanga Summer Festival.

A record number of close to 150 surfers took to the water to compete in divisions from novice, as young as five years old, to masters.

The conditions on Sunday were tricky, with a strong north easterly gusting, making it difficult for the surfers to chose where to surf as it was peaking in different areas.

Salt Rock surfer Calvin Goor led the local charge by making it four consecutive wins from four tournament starts, by taking the under 14 boys trophy.

Not to be outdone, Sophie Bell was again on top form, securing another first place in the girls under 14 competition.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the eagerly anticipated tag team event which saw mixed teams of five surfers from various KZN clubs battle it out for a R10,000 prize sponsored by Just Juice.

Beyrick de Vries lead from the front, posting 9 and and 8.5 point rides early on to put his Umhlanga based Wave Wizzards team in a strong position.

The rest of the team made up of Dan Redman, Chris Leppan, Devin Lane and Teal Hogg made sure to drive home their advantage and secure the win.

The North Coast Boardriders team of Jaco Kapp, Richard Kidd, Sam Christianson, Braiden Coates and Sophie Bell finished in fifth position.

Derek Watts from Carte Blanch was seen at the competition sporting a Wave Wizards T-shirt and cheering the local club on.

“We are thrilled with how the event has gone. Umhlanga Beach is a great place for a competition and all the surfers and families had a really good weekend despite the beasterly easterly winds” said an elated Wave Wizards club chairman, Jestyn Viljoen, after the event.

Calvin Goor showing the form that has seen him going unbeaten in his last four tournaments.

North Coast Boardriders tag team (from left), Sophie Bell, Jaco Kapp, Richard Kidd, Braiden Coates and Jade Metts. The team was sponsored by Angus Bell.

Derek Watts sporting a Wave Wizards T-shirt with Paul van de Wall, one of the founders of the Wave Wizards surf club, with Teal Hogg, Devin Lane, Beyrick de Vries and Chris Leppan. PHOTO: Mike Frew.