Hank McGregor starts Bay Union Surfski Series in style

Salt Rock’s marathon World Champion Hank McGregor provided a glimpse of his ominous form by blitzing the Bay Union Grading race that kick-started the popular winter surfski series at Addington Beach on Sunday.

McGregor claimed the win against a strong field as part of his base training for the Molokai Challenge title in Hawaii next month.

In a tricky massed start that is a hallmark of the season-starting grading race where every paddler starts together, McGregor was quick to stamp his authority on the race, putting water between himself and Wade Krieger and series boss Barry Lewin early on in the first triangular lap of the 12km race.

“I am thick into my training for the Molokai so a 12km paddle feels like a warm up when you are preparing for a 50km race!”

“To be able to get away from everyone in a top quality field,  which is what you get every time you race in Durban, is really encouraging. The start is always important in this race to make sure you are well clear of any casualties at the start or the first turn,” said McGregor.

Michelle Burn celebrated her return to the Bay Union Surfski Series by winning the women’s title, but she needed some luck to get there.

Burn had been locked in a titantic duel with the talented Nikki Russell and in the final short lap from the harbour wall to the finish Russell got away and onto a wave into the finish ahead of Burn.

Defending series women’s champ from Ballito, Jenna Ward was the third woman home.

The second race of the Bay Union Surfski Series, the McCarthy Toyota Durban King of the Bay takes place on the public holiday Monday, April 27 from the Stella Canoe Club base on Durban harbour’s Bayhead.