McGregor looking for another win in Durban
Durban Downwind 2017 is expected to have more than just South Africa's best, but some of the world's best surfski paddlers on the start line
Salt Rock’s Hank McGregor is chomping at the bit to take another FNB Durban Downwind title this weekend.
Defending FNB Durban Downwind champion, McGregor will be one of the paddlers fighting it out for a spot on the podium against what is predicted to be another star-studded showdown between the country’s surfski heavy weights.
“It is a massive race as it is both the national championships but it is also our world championship trials,” Euro Steel/Epic Kayaks’ McGregor said.
Since its inception in 2014, the FNB Durban Downwind has been one of the sought after titles to win on the East Coast and 2017 will be even more significant after being announced as the host of the South African Singles Surfski Championships over the weekend of 24-25 June.
The race is held during a two day window to allow the organisers to give South Africa’s surfski royalty the best possible conditions to do battle.
Durban Downwind 2017 is expected to have more than just South Africa’s best, but some of the world’s best surfski paddlers on the start line.
“I go out there to win every race that I paddle and to win a national title is always special. If I win I am guaranteed a spot in the national team for the world champs which is a huge bonus.
McGregor is hoping that conditions will be good for the race and the two-day window will provide paddlers with the optimal conditions, however McGregor is wary of what can happen in the surf at La Mercy, should the race finish there.
“We have some of the best surfski paddlers in the world which makes it even more difficult!
“I lost the national championship when I came off in the surf at La Mercy in 2014, it can be very unforgiving.
“I have taken a bit of a break since Molokai but I will get back into it quickly with a massive block of racing ahead of me.
“It starts with Durban Downwind then I’m off to Mauritius, Portugal, America and Canada for races so it is a really busy time for me!”
The threat to the KZN dominance at the FNB Durban Downwind will be a strong one with the provinces premier ocean paddlers set to take on a large Western Cape contingent including Jasper Mocké, his brother Dawid, Ian Black, Kenny Rice, Mark Keeling, Stu Maclaren, Pete Cole and in the ladies Kirsten Flanagan, in what will be an epic showdown for national honours.
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