Paddling onto the podium

The Dolphin Coast appears to be a fertile breeding ground for paddling superstars.

This became abundantly clear after Hank McGregor, World Surfski Series champion, and Jenna Ward sealed first in their respective races during the second race of the Illovo Suncoast Pirates Wall and Back Surfski Series at Pirates Surf Lifesaving Club in Durban last week Friday.

“My focus is now definitely on surfski paddling with the world champs in Hong Kong coming up, and I have been trying out some new equipment which has been working well,” the ten-time Marathon World Champion said.

“I was glad to get the win today against some really good paddlers.”

McGregor took the victory from a strong bunch of paddlers that saw Gene Prato come home in second place with Matt Bouman finishing in third.

“It’s great to be back in my ski after the world marathon champs and to get the focus back on my ocean racing,” McGregor said.

The race also saw Jenna Ward register her first win of the series.

Ward, who won the Wall and Back Series in 2016, has taken strong first steps in defending her crown, and will also be using the series as a finetuning exercise in her build-up to the surfski world championships in Hong Kong in November.

The third race of the 2017 Illovo Suncoast Pirates Wall and Back Surfski Series takes place at 5pm on Friday, October 27.

More information can be found at www.wallandback.co.za.

>>  Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.

>>  Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram