Paddling madness for surfski series

Next weekend, from June 30, between 100 and 120 paddlers will descend on KwaDukuza for the first-ever Ballito Downwind surfski series in the hopes of winning their share of R10 000 prize money.

Naturally, Salt Rock’s world number one paddler, Hank McGregor is already gearing up for the event.

“I am really excited to be participating in the Ballito Downwind, it is something unique.”

He was particularly looking forward to competing in an event on a coastline that he loves: “I train on this coastline almost every day of my life and it is called the Dolphin Coast for a reason!

Alongside the dolphins swimming in crystal clear water, there is always a wave, giving that element of excitement at Tiffany’s Reef. This is one of the best surf breaks in the region and I think to watch the surfski paddlers come in, either from the north or south, is going to be a spectacular finish for the crowd.”

The Ballito Downwind will be a doubles race from Umdloti Beach to Tiffany’s Reef on a south-westerly, or Zinkwazi Beach to Tiffany’s Reef on a north-easterly, depending on conditions.

The course will be announced on June 28.

Meanwhile, McGregor has also been in action elsewhere recently.

Together with partner Andy Birkett, they won a thrilling race for the men’s K2 title at the South African Marathon Championships on Sunday afternoon, ratifying their selection as part of the national canoeing team to the world championships in Portugal in September.

The current world number one and two, who won the FNB Dusi title together in January, held a steely grip on a thrilling fast-paced five boat duel for the podium places and, more importantly, the two berths in the national team.

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