Salt Rock’s McGregor starts Marine Series with a bang
The event was supported by a big field of paddlers, entrenching the popularity of the summer Friday evening series.
Local paddling star Hank McGregor made good on his promise to start the 2019 Marine Surfski Series with a bang by delivering a command performance and winning the 8km Season Starter in benign ocean conditions last Friday night.
Showing impressive base form as he prepares for the N3TC Drak Challenge and FNB Dusi season, the Fenn Kayaks/Euro Steel star romped home more than a minute clear of the evergreen Matt Bouman, with Gene Prato making up the balance of the overall podium a further minute back.
“It is great to take a win against a good competitive field, with the likes of Matt Bouman, Gene Prato and Wade Krieger always making the racing interesting in Durban,” said McGregor.
“The conditions were fantastic. I do not think Durban could have produced a better evening for the first race.
“I was stoked to take the win and I hope I can keep this shape and performance for the rest of the series.”
In the women’s race Jenna Ward revealed how much training she has been doing over the holiday season by posting an impressive win over Michele Burn and Kyeta Purchase.
“It was a great way to start the year’s racing with a win,” said the Euro Steel team racer.
“I got away well with Michele and Kyeta on the first North East lap, and on the second lap, after trying to catch some bumps I got a little bit of a lead and managed to hold onto it.
“I was really excited to be back racing on the sea, and it was good to get the racing nerves out of the way before the 50 Miler on the weekend.
“I think it is going to be a very competitive year for women’s paddling,” she added.
Brett and Cyndi Hadiaris won the doubles race from Gavin Searle and Grant Smith and the father-and-son crew of Copper and Josh Simpkins.
The event was supported by a big field of paddlers, entrenching the popularity of the summer Friday evening series.
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