Salt Rock was well represented at the Rip Curl E-Pro Online Surf Contest with two locals taking podium places on Saturday.

Sophie Bell won the inaugural edition of the women’s competition and Shane Sykes placed second to Dale Staples of St Francis in the men’s contest.

A symptom of the Covid-19 pandemic and its influence on in-person sports competition, the Rip Curl E-Pro Online Surf Contest was the first of its kind in the country, allowing competitors to send in their own clips for judgment in virtual heats.

In what was an exciting final day of competition, Bell triumphed over Zoe Steyn of East London.

A conflicting style made for an interesting match up, with power turns pitted against tube riding.

Ultimately it was Bell’s North Coast barrel that saw her claim victory, which came with a prize of R10 000 and a pair of Oakley sunglasses for her and videographer Quinton Jones. “I have not won a contest in years, so it feels pretty good,” said an excited Bell in her live feed conversation with commentator Gigs Cilliers.

“Thanks to everyone who voted and supported me, as well as all the sponsors.”

The men’s final proved to be a similar situation, given that Staples and Sykes are skilled in different areas of the sport. Sykes submitted a hands-free punt as the main part of his final bid, with Staples choosing a barrel with powerful carving from Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay.

It was closely fought and neither side were sure of victory until the judge’s decision was announced, rewarding a combination of turns rather than a single move.

“I am stoked to get runner-up. It was a hard contest, and there were some of the best clips I have seen in years,” said Sykes of the virtual tournament.

“It is one of the sickest concepts I have ever seen.” Staples also went on to win the Red Bull Test Tube award for his barrel riding, beating out competition from Chad du Toit, Mike Frew and brothers Josh and Dan Redman.

“It has been such a winter of waves in South Africa, and there were so many good barrels in the contest, so I am so happy to win the best barrel as well,” said Staples.

“It was a great event. Thanks to everyone involved.”

The Surf Web Series now moves to South America for the Chile E-Pro, which will kick off on August 24.

As a result of the success of this event, there will be another online surf contest in South Africa, a collaborative effort between Surf Web Series and Surfing South Africa. Details are to be announced soon.

Final results:

Women

• Sophie Bell – R10,000
• Zoe Steyn – R5,000 

Men

• Dale Staples – R10,000
• Shane Sykes – R5,000 

Red Bull Best Tube

• Dale Staples – R10,000 

Oakley Eyewear

• Sophie Bell Quinton Jones
• Dale Staples
• Darryl Staples

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