Ilembe Surf Riders shine in weekend conditions

A powerful southerly swell with solid 2.5 metre (5-8 foot) surf exploded across Ballito’s breaks this weekend, providing challenging conditions for the iLembe Surf Riders competitors in the annual club championship and round 1 of the SA Champs trials held at Surfers beach.

Big open-faced walls and powerful barrels did little to deter the surfers in what can only be described as victory-at-sea conditions.

The seniors battled it out on Saturday, providing those with paddle power and resolve an action-packed ride.

Master’s competitor, Ryan Balfour set the tone for the rest of the day earning himself the first perfect 10 point ride of the event.

The competitors demonstrated that iLembe district will be well represented at the SA Surfing Champs by displaying an incredible level of surfing talent.

Local pro surfer, Shane Sykes battled it out with Janek Ferrandi, Guy Campbell and Liam de Villiers in the first heat, which was run before 7am for the hotly contested men’s open title. Ferrandi’s outstanding combination of rides wrapped it up.

Salt Rock’s golden girl of surfing, Sophie Bell emerged victorious in the women’s open division.

With a marginal drop in swell on Sunday morning, all eyes were on the juniors and the men’s final.

In the U12 boys Rylie Balfour emerged the winner with Nathan Taylor second. The U14 boys final was explosive, with Cooper Smith surfing exceptionally for the win against Ry Colepeper and Nquebeko Nzuza, with Wonderboy Sipingo in fourth.

In the U14 girls event, Catherine Jacobs surfed to victory over Kiera Fletcher. Mayah Potgieter’s brilliant form won her the girls U16 with Alexandra Fourie second. Daniella Serrao was the girls U18 winner.

Thor Knutson was on fire in the U16 boys final, closely followed by Daniel Edwards, ahead of Julian Carbonel in third and Kai Molyneaux in fourth.

In the boys U18 Cameron Jacob took an early lead. Matt Blackmore came in second, with David Edward third and Romeo Mthethwa fourth.

In the men’s open final Ferrandi’s solid performance secured him the championship title in a hard-fought final round.

Shane Sykes was a very close second ahead of Guy Campbell in third and Liam de Villiers in fourth.

“It was awesome to be part of a contest again. I was stoked to take the win, especially in these conditions,” said Ferrandi.