iLembe surfers hope to master South Coast break
Following a successful event last year, where Barry Campbell (60+) brought home iLembe Surf Riders' first masters victory in Victoria Bay, the team is geared to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet.
A strong team of 17 iLembe surfers will be chasing gold medals at the Tidy Towns South African Masters Championships this weekend.
Following a successful event last year, where Barry Campbell (60+) brought home iLembe Surf Riders’ first masters victory in Victoria Bay, the team is geared to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet.
This year’s event is being held at St Michaels Beach on the South Coast, which is known for its strong right hand point break, similar to that of Willard Beach but with a longer ride.
Locals will no doubt use the experience of their home break to good effect when the competition kicks off on Saturday.
Alongside a returning Campbell, iLembe counts multiple former Springbok surfers among its ranks.
There will be at least one iLembe surfer in every event category, which includes six for the men and an open section for the women.
They will be up against 93 surfers from South Africa’s seven other districts, with Buffalo City the odds-on favourite for the team honours
Keep an eye out for Allan Johns (40+) who has reached the finals for four years running and has been in solid form through the trial process earlier this year.
Former world masters champion Andrew Banks (45+) and Ryan Balfour (40+), both grew up on the South Coast and will also be strong contenders.
They are joined by a contingent of three new surfers, Tamarys de Maroussem (open women), Lyle Botcher (45+) and Greg Swart (50+), all of whom bring multiple national titles, Springbok colours and huge experience to iLembe’s roster.
Capping off the team are two ‘veterans’, team manager Steven Theunissen (35+) and Sean von Oetingen (40+), who have both competed in every masters championship since iLembe Surf Riders’ formation in 2017.
To follow the action and to find out more about the draw, visit liveheats.com/events/31562, which will provide live updates from Saturday.
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