The return of the Engen Ballito Downwind surfski race drew some of the best paddlers from across the country to prove their own prowess on the waves.

Held for the first time since 2018 as part of the Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill festival, the race was a straight 18.5km shoot-out from Blythedale to Tiffany’s Beach on Sunday.

And local paddlers made the North Coast proud, with Salt Rock’s Hank and Pippa McGregor claiming the mixed race and Mt Moreland’s Saskia Hockly taking the women’s title with Durban’s Christie Mackenzie.

“The conditions turned out to be perfect,” said Hank.

“Barry [race organiser Barry Lewin] waited for the perfect opportunity. The wind was building in the morning and a midday race was perfect. There was a small swell and great downwind conditions.”

The McGregors were not only the fastest mixed pair but also finished second overall, fighting hard against East London’s Fenn brothers, Matthew and Joshua, who claimed top honours.

“The competition was fun,” said Matthew.

“We struggled to get rid of Hank and Pippa early on in the race, they were strong from the start and got out through the surf nice and clean and it was good fun dicing them in the early stages. It’s a beautiful stretch of coastline to paddle and we really enjoyed it.”

On the women’s side, Hockly and Mackenzie continued their excellent form together after winning South African Marathon Championship gold last month.

“After navigating a bit of a challenging launch, Christie and I headed deep to make the most of what was on offer,” said Saskia.

“There were some fabulous runs to race against and we hit some good speeds. We cruised down the coast to Tiffany’s where we came in nice and cleanly and overall, I enjoyed every second of the race.”

Race organiser Lewin thanked Engen Ballito, the Pumpsmiths and South African Surfski for their support in the event.

The top 10 finishers were:

1. Matthew and Joshua Fenn (1.03:00), first overall.
2. Hank and Pippa McGregor (1.05:03), first mixed.
3. Luke Nisbet and Brent Chiazzari (1.07:57).
4. Michelle Burn and Matthew Bouman (1.08:23).
5. Gal Marks and Keegan Vogt (1.11:24).
6. Marco Magni and Vernon Vogt (1.11:50).
7. Saskia Hockly and Christie Mackenzie (1.12:46), first women.
8. Lee Furby and Barry Painting (1.13:27).
9. Bevan and Carol Manson (1.15.18).
10. Ty Haynes and Troy Jacobs (1.16:15).

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