Ballito paddlers shine in World Ocean Day race

Ballito’s top paddlers were treated to a visit from shoals of silver sardines on World Ocean Day as they competed in the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge on Sunday.

The 16km race saw some of South Africa’s best paddlers tackle the course from Scottburgh Main Beach to Aliwal Shoal and back. Umhlanga’s Matthew Bouman (1:14:34) and Michelle Burn (1:20:19) claimed the men’s and women’s titles, respectively.

Ballito’s Brent Chiazzari (1:14:56) and Barry Lewin (1:19:30) placed second and fourth in the men’s race.

Bouman said the anticipated south-westerly had already started blowing, making for a fun yet challenging race. His effort took an unexpected turn when his rudder became entangled in a fishing line near the pool at Scottburgh.

“I had to jump off and untangle it, so I spent a long stretch chasing the leaders. Both Luke and I were paddling strongly and handled the very lumpy headwind well. At the halfway mark, we paused briefly to spot the turning buoy anchored off Rocky Bay Point,” he said.

“After the turn, it was paddling utopia. The runs and swell lined up perfectly for a short, fast and incredibly fun paddle home.”

Chiazzari said the conditions were perfect but tough.

“The downwind part of the race after the turn was some of the best I have had in a while – it was a lot of fun. However, paddling into the south-westerly was a challenge. The atmosphere was super festive, and it was a great weekend on the South Coast,” he said.

Burn noted the wind came earlier than expected.

“We had a tough headwind to paddle into at the start, but knowing there was a good downwind coming back made it manageable. It was a great race!”

Lewin, who also served as race organiser, said the sardine run was a special highlight.

“Having the sardine run coincide with the surfski challenge was a spectacular addition on World Ocean Day. We had exhilarating downwind conditions for the race home, so the paddlers had a great time. From an organiser’s perspective, it could not have gone better, with the ocean delivering on a day that’s all about celebrating marine life.”

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