Dune, Storm create waves
The Southern KwaZulu-Natal Bodyboarding Association tour to the Cape proved fruitful.
TWO of the most prestigious events in the South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) contest calendar were held in the Cape recently.
Lamberts Bay hosted the Kumba West Coast Classic, a 6-star SABA event fought on the beaches of ‘Famous Last Words’ and ‘Farmer Burgers’.
Three days after the commencement of the West Coast Classic, the 5-star Cape Classic kicked off at Yzerfontein and Derdesteen.
The contests attracted a large number of professional bodyboarders, with Storm Prestwich, Dune Barker, Codi Butterworth, Sean Wilson and Skye Bothma making the long journey to both events in search of big prize-money, great exposure and a shot at the SABA title.
Dune proved himself worthy of his recent Reef South Africa team sponsorship by paddling out and taking names, in the process claiming back-to-back men’s champion title in both contests, and second and third placings in the drop-knee division of the Kumba and Cape Classic events respectively.
Another rider on fire was Storm Prestwich, who dominated every heat on his way to the Cape Classic final (a task which involved solidly beating several internationally experienced riders) before finishing second to World Tour veteran Mark McCarthy in a controversial and close decision.
Nonetheless, both riders are looking dangerous on the SABA tour, and are now actively chasing the national title.
The young guard were eager to prove their skill in the Cape waters, and Sean Wilson rode impressively to secure final berths in both events, finishing third and fourth in the Kumba and Cape Classic events respectively.
Codi Butterworth pulled out all stops, earning himself the ‘Move of the Contest’ award and third place in the Cape Classic with a cleanly landed, huge backflip.
The two riders took out some of SA’s top junior riders in their quest for victory, and have marked themselves as names to watch as the tour unfolds.
Another name rocketing up the ranks of SA bodyboarding is young Skye Bothma, who absolutely flattened her competitors in the Kumba Classic final with a cleanly landed roll.
The SKZNBA riders thanked their support network for the opportunity to travel to the cold, harsh waters of the Cape and state the SKZNBA intention of victory at SA Champs this year.
In true SKZN style, the message was delivered without words, and left spectators’ jaws hanging wide open as they watched on the beach.
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