Seven and counting for South Coast surfing icon Heather Clark
The annual South African Masters Surfing Championships attracted more than 140 surfers from eight districts across South Africa.
South Coast surfing legend Heather Clark added yet another accolade to her remarkable career when she claimed the Over-35 Women’s title at the South African Masters Surfing Championships held at Seal Point in Cape St Francis recently.
The annual championship attracted more than 140 surfers from eight districts across South Africa, with competitors battling through five days of challenging conditions before the weather improved for the finals.
South Coast surfing legend Heather Clark added yet another accolade to her remarkable career when she claimed the Over-35 Women’s title at the South African Masters Surfing Championships held at Seal Point in Cape St Francis recently.
The annual championship attracted more than 140 surfers from eight districts across South Africa, with competitors battling through five days of challenging conditions before the weather improved for the finals.
Ugu Surfriders produced several strong performances during the championships and finished third overall among the competing districts.
Joining Clark, among the standout performers were Gary van Wieringen who won the Over-50 division, Andrew Lange who placed third in the Over-45 category, Justin Maisch who finished equal fifth in the Over-45 division, and Steve Bredell who secured fourth place in the Over-55 category.
For Clark, representing Ugu Surfriders, the victory was particularly meaningful.
“I enjoy surfing Seal Point. It’s special to me because my mom and dad loved going there too,” she said.
Before the event, Clark told her uncle Allan that she planned to give it her all.
“I told my uncle Allan Clark that I’m going to go, and if I win it will be for my mom, dad and him, because he and my dad loved surfing there.”
The competition began with difficult conditions, as strong onshore winds tested competitors during the opening two days. However, the final three days delivered cleaner conditions and more favourable winds, producing fun, highly surfable waves in the two-to-three-foot range.
“We had challenging conditions on the first two days with strong onshore winds. Then the winds turned and we had good weather. The waves were small, but very rippable,” Clark explained.
“All the girls surfed well throughout the event and it was a good final. There weren’t a lot of waves coming through, so I made sure to get a good early start in the heat and kept my momentum throughout the final to take the win, which I am really stoked about.”
The title further cements Clark’s status as one of South Africa’s greatest surfers. She has now amassed an astonishing seven SA Masters titles and eight SA Open titles during a distinguished career spanning decades.
The national championships also recognised Clark’s outstanding performances with one of the prestigious Blow Up Awards, while Greg Emslie was named Surfer of the Contest.
Clark was quick to acknowledge the support she received ahead of the championships.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me and helped with my fundraising towards my trip. I really appreciate everyone.”
PHOTOS: UGU SURFRIDERS
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