Second trial tests Ugu bodyboarders
The morning saw, on separate occasions, two of the riders rush to save bathers who were being sucked out by the rip current.
UGU Bodyboarding Association’s riders raked up further points at the second round of team trials which took place on Sunday, 2 December at Pennington Beach.
The morning saw, on separate occasions, two of the riders rush to save bathers who were being sucked out by the rip current.
“Surf conditions were not the best, however trials were still surfed,” explained photographer and liaison officer, Shaun Venter.
“With easterly swells in the two to three foot range in the morning and a strong south westerly wind, waves were closing out and made it challenging for the riders to select waves to score maximum points. The afternoon saw the wind drop and wave size and shape improved and the second heat was surfed in one-metre swell.”
Shaun explained that it is vital competitors continue to show their skills in bad conditions, as when SA Champs 2019 are underway, the contest will continue regardless of the conditions. “This allows riders to adapt to whatever the conditions throw at them, which in turn strengthens their riding skills,” explained Shaun.
He said that on two occasions, the heat had to come to a standstill as screaming beachgoers brought attention to bathers being sucked out by the nasty rip current. At separate times Reece Hargreaves and Bradley Gertze didn’t hesitate to rush in to rescue the bathers.
“We sat watching as both men, apparently under the influence of alcohol, were swept out by a rip current and were being washed out towards the rocks. Both Reece and Bradley had finished surfing their heats and without thinking, rushed in and saved these two lucky people when they heard the public on the beach screaming for help,” explained Shaun.
“The second person had seen Bradley half an hour earlier save the first, yet did not learn and fell victim to the same rip current.”
Shaun explained that by the time the bathers were reached, they were in major distress and were grateful to be brought back onto the beach. Relatives were in tears as they thought that they were going to lose them.
This isn’t the first rescue performed by locals this festive season.
Beachgoers are urged to respect the ocean’s power, proceed with caution when bathing and heed all rules of the lifeguards.
Sunday’s results
Boys round 1, heat 1: Chaz 300, Brayden 100, Jordan 192
Heat 2: Warren 300, Toren 87, Jason 281
Pro round 1, heat 1: Jason Sequeira 300, Niel Smith 216, Reece Hargreaves 178
Heat 2: Wayne Smith 300, Rohan Nel 235, Martin Grobler 259
Mens round 1, heat 1: Natus Du Preez 300, Travis Van Wyk 263, Johan Hannekom 84
Heat 2: Quintin Pretorious 300, Dylan Sharpe 181, Brad Gertze 167
Masters round 1, heat 1: Rory FS 300, Trevor Poolton 262, Heino Nel 104
Juniors round 1, heat 1: Jason Sequeira 300, Troy Smith 120, Keanu 78, Juan Venter 49
Heat 2: Damien Bernstein 300, Wayne Smith 202, James Commard 160, Jordan 56
Drop knee round 1 and 2: Jason Sequeira 300 and 98, Rory FS 264 and 300, Wayne Smith 205 and 274, Reece Hargreaves 86 and 59
Boys round 1, heat 1: Jordan de Klerk 300, Chaz 194, Warren 176
Heat 2: Jason 300, Braydon 71, Jordan de Klerk 53
Mens round 2, heat 2: Brad Gertze 300, Travis Van Wyk 269, Johan Hannekom 46
Heat 2: Dylan Sharpe 300, Quintin Pretorious 285, Natus Du Preez 159
Juniors round 2, heat 1: Troy Smith 300, Wayne Williams 132.5, Damien Bernstein 68, Jordan de Klerk 59
Masters round 2, heat 1: Rory FS 300, Heino Nel 270, Trevor Poolton 115
Pro round 2, heat 1: Wayne Smith 300, Reece Hargreaves 231, Martin Grobler 161.5
Heat 2: Jason Sequeira 300, Rohan Nel 239, Niel Smith 106
Ladies: Kayla Smith 300 and 300
Ugu Bodyboarding Association thanked all who came out to support their family members or friends competing in trials. The powerful support body on the beach pushed the riders to give their best throughout the day. Follow the UBA on Facebook.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
