Surfski paddlers prepare for annual sea marathon tussle
Saturday morning, all competitors are to check-in their presence at Scottburgh Beach from 5am to 6am and get their Koki numbers to permit them on the start line.
AMANZIMTOTI Beach will be a hive of activity on Saturday morning, 19 July where spectators can experience the excitement of the tussle between super fit ski-paddling athletes in the 56th annual Scottburgh to Brighton sea marathon.
Having started at Scottburgh at 6.30am with the dawning sun, they will have paddled 29km exposed to the natural elements and sometimes brutal coastline of the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, which is known for its huge swell and large surf. Wind direction and surf conditions play a major role in the outcome of the race, which is believed to be the longest one-day marathon-distance surf ski race in the world, at almost 47km.
This year double skis are premiered for prizes, but some single skis will also be on the water for their personal satisfaction of trying to complete the grueling race.
From about 8.30am until 11am, all competitors have to manoeuvre around the rocks to check in on Toti beach before heading back out through the surf and continuing north for another 17.6km to the finish at Brighton Beach on Durban’s Bluff before cut-off time of 1.30pm.
A night-before get together takes place at Amanzimtoti Lifesaving Club on Friday evening for paddlers to register their pre-entries from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and participate in the lucky draw, collect their T-shirt, Spar goodie-bag, and so on. At 6.45pm a race briefing will confirm the window period for the start on Saturday morning, if one is needed. Depending on wind conditions, the 6.30am race start could be delayed up to 9am to favour the paddlers. Anyone not pre-entered on www.canoesa.co.za can enter late entries on Friday evening.
On Saturday morning, all competitors are to check-in their presence at Scottburgh Beach from 5am to 6am and get their koki numbers to permit them on the start line.
Lords and Legends at Brighton Beach, are preparing some great food for paddlers, and other items will also be on sale for families and followers of the race. Prize-giving will be in Lords and Legends following the race completion.
Enquiries can be directed to Dale Duke on 083-301-5891 or Mickey Thompson on 082-784-2996.
