Challenging conditions push riders to prove their skill in the 2016 Durban Lizzard Classic
Skill in the 2016 Durban Lizzard Classic
The inaugural Durban Lizzard Classic, in association with Suncoast, was a massive success with South Coast bodyboarder, Storm Prestwich, taking the top spot in the hotly-contested Pro’s Division.
Organised by Lizzard and the eThekwini Bodyboarding Association, the Classic – which ran at Suncoast Beach from 25 to 26 June – is rated a 5A bodyboarding event which means competitors earned points that go towards the circuit campaign.
Event organiser, Olivia Reitz, herself one of South Africa’s top-seeded bodyboarders, said the competition was well-supported with 80 contestants taking to the surf over the two-day event.
“The conditions were quite challenging for both days with choppy waters and two-foot waves but the competitors still managed to go out there and put on a great performance,” said Reitz. “We were lucky to have some fantastic weather which attracted large crowds to the beach and there was just a great vibe.”
The contest comprised 10 divisions including Pro’s, Boys’ (14 and under), Junior’s (15 to 17 years), Men’s and Ladies’ (18 to 30 years), Master’s (30 to 45 years) Grand Master’s (45 years and over), Drop-knee as well as the Junior and Senior Development Rider’s (first-time competitors). Qualifying rounds were held on Saturday with the semi-finals and finals taking place on Sunday, followed by the prizegiving.
Lizzard-sponsored Prestwich just managed to oust Emile von Vollenhoven in the closely-contested Pro’s Division.
“He is performing at an international level and is definitely one to look for,” said Reitz of Prestwich. “In addition to winning the division, he was also awarded Best Move of the contest for his impressive flip.”
Prestwich took away R4 560, Von Vollenhoven R2 760, Doug Lindsay in third took home R1 440, Terence Pieters and Rory Fellow-Smith came in joint 5th taking R1 140 each and Garryd Ensor tied with Michael Ostler for joint 7th place with R660 each. Ostler also received the prize for Highest Scoring Wave after receiving a perfect 10 from judges.
“Doug Lindsay has been out of competitive bodyboarding for 14 years but decided that, because the contest was in his home town, he would enter,” said Reitz. “It was really great to see one of the seasoned riders coming out and doing so well.”
There was also enormous talent evident in the Ladies’ Division with Reitz just missing out to central KwaZulu-Natal rider, Debbie Patterson, from Holmes Brothers, while dark horse Jack Sang, showed some impressive skill in taking the Boy’s Division top spot.
Teegan Coulonval, who won the Junior’s Division, also won himself entry into the illustrious Cave Rock Invitational which sees international Big Wave riders competing at one of South Africa’s best surf spots.
Reitz thanked everyone involved for the hugely successful event, giving particular thanks to sponsors Lizzard, The Surveillance Factory, The Surf HQ, Sammi Gomez Handcrafted Eyewear, Savior Brand, Holmes Bros and Maniac Ltd.
Durban Lizzard Classic 2016 Results:
Grand Master’s Division
1. Mike van Huyssteen
Master’s Division
1. Ryan Pape
2. Scott Getkate
3. Bevon Wilson
4. Brendan Greenaway
Ladies’ Division
1. Debbie Patterson
2. Olivia Reitz
3. Sarah Houston
4. Pam Bowren
Boy’s Division
1. Jack Sang
2. Liam Kavanagh
3. Alex Nutt
4. Timothy Nicolas
Men’s Division
1. Dane Klusner
2. Dune Barker
3. Bruce Donkin
4. Angelo Ackerman
Drop-knee Division
1. Sascha Taljaard
2. Mark McCarthy
3. Sihle Xaba
4. Dune Barker
Junior’s Division
1. Teegan Coulonval
2. Codi Butterworth
3. Michael Roberts
4. Rohan Nel
Pro Division
1. Storm Prestwich
2. Emile von Vollenhoven
3. Doug Lindsay
4. JC Johnson
5. Terence Pieters and Rory Fellows-Smith
6. Garryd Ensor and Michael Ostler
Junior Development Division
1. Jade Pistorius
Senior Development Division
1. Bradley Gertze
2. Frank Fourie
3. Delon Biton
4. Thula Zulu