Rip Curl E-Pro 2020 Online Surf Contest Finalists Announced
In an absolute flurry of ridiculously good waves and incredible surfing, the finalists of the inaugural Rip Curl E-Pro were decided.
In the first women’s semifinal, the two goofy-footers Zoe Steyn from East London and Faye Zoetmulder from Cape St Francis battled it out on their backhands, entering two excellent east coast rights. Zoetmulder was looking smooth and powerful but Steyn’s explosive turns saw her get the nod and advance to the final.
The second semifinal saw Salt Rock surfer Sophie Bell face off against Scarborough’s Ceara Knight, and it was a victory for the Durban girl against her Capetonian counterpart.
The Rip Curl E-Pro Women event has support from VUM Insurance – emerging business insurance.
Men’s semifinal 1 was close, with Shane Sykes from Salt Rock coming up against Durban’s surfer Josh Redman. Syke’s wave comprised a massive power gouge, a long and deep tube, and two hard cracks off the top, while Redman’s offer was a deep and draining double-barrel. The judges unanimously awarded the win to Sykes, making him the first finalist.
In the second semi, Dale Staples from St Francis Bay came up against Chad Du Toit from Durban. It was another close one, with Staples throwing in a long and smooth wave with turns and barrels, against an epic late drop into a throaty barrel from Du Toit. Once again the judges awarded the win to multiple turns, and Staples advanced into the men’s final.
Both Du Toit and Redman’s barrels are in a good position to be in contention for the Red Bull Best Tube award of R10,000.
Men’s Final: Shane Sykes V Dale Staples
Women’s Final: Sophie Bell V Zoe Steyn
First prize in both men and women’s finals is R10,000, and runner-up position is R5,000. There is a pair of Oakley Sunglasses going to each winner, as well as to the two winning videographers.
The event is hosted on Instagram @surfwebseries
More details of the full tour can be found on https://www.surfwebseries.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SurfOpenLeague/
The Rip Curl E-Pro is supported by Surfing South Africa. Surfing South Africa is the recognised governing body for the sport in South Africa and is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the African Surfing Confederation (ASC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA).