The end of an awesome event – Who was King of the Wedge
The Wedge Classic 2010
For years South African BodyBoarders have seen images of perfect Hobie Beach Wedges, a place wedged in South African history for many reasons. 2010, the year we will remember not only for a mind-blowing soccer world cup but for perfect waves in the corner, dolphins swimming around the competitors all day, whales cruising the bay and just to top it off, snow capped mountains as a backdrop for an awe inspiring event.
The competitors were blessed with not only perfect weather conditions but perfect waves too. The wedge came to life and provided the contest with very contestable 2-4 ft launch ramps and barrels, the perfect platform to showcase the sport of bodyboarding in its most playful nature. Rolls, air spins and big flips over the shallow sandbar provided the spectators with plenty of reasons to gasp in amazement.
With entries from all over the country it was good to see the locals showing off in their own backyard. Local riders dominated the ladies, boys and juniors divisions.
Niklas Martin and Nikki Gerikke really impressed the judges with gutsy moves and solid riding.
Marc Mc Carthy (from NKZN) returning from the IBA tour to compete here dominated in the early rounds but it was Dylan Van Tonder from East London who really just was on fire and unstoppable in his assault on the wedge. He eventually walked away as the King of the Wedge and in doing so beat some of the biggest names in South African Bodyboarding.
“A big thanks to all the beautiful people in Plett and thanks you for letting us enjoy your beautiful Town.” a fitting quote from Durbanite and Wedge MC & DJ – Sascha Taljaard. He pretty much summed up the feelings from all the tourists at the end of the contest. Plett is really a place where good memories are made and solid friendships are formed.
Congratulations to the winners of The Wedge Classic 2010 Pro division:
- 1st Dylan van Tonder(Port Elizabeth),
- 2nd Mark McCarthy(Richards Bay),
- Joint 3rd Sacha Specker(Cape Town) & Storm Prestwich(Scottburgh KZN),
- Joint 5th Johnny Maritz(Cape Town), Aden Kleve(Cape Town), Justin Lindsa (PE) & Ian Kruger(Cape Town)
Junior Division:
- 1st Storm Prestwich(Scottsburgh),
- 2nd Niklas Martin(Plett),
- Joint 3rd Adam Waites(Durban) & Robbie Waites(Durban)
Dropknee Division:
- 1st Sacha Specker
- 2nd Darren Halse
- 3rd Dylan van Tonder
- 4th Ian Kruger
Mens Division:
- 1st Josh Kleve
- 2nd JP Nortier
- 3rd Eugene Meyer
- 4th Jonathan De Lauwere
Boys Division:
- 1st Niklas Martin,
- 2nd Tristan Roberts,
- 3rd Wilder Schultz,
- 4th Ethan Koopmans
Ladies Division:
- 1st Lyndall Jucker(Plett),
- 2nd Nikki Gericke(Plett)
Expression Session:
- Johnny Maritz
- Sebastian Koopmans
Top Judge:
- Dave Richardson
Rider of Competition:
- Mark McCarthy
Article courtesy of Wavescape
This years Wedge Classic has been the best yet
Not only were there large waves, whales and dolphins coming to visit the bodyboarders throughout the week. There was great entertainment on the beach with a jumping castle, free frisbee’s from Shelly (The Surf Shop), food and hot beverages as well as new games such as the Expression Session tag teams with the ‘Groms’ (Boys bodyboarders) and Pro’s. Wesley had wow’d everyone with his organisation of a SuperSports cameraman – Nice one Wes! To top it off – on the the day of the finals the dolphins came and played with the boarders, it was incredible to watch!
None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for Wesley McQuillan and his co-organisers.
Five time Jet Ski champion Brett Armstrong showed us what he was made of by doing death defying stunts in the shallow waters of the Wedge. Ranging from riding the tunnels to huge air backflips he certainly was a crowd pleaser.
For more information on:
Final results of The Wedge Classic 2010.
A big thanks must go to all the sponsors:
- Rockstar Energy Drink
- Derevko Wetsuits – Donanvan
- Powerbalance – Rob
- Black Flys – Kevin
- Bitou Tourism
- ShowMe Plettenberg Bay
- Beacon Isle Hotel
- Rossi Bodyboards
- Billabong
- The Computer Shop
- Wildthing Paintball
- Kodak Plett Photo Shop
- Pennypinchers
- Coastal Tool Hire
- Mavericks Tents
- Second Skins
- Shelly at The Surf Shop
- Goose Valley Restaurant
- Events and Tents
- Monkeyland
- Birds or Eden
- Elephant Sanctuary
- Ocean Safaris
- Dolphin Adventures
- Milkwood Manor
- Transform Electrical
Judges Food:
- Beacon Isle Kwikspar
- Spur
- Jaymor Pies
- Flashbacks
ST (Sascha Taaljaard) – DJ & MC
Wesley – Organiser
Keira – Organiser
Christy – Photographer
Gio and Kate – Food and drinks
Pat Harris – Contest Director
Rossi – head judge
Judges and Totalisers
Robbi the electrician
And to all the riders for supporting the event!