Ben Van Der Steen NED 57 / South Africa Slalom Nationals
The race director set up a 6 leg downwind slalom course, each leg about 1.5km, starting and finishing at our two favourite islands… The start line was set just before Skaap Eiland in front of Langebaan main beach, the finish in the bay in front of Friday Island. The fastest guys finished the course in about 8mins, with close battles all the way to the finish. A total of 21 riders entered for the last days action, which, despite the long course, still resulted in fierce battles on the start line and on the gybe marks (with one-or-two crashes along the way).
The untouchable Benny van der Steen was “lit like a firecracker” on his new JP/Neil Pryde gear. Most people learnt this hard way and left the likes of Hennie to contemplate the meaning of life when they realised they weren’t the fastest in a straight line any more. The only man to topple the other pro racer, Tom Malina, was RSA-1 Pete Lumley on his new Starboard 101, but only in the last race… nice work any way!! James Moore made a massive comeback after a bout of the flu on the first day, but had continued trips to the bathroom between races… for sure the toughest cookie out there! Other great performances came from young Daniel Domancie on his new North quiver… great to hear he’s finally on comfortable gear as further seen by his excellent starts. I think he learnt a lot about his setup this weekend and in a few more years/months for sure he’ll be battling for the lead.
With the poor wind forecast for today the prize giving was held last night. Ben van der Steen, Tom Malina and local boy Pete Lumley took the top 3 spots in Slalom. No wave result left us without a wave podium. So in terms of the WSA Tour this makes James Moore the 09/10 National Slalom Champ and Eugene van Niekerk the National Wave Champ. Those results will follow a little later, but there’s still a speed contest to complete, so the Overall National title is still up for grabs.
A special thanks must go to all our sponsors: The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, BulkSMS, Long Ocean, Ballistic Eyewear, Kenings Car Hire, Kargo National and Oxbow Surfwear.
…as well as all the volunteers: Di Hutton-Squire, Vince Domancie, Daniel Domancie, Rob Beamish, Ivan Newmark, Piet Streicher and Mark Derman.
our awesome photographs (and photographer) Liz Metclfe/Cape Sessions which are being uploaded to the gallery
and of course our spectacular hosts, Friday Island, who have welcomed us with all our gear and mess… a great venue.
source: http://www.windsurfingafrica.org/
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