SA surfing champs a hit at Vic Bay

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GEORGE NEWS - Surfers, officials and spectators from all corners of South Africa who came out to watch the 56th South African Surf Championships in Vic Bay last weekend, were spoilt to some world-class surfing all the way.

Through the years, Vic Bay has become a popular contest venue for surfers in South Africa and abroad. The annual contest started on Friday 28 October with the finals on Sunday.

Borderline weather conditions did not deter the surfers or their avid fans. The total of 48 men and 24 women participants included former and current national team members and champions.

Eight surfing districts competed to be the overall winning team and the Cape Town Surf Riders scooped this honour.

Sarah Scott from Cape Town took the win in the open ladies division and Luke Thompson from Durban was crowned the overall winner in the open men's division.

Women's Open champion Sarah Scott from Cape Town. Photo: Deidré Cloete

Luke Slijpen from Cape Town was placed second in the men's division, and Joshe Faulkner from Jeffrey's Bay took bronze. Kira Hofmeyr from Cape Town came in second in the ladies division and in third place was Anastasia Venter from Cape Winelands.

Local hopes in the men's division rested on Victoria Bay local and 2022 Vic Bay Quad champion Forest Hair, former ISA World Champion Shuan Joubert and two-time SA champion Sean Holmes.

Unfortunately none of them made it to the final heat. Former SA Masters champion Tasha Mentasti is Eden's top seed in the women's team, but was also unfortunately knocked out before the final heat.

PHOTO GALLERY: South African Surf Championships at Vic Bay

The event, presented by Surfing South Africa, was supported by George Tourism and hosted by the Eden Surf Riders.

The Cape Town Surf Riders team was the overall team winner. Photo: Deidré Cloete