GARDEN ROUTE SURFING NEWS - The Madibaz surfing team are competing for the University Sport South Africa title at Victoria Bay near George.

The challenge started on Wednesday, 18 July and ends tomorrow, Saturday 21 July. In last year’s tournament, the Nelson Mandela Bay surfers came within a whisker of winning the overall title, ultimately losing to the University of Cape Town by just eight points.

Madibaz Surfing manager Melinda Goosen said this week that, following a weekend camp at Vic Bay last month, there was a sense of confidence in the squad.

“The team selection started in April already, when the first trials were held. “The team was finalised after three sets of trials and the surfers spent a weekend in Vic Bay from 15 to 17 June for their final preparations.”

Goosen acknowledged that the Madibaz surfers would have to adapt to some challenges. “The conditions can get tough and we are just concentrating on the competition day by day,” she said. “We have had good results at Vic Bay in previous years.”

Goosen added that they had a number of talented and experienced surfers in their squad. Some had competed in previous USSA tournaments and knew what to expect. 

“Gregory Cuthbert, our top male, who came second in the individual section last year, and Tristan Pringle, who made the 2017 semi-finals, are leading the way.

“On the women’s side, Britney Linder is our No 1 seed. She finished second last year. We also have a newcomer in Tahra Uren, but she is an experienced surfer and will add much value to the squad."

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