This Sunday (8 June), visitors to Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast can celebrate World Ocean Day with some top-class paddling action as competitors take to the water in the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge. This forms part of the highly anticipated Ocean Festival, which is bringing an action-packed programme to Scottburgh from 5 to 8 June.
“This is the 3rd edition of the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, and the race is just growing from strength to strength,” commented Barry Lewin, Event Organiser and Race Director. “It’s really momentous that the race falls on World Ocean Day, as we will be celebrating ocean health as the paddlers compete along Aliwal Shoal, a Marine Protected Area and Mission Blue Hope Spot. Spectators will not only get to enjoy this beautiful coastal environment, but also get to see some of the country’s best compete. It’s not one to miss!”
The competition also coincides with the arrival of the annual Sardine Run, considered one of the world’s greatest planetary migrations: “Hosting this event at a world-class MPA with one of the most impressive ocean events, the Sardine Run, taking place is the perfect way to celebrate World Ocean Day and highlights exactly why we need to protect our ocean,” says Lewin.
Top Paddlers Ready to Race
The 11-time World Canoe Senior Marathon Champion, winner of multiple canoe and surfski races, and former Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge titleholder, Hank McGregor (Ballito, KZN), will be joining the race line-up.
He’s joined by ICF World Champion silver medallist, South African surfski champion, and the former Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge titleholder, Michelle Burn (uMhlanga, KZN). Originally from Amanzimtoti, this is a calendar highlight for the world-class paddler.
“I love paddling on the South Coast – I love the ocean and the swell and am really looking forward to racing this weekend,” commented Burn. “Scottburgh, in particular, always has a surf zone to navigate, which is awesome! I haven’t seen the weather predictions, so I’m not sure what the wind is doing, but I see there are a lot of sardines that side, so I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of activity! It’s always a great day out.”
Bringing the competition is another top South African contender, Brent Chiazzari from Salt Rock on the KZN North Coast. Commenting on the upcoming race, Chiazzari said, “After last year’s win at the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, I’m stoked to get back in the water on the South Coast.
“Having focused on doubles last year, I’m looking forward to racing my K2 partner Luke [Nisbet] this season. We’ve had some close finishes recently – a tie for third at the KZN Champs and a tight battle last week where he edged me out. With strong contenders like Hank McGregor, Matt Bouman, and speedy junior Keegan Vogt in the mix, this weekend’s racing is shaping up to be intense. I’m bringing the whole family along, and with all the festivities on, it’s going to be a fun weekend!”
Durban’s Nisbet says he’s also ready for the race, adding: “I’m looking forward to paddling in the Aliwal Shoal MPA as it’s such a special place with abundant marine life. The racing will be tough, especially as there are very talented upcoming juniors like Keagen Vogt!”
Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge
Time: 9am to 1pm
Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach to Aliwal Shoal
To Enter: www.paddlesportsa.co.za
