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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the 3rd edition of the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, and the race is just growing from strength to strength,\u201d commented Barry Lewin, Event Organiser and Race Director. \u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019s best compete. It\u2019s not one to miss!\u201d<\/p>\n
The competition also coincides with the arrival of the annual Sardine Run, considered one of the world\u2019s greatest planetary migrations: \u201cHosting 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,\u201d says Lewin.<\/p>\n
Top Paddlers Ready to Race<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI love paddling on the South Coast \u2013 I love the ocean and the swell and am really looking forward to racing this weekend,\u201d commented Burn. \u201cScottburgh, in particular, always has a surf zone to navigate, which is awesome! I haven\u2019t seen the weather predictions, so I\u2019m not sure what the wind is doing, but I see there are a lot of sardines that side, so I\u2019m sure there\u2019s going to be a lot of activity! It\u2019s always a great day out.\u201d<\/p>\n 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, \u201cAfter 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving 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!\u201d<\/p>\n Durban\u2019s Nisbet says he\u2019s also ready for the race, adding: \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to paddling in the Aliwal Shoal MPA as it\u2019s such a special place with abundant marine life. The racing will be tough, especially as there are very talented upcoming juniors like Keagen Vogt!\u201d<\/p>\n Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n Time<\/strong>: 9am to 1pm<\/p>\n Venue<\/strong>: Scottburgh Main Beach to Aliwal Shoal<\/p>\n To Enter<\/strong>:\u00a0www.paddlesportsa.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"