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2008-10-02T07:26:00.001-07:00

Hey Guys,
Sorry about the lack of communication, I have been in hospital with a problematic appendix…its out now, so all is good :) and on the mend!.
The FLUID SURF KAYAK SERIES starts up again with the next compo on OCTOBER 25th, so get your kayaks ready for that one! Its open to everyone, from beginners to the pros! So mark your diaries. Check the dates below, these are the final dates. (if anyone would like to try it out, please give me a shout and ill bring equipment for you)- there will be experienced kayakers to help you and get you started.
FLUID SURF KAYAK SERIES:
CONTEST DATES:
October: 25th Surf Kayak Series Contest #3
November: 29th FLUID Surf Kayak Series Contest #4
December: 20 th King of the sea Compo
December: 20 th 2008 FLUID SURF KAYAK SERIES prize giving bash.

Registration forms
Please submit the registration forms if you havent yet. Registration is free. You have to be registered to partake in the events and win prizes.

“Fluid Surf Kayak Series 2008 t shirt”
Fluid Surf Kayak series t shirts are ready to be printed, Please email jon to reserve your shirt. Shirts will cost R70. If you want one….email NOW! jonivins@mweb.co.za with your shirt size.

Any other questions, please let me know,
Thanks
Kade

Kade Burnett WINS the 2nd FLUID SURF KAYAK COMPO

2008-06-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

Fluid Surf Kayak Compo #2

We arrived at our usual meeting spot at Snake Park Beach just before 7 to make a call on where the 2nd Fluid Surf kayak contest 2008 would be held. It wasn’t to difficult to agree that the middle bank at Snake park would be perfect. The wave was slow breaking with a really nice face, if you stayed in the pocket. Left and rights, you name it, and with a swell size of 2-2.5ft, conditions were perfect.

Unfortunately, the time Neptune pulls through for us, the entry numbers were really down, with only 5 competitors. Never the less, the contest went forward, and we had to come up with a suitable contest structure. We went straight into a knockout format. In the first 2 heats, the winner of heach heat would progress straight to the final. 2nd and 3rd places from the first round, would compete for 3rd place. Inbetween this we also held our first “Best trick Contest”.

This is how it all unfolded:

Round1:
(heat placings are as a result of last contest)

Heat1:
Kade Burnett vs Dean Bottcher vs Steve Buttler
This heat had some awesome waves, conditions were perfect, with competitors really giving everything, and some great moves all round, one of them being an air popped by Kade. A HUGE scoring heat.
Kade winning with 118pts to Deans 90 and Steves78.

Heat2:
Jon Ivins vs Phil Claasens
Some more great moves here and these contestants really showing the sport is progressing, Jon’s practice sessions paying off in the end.
Jon winning with 101 pts to phils 84.

After these two heats, Kade and Jon were in the final, and Steve, Dean and Phil were Surfing for 3rd place.

BEST TRICK CONTEST
This was our first running of the best trick contest. All the Kayakers hit the surf..waves don’t count…just your best trick does. It can be anything, so all the freestyle moves you can throw will count big!.

Philip Claasens taking this one convincingly, with a perfectly clean blunt.

3rd Place Final:
Steve Butler vs Phil Claasens vs Dean Bottcher
This was a really closely contested contest with a variation of boats, Steve having you use his creek boat, phil in a play boat and Dean in the Fluid Element.
Dean wining the heat with 93pts to Steves 92 and Phils 70.

FLUID Surf Kayak Contest #2 Final

Kade Burnett vs Jon Ivins.
Conditions:
2-2.5ft South Swell.
Wind South Westerly, Moderate.
Tide: Rising.

This was going to be a tough final, Jon has really been putting in the hours and it shows, with him making his first final. It was basically one for one out there, and each contestant pushing the other, but Kade lifiting the bar and surfing radically in the pocket with some awesome slashes and cutbacks to take the win.
Kade winning with 103 points to Jons 92.

The Competition results are as follows:
1- Kade Burnett (20 pts), 2- Jon Ivins (17 points), 3- Dean Bottcher (14 points), 4- Steve Butler (11 points), 5- Philip Claasens (9 Points).

Getting points is extremely important as your top 3 scores count to see who will win the coveted KZN Surf Kayaker of the year trophy, and an awesome Fluid Element Surf Kayak. If you haven’t tried one..do it, youll be hooked!

A HUGE thanks must go out to Denzil Smith for single handedly sorting this contest out, as well as Jon Ivins. Thanks must also go to our back bone, the judges, Ryan, Gareth and to Farrell for doing all the admin.

Big thanks must also go to Fluid Kayaks for keeping this Series rolling, with an awesome prize. http://www.fluidkayaks.com/

So far the FLUID SURF KAYAK SERIES 2008 is really wide open, its anyones game, with the ladder looking like this:

1- Kade Burnett 37 pts
2- Jon Ivins 31 pts
3- Dean Bottcher 25 pts
4- Denzil Smith 20 pts
5- Steve Buttler 18 pts
6- Jordan Wallace 9 pts
6- Phillip Claasens 9 pts
8- Simon D’Aubry 5 pts
9- Jonny D’Aubry 3 pts

Keep up the sessions, SA Champs is the next even ton the calendar!

KZN FLUID Surf Kayak Series 2008 Compo #1

2008-05-15T05:23:00.002-07:00

The first competition in the KZN FLUID Surf Kayak Series 2008 got underway in some very testing conditions at Suncoast Beach. The event was unusually disorganized, and started a little later than expected. The wave was in the 5ft range and the rip was really strong, so the conditions were really difficult, the event directors realized this only during the round 1 heats, and so the competitors had to stick it out till the end.

There were a few new faces which was really awesome to see. The surf kayakers who rose to the challenge were:

Heat 1:
Kade Burnett vs Simon D’Aubry
Kade Burnett winning it with 59 points to Simons 38.

Heat 2:
Jon Ivins vs Dean Bottcher
Jon Ivins wining with 35points to Deans 26

Heat 3:
Denzil Smith vs Steve Butler
Denzil winning with 54 points to Steves 34

Heat 4:
Jonny D'Aubry vs Jordan Wallace
Jordan Wallace winning with 49 points to Jonnys 39

Each contestant that lost during the first rounds has another chnace to make it through to the semi-final rounds by competing in the reppecharge heat.

Reppo:
Simon D’Aubry vs Dean Bottcher vs Steve Butler vs Jonny D'Aubry.
Dean winning it with 45 points, Steve getting 37 points, and both earning themselves a place in the semi finals. Keep your eyes on the two newcomers, the D'Aubry brothers….these guys really did well, we were blown away by them, as this is there first time in a contest and in a surf kayak.

With conditions deriorating rapidly, the Semi finals looked like this:

Semi1:
Kade Burnett vs Jon Ivins vs Steve Butler
Kade winning with 52 points to Jons 26 points and Steves 24.

Semi 2:
Denzil Smith vs Jordan Wallace vs Dean Bottcher
Denzil winning with 67 points to Deans 51 points and Jordans 37.

Usually the seconp place in each semi final go up against each other in the 3rd place final, but due to the conditions it was decided to have a final with 4 surfkayakers to determine placings 1 through 4.
KZN FLUID SURF KAYAK SERIES FINAL 1 2008

Wind: Offshore, strong.
Weather: Overcast and cold.
Surf: 4-5Ft, massive rip.

Surf kayakers:
Kade Burnett: winner of the Fluid Surf Kayak Series 2007.
Denzil Smith: Ranked 2nd. Super skilled with something to prove.
Jon Ivins: Most Improved Surf Kayaker 2007
Dean Bottcher: Ranked 4th, with ever improving skills, now surfing in a Fluid Element.

The FINAL got off to a slow start as some kayakers were battling to get out. Finally the green flag went up and the kayakers had 20 mins to show what they had up there sleves. As previously stated the conditions were really tough going for the competitors, with 2 paddles breaking during the contest. It was even tough to catch the required 3 scoring waves in the 20 minuites.

Finally, the red flag went up to signal the end of the heat with the judges tallying the scores.

4th place: Dean Bottcher, 16 points, with 1 scoring wave.
3rd place: Jon Ivins, 27 points, with 2 scoring waves.
2nd place: Kade Burnett, 66 points.
1st place: Denzil Smith, 68 points.

Well done to everyone who competed, next contest will be held at a much more appropriate venue for all skill levels.

A big thanks must go to Jordan and Denzil for organising the event, as well as our series sponsor FLUID KAYAKS (www.fluidkayaks.com) for the awesome final prize of a Fluid Element for the winner of the series.

2008 FLUID SURF KAYAK STANDINGS:
1- Denzil Smith 20 points
2- Kade Burnett 17 points
3- Jon Ivins 14 points
4- Dean Bottcher 11 points
5- Jordan Wallace 9 points
6- Steve Buttler 7 points
7- Simon D’Aubry 5 points
8- Jonny D’Aubry 3 points

KZN FLUID Surf Kayak Series 2008

2008-05-15T05:23:00.001-07:00

KZN SURF KAYAKING MEETING 2008

2008-02-06T04:55:00.000-08:00

Place: University of KZN Howard Campus Pool
Date: Tuesday12 February 2008
Time: 6.30 Sharp

The meeting will have the following agenda:

- KZN Surf Kayak Committee election.
We are looking for members to join our committee if they would like to have input into the direction of KZN Surf Kayaking. There are many positions open.

- KZN Surf Kayak Series 2008
We will be discussing venues, the pros and cons of last year and how we can make it better this year.

- SA Surf Kayak Champs 2008
We will be discussing venues, and protocol for this event. It will be hosted in Durban.

- Development
I will be heading up the development this year which will involve getting new kayakers into the water, rolling clinics and training days, for beginners as well as the KZN Team.

If you have any views or suggestions, and wont be able to come, please email me your views and I will make sure they get discussed. If there is also feedback from the passed year where we can improve, please send your suggestions.

Kade Wins the last compo and The FLUID Surf Kayak Series

2007-10-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

The final competition of the FLUID Surf Kayak series arived, and with it, so did the Nort East wind, and the angry seas!. So it was not a difficult decision when the KZN SKAZA comittee changed the venue from Snake Park to inbetween uShaka Pier and Vetchies reef. This turned out to be a really good choice as the venue is perfect for such a wind. The swell its self was about 3 - 3.5 ft with the occasional 4ft wave coming in and conditions were quite difficult as the wave periods were very close together. This didnt stop the die hard competitors and the competition was still fierce as this was the last contest of the 6. The title was up for grabs and the contenders were Kade Burnett who was 3 pts ahead of Denzil Smith. For Denzil to win the series, he had to win this competition and Kade had to come less than second. For Kade to win, Denzil had to come less than first. Every thing in it today!

The heats looked like this:
Heat 1: Kade Burnett (1) , Steve Butler (12) , Mike De Maine (n/a)
Heat 2: Denzil Smith (2) , Brendan Germaine (11)
Heat 3: Rob Davey (3) , Andrew Pollock ()
Heat 4: Jon Ivins () , Jordan Wallace ()

Heat 1:
Kade vs Steve vs Mike
Kade electing to go straight out to backline, while mike and steve stuck it out in the mid break. Mike coming out his Fluid Spice and getting dragged across vetchies reef. Farrell running in Baywatch style with all her clothes to help the ex Capetonian (nice). Steve Butler got some really nice rides, but in the end it was the series leader who showed that he deserved to be in the semis with some insane 'off the lip' manoeuvres.
Kade 67, Steve 50, Mike 20

Heat 2:
Denzil vs Brendan
Again, different tactics came into play, denzil seeing the rides kade was getting went straight out to backline and caught some insane rides, alot of carving and some big floaters. Brendan staying in the mid break, and also showing some newly learnt moves but the waves just fading too often.
Denzil 60, Brendan 31

Heat 3:
Rob vs Andrew
Rob taking a totally different peak, one that was very close to vetchies reef and his boat taking him on some really long rides, with some awesome slashing. Andrew went out where Kade and Denzil were previously, and caught some great rides, but Rob got the lions share and won the heat.
Rob 61, Andrew 44

Heat 4:
Jon vs Jordan
Jon and Jordan venturing out to backline, both seeing how the previous heats had ended up, Jordan back from a very long time out the water ( its good to have you back ). Jon dropping into some steamers and getting some really long rides. Jordan surfing in his Fluid Flirt, and with the wave running very fast, he battled to make it round the sections.
Jon 46, Jordan 32

Reppecharge heats:
Heat 1:
Andrew vs Brendan
Andrew got off to a great start landing a backstab and then the very next wave busting a 720 ( 2x 360s), so it was going to be tough for Brendan to come back at that. But he did what he could and did well until his swim...which ended his comeback.
Andrew 53, Brendan 30

Heat 2:
Steve, Jordan, Mike
A good heat to watch as almost as it had begun Mike decided to take his boat for another swim across the reef, and quite successfully! Steve and jordan battled it out at backline with the swell dropping slightly and the tide almost fully out. It was jordan who managed to edge Steve out to get a place in the Semis.
Jordan 50, Steve 37, Mike 20

Whith Round one heats and the reppocharge now over it is onto the hard core action of the semis.

Semi 1:
Denzil vs Rob vs Andrew
This is by far the toughest semi final that we have had in the series. All these guys are top, top, top, surf kayakers. An awesome heat to watch as everyone was going all out, Andrew busting some huge moves and throwing his boat around like last nights trash, while rob took his position far right next to the reef and also slashed up a storm and one of the best lip bashes i have seen this whole season. Denzil however, knew what he had to do, he had his eye on the prize and didnt let anything get in the way with some awesome progressive surfing.
Denzil 66, Rob 55, Andrew 40

Semi 2:
Kade vs Jon vs Jordan
A great semi-final to watch, kade new he had to make it to the final to secure the Series title, and he showed just what he was made of. His 3rd wave was a beauty ending up in a lip bash that threw him high into the air, landing it, his spray deck popped and he enjoyed a long swim in. Jon also taking some bombs and getting some long rides. While jordan sat to the left and picked some awesome lefts. At the end, it was kade with his great style and his riot boogie that got him to the final.
Kade 64, Jon 48, Jordan 42

FINALS!
3rd Place Final
Jon vs Rob
Jons first 3rd place final, a great achievement, well done Jon. Rob sticking to his tried and tested formula going out along the reef on the right, and with the swell picking up once more, he got some ridiculously long high scoring rides. Jon going out in the middle also took some fantastic rides, one wave, Jon took off very very late and went head over from the top and did about 3 cartwheels in the froth ,leaving his paddle behind, he then managed to stay on the wave using his hand to control his moves. This wasn’t enough however to beat Rob.
Rob 57, Jon 43

FLUID SURF KAYAK CONTES #6 FINAL
Kade Burnett vs Denzil Smith
Wow, and a fantastic final it turned out to be with both Kayakers surfing their hearts out. Some huge radical moves were the order of the day, with kade getting some more air time. Denzil dropping into some beasts and carving up a spray storm. An amazingly close final with Kade Burnett Taking it by 2 points.
Kade 61, Denzil 59

A Huge thanks to all those involved in making this contest a success.
The Sponsors: FLUID KAYAKS, MAXPADDLE, GASHED, JONIVINS.COM.

Thanks to the admin crew of Farrell and Gareth.

AWARDS EVENING:

Prize giving was held at Kade Burnett’s place in Westville and was a perfect venue for this event. It kicked off at 5 with the guys arriving soon after that. The curry cup final was on but a slideshow of Jons photos was also running and it seemed the guys were more interested in those awesome photos. Prize giving started off around 7 with a speech by Kade Burnett (KZN SKASA Chairman) and then it was into the prizes. Jon was the MC.

After each competition, you would be awarded points according to where you placed in the contest. 1st place would get 20, 2nd 17, 3rd 14, 4th 11, and so on. The committee would then take your top 4 scores and add them together to get your final result, and final standings of the series. Below is the results with Kade Burnett winning the FLUID Surf Kayak Series 2007 with maximum points.

FLUID SURF KAYAK SERIES 2007 FINAL STANDINGS:

Kade Burnett won the FLUID Surf Kayak Series 2007 and won a Fluid Element from Celliers Kruger and FLUID KAYAKS. He also won the KZN Surf Kayaker of the year trophy.

Denzil Smith came second overall and won a Crakshaft White water paddle from Brendan at MAXPADDLE.COM. Denzil Also received a PRO DEAL VOUCHER for a Fluid Element, thanks to Celliers Kruger and FLUID KAYAKS.

Rob Davey came 3rd overall winning himself a PRO DEAL VOUCHER for a Fluid Element, thanks to Celliers Kruger and FLUID KAYAKS.

Jon Ivins Walked away with the award for MOST IMPROVED SURF KAYAKER 2007 winning himself a paddle cover sponsored by TRIPPER SPORTS

There were also many lucky draw prizes sponsored by MAXPADDLE.COM and Gashed Products.

Thanks must go to everybody who helped out in any way making this series a success. A special thanks must go to the committee who has helped out immensely especially Jon Ivins.

To Celliers Kruger, thank you very much for your generous sponsorship, its really appreciated, as well as MAXPADDLE and JONIVINS.COM. Thank all for supporting us.

We are all looking forward to the up coming SA CHAMPS and are hoping to make a clean sweep!

The Natal Teams are as follows:

Natal A:
Kade Burnett (c)
Denzil Smith
Rob Davey
Jordan Wallace
Jon Ivins

Natal B:
Andrew Pollock (c)
Dean Bottcher
Brendan Germaine
Phillip Claasens
Steve Butler

With reserve being Matt Swemmer.

Kade Burnett Wins Again!

2007-09-25T04:31:00.000-07:00

The forecast predicted a cross shore wind with small swell, and for once, unfortunately, it wasn’t wrong. We met at snake park at 7 o’clock to find a fitting venue. We looked at all the options and then made the call. Pirates (Battery Beach) was to be the venue for the 5th Surf Kayak Contest.

The venue was really awesome as we set up on the Southern side right next to the Pier. The pier was really cool as it not only provided shelter for the supporters and spectators, but it was to be the platform from where the judges would sit.

Round 1 heats looked like this:
Heat1: Kade Burnett vs Matt Swemmer
Heat2: Denzil Smith vs Greg Spence
Heat3: Rob Davey vs Dave Wrinch Shiltz
Heat4: Dean Bottcher vs Jon Ivins

(for those that don’t understand how the first round heats are set up, heres how its done: Placing’s are all about rankings from the previous competition. 1st goes to heat 1, 2nd Heat 2, 3rd Heat3, 4th heat 4, 5th heat 4, 6th heat 3, 7th heat 2, 8th heat 1, and so on….then in the semi finals, winner of heat 1 and heat 4 go to the 2nd Semi and winners from heat 2 and 3 go to the first semi.)

So, everyone was registered and we had 8 guys, many new faces which is awesome to see! Before the Beach Briefing, the guys went for a warm up wave to get used to the conditions and plot there strategies. It’s a big mission getting the guys out of the water and It usually results in the waving of the big red flag to get everyone’s attention. Finally after every one was out and the beach briefing done, we started off with the first heat. It was also decided that the heats would last 20 mins due to the long wave periods.

ROUND 1
The winner in each heat would progress to the semi finals and the loosers would go head to head in the reppecharge heat.

Heat 1
Kade Burnett vs Matt Swemmer
Matt’s first contest, all the way down from PMB. He impressed the guys a lot in this heat as he has the talent to do very well in the coming months. Kade fresh off his win in the last contest. This heat started well with Matt getting some really good waves and leading the scores for more than half the heat. Kade only coming back with some good scoring rides at the end to clinch a spot in the semi.
Kade 53 Matt 41

Heat 2
Denzil Smith vs Greg Spence
Denzil Coming Second in the last contest, wanting to better his result this time round was surfing really well. Greg taking part in his first contest, a product of the UKZN Canoe Polo team, was surfing in a polo bat, which is round and long and has NO RAILS, so its very difficult to compete in such a boat. None the less he did really well for his first compo.
Denz 52 Greg 31

Heat 3
Rob Davey vs Dave Wrich Shiltz
Dave, also a member of the UKZN Canoe Polo Team (URAAA!), and also taking part in a plastic polo bat did well in the conditions. It’s a matter of time before the new guys knock the top seeds out! Rob, as always surfing superbly!.
Rob 53 Dave 32

Heat 4
Dean Bottcher vs Jon Ivins
This was always going to be the Round 1 heat to watch as both these guys, although different styles are really great surfers. Jon pushing to better his placing and Dean wanting to do as well as he can, this guys has been training, and it shows! Some great style coming from the Fluid Spice rider. An EXTREEMELY close heat!
Dean 50 Jon 46

REPPECHARGE ROUND
This round serves as a second chance to those kayakers who didn’t make it passed round 1. 4 kayakers go into the water, with one place up for grabs in each semi.
Jon Ivins vs Greg Spence vs Matt Swemmer vs Dave Wrinch Shiltz.
All round good surfing, with the polo bat team of Greg and Dave gaining confidence in the waves and dropping into some sizey guys. In the end, the boats made the difference with Matt, in his first contest getting a place in the semi finals, as well as Jon, who is no stranger to a semi final.

Semi Final 1
Matt Swemmer vs Rob Davey vs Denzil Smith
What a great heat to watch. Such diverse ways of surfing and each with there trademark moves. Rob, even though his kayak is better suited to better waves, he made his mark with long rides, carves and many lip bashes. Matt also doing very well riding the waves, keep your eye on this guy!. Denzil really had one of his best heats to date. He was really surfing out his socks and it showed. Denzil scoring very well on his last wave with a great drop in then 360 into a lip bash then ending it off with a 360 floater, right in front on the judging tower to earn a 13, and a place in the final.
Denzil 67 Rob 60 Matt 43

Semi Final 2
Kade Burnett vs Dean Bottcher vs Jon Ivins
The wind was up, but with the incoming tide it looked as though the swell was picking up slightly. Another great heat to watch as Dean and Jon faced each other again. Dean with his trade make move of going into the barell with one hand on the face of the wave, the other holding his paddle out of the wave curtain then busting out with a 360. Kade found some form compared to his first heat showing what his new boat can do. Putting it on its rail and carving up a huge storm, even trying to land a barell roll later in the heat…to no avail, and swimming to shore. Kade earning himself a spot in the finals. Jon just loosing to Dean by 1 point and that spot in the 3rd place final again escaping Jon (not for long).
Kade 65 Dean 53 Jon 52

3rd Place Final
Dean vs Rob
Deans first 3rd place final. And hats off to him as he really deserves it! From the start this guy has been improving so much, so if you have him in your next heat, there would reason to worry! Rob has been very consistent, and you can see he has amazing wave experience and skill. Both guys got great waves in this heat with Rob taking the cake in the end.
Rob 60 Dean 47

FINAL
Denzil Smith vs Kade Burnett
Both these guys surf together, both these guys are pushing the standard of surf kayaking in Natal to a new level and both these guys are no strangers to a final!. A spectacular final to watch with some really well executed moves. In this stage of the game, errors also creep in as there is so much pressure. Denzil taking some really great waves dropping in late, busting 360s and a few lip bashes, then finally ending with a 360 floater, using a borrowed Fluid Element proto. Kade, in a Riot boogie, really using the rails to maximum effect and getting desired spray off his turns ending in 360 floaters and lip bashes. In the end it was so close, the closest final by far as 1 judge had Denzil Winning by 1 point and the other had Kade winning by 2, so Kade, just pipping denzil to take top spot, much to his surprise!.

A great contest with great competitors, and an awesome vibe, as were used to here in KZN. A great thing with 3 new faces at this last compo, means the sport is taking off nicely. With 1 contest to go, anything could happen.

The next and last contest in the FLUID Surf Kayak Series is the #6th FLUID Surf Kayak Contest. This will take place on the 27th October, pre- entry will , as usual, be compulsory. On the evening of the 27th will be the Final Prizegiving. This will be in the form of a bring and braai at Kade’s Place in Westville. More details to follow. The winner of the 6th Fluid Surf Kayak Contest will be announced here as well as the Prize winners of the awesome FLUID Surf Kayak Series. The winner will be receiving a brand new FLUID Element, and 2nd and 3rd get pro deals on their Elements. Plus BIG prizes from MAXPADDLE.COM and Gashed Products. The two Natal teams will also be announced at the prizegiving. These 2 teams of 5 will take on the rest of SA in the SKASA SA Open on the 8th and 9th of December. So be there! (More info to follow.)

Other than that, id like to thank our awesome sponsors FLUID, MAXPADDLE.COM, GASHED and JONIVINS.COM for always being there to support our sport, its great to have such great companies backing us up.

Another big thanks must go to NDORFIN.CO.ZA for flighting our stories and results. As well as MR PRICE for the awesome heat Rash Vests. HUGE thanks to our judges for taking time out to be there.

See you all at the next compo!

FLUID SURF KAYAK SERIES Compo #5 results:
1 Kade Burnett (20), 2 Denzil Smith (17), 3 Rob Davey (14), 4 Dean Bottcher (11), 5 Jon Ivins (9), 6 Matt Swemmer (7), 7 Dave Wrinch Shiltz (5), 8 Greg Spence (3)

Over all Standings for the FLUID SURF KAYAK SERIES:
1 Kade Burnett 77 pts
2 Denzil Smith 74 pts
3 Rob Davey 62 pts
4 Jon Ivins 32 pts
5 Jordan Wallace 31 pts
6 Andrew Pollock 28 pts
7 Dean Bottcher 25pts
8 Rowan Walpole 14 pts
8 Graham Andreson 14 pts
8 Phillip Claasens 14 pts
11 Brendan Germaine 11 pts
12 Stuart Howes 7 pts
12 Steve Butler 7pts
12 Matt Swemmer 7 pts
15 Dave Wrinch Shiltz 5 pts
16 Greg Spence 3 pts
17 Guy Anderson 1pts

Interview with Kade Burnett Winner of the 4th FLUID Surf Kayak Contest

2007-09-07T02:57:00.000-07:00

SK: You just won the 4^th Fluid Surf Kayak contest, how do you feel?

Im ecstatic, I really cant believe it. There are so many guys who could have won that contest, so ya, im pretty chuffed and feel a bit relieved… there was a lot of pressure for me going into this contest, if Denzil Smith won this one…it could have been all over…

SK: Last year, you were surf kayaking for fun….now theres a whole series and it seems like the sport is taking off.

Ya, its flippin awesome what has happened this last year. The formation of SKASA (Surf Kayak Association of South Africa) has truly transformed the sport from being a recreational activity to an organized sport, not only for competitions, but for training days and socials. Its an awesome thing.

SK: Why do you surf kayak?

I surf kayak because I love it, and it makes me feel free and gives me stoke. There is absolutely no feeling in this world that compares to flying down the face of a wave, going into the tube, and making it out, or laying off a huge carve on a glassy wave…I even love getting thrashed around in a huge shore break dumper…. These things keep me coming back, again and again and again…. SK: There is also SA Surf Kayaking Champs at the end of this year, how do you think its going to go?

Well first of all, theres loads of planning involved, it’s the first one ever held in SA, so its going to be on a trial and error basis, but the KZN SKASA Committee are trying to set a benchmark for years to come.

SK: Who are the guys you think that could potentially take the title of Best Surf Kayaker in SA?

Geez, there are so many guys who have the ability to raise the bar…im not too sure of the guys in cape town, but I think any one of these guys could take it: Denzil Smith, Rob Davey, Andrew Pollock, Jordan Wallace and the guys from WP, Sam, Eric, Arbrie and Rowan Walpole…. These are just guys who have been blowing up the competition scene in SA….its an open contest, so any one can enter, they wont have to be part of any provincial team…only be registered with SKASA. So is anybody’s game…

SK: Best team?

With out a doubt the winning provincial side will be Natal!

SK: You pretty tight with Denzil Smith. Does surfing with a top notch surf kayaker help you push what you capable of?

Most definitely. Id say if you wanted to improve your surfing, then get out there with the good guys, youll see your technique and skill improve drastically. I have been surf kayaking with Denzil for around 2 years now, and surfing with him for much longer, so ya, we definitely push each other to do bigger and better things, learning from each other every session.

SK: Are you stoked with your performance in the last compo?

Yes, pretty stoked… I surfed well enough to win the event. I guess I was just consistent throughout my heats and thats what got me through.

SK: So what does a win like this do for you now, going into the last two contests?

Well, it makes me a little more confident, not that I have a chance to win, but confident in my capabilities as a surf kayaker. The win means that there is less of a strangle hold on the title and it seems that there are 3 guys who could potentially take it. At the end of the day, it will be down to whoever gets more water time, and who wants it the most.

SK: In your first heat, of the 4^th Fluid Surf Kayak event, you were up against Phillip Claasens. How did that go?:

It went pretty well, Phillip is from Richards Bay and this is his second contest he has entered, hes also more of a river man at the moment, so hes still pretty new at the surfing thing, that said, I saw him take a few waves that had me worried. Hes a guy to watch out for in future.

SK: From there you were in the Semi finals competing with Andrew Pollock and Dean Bottcher, a tough semi.

Ya fully. I knew that it was never going to be an easy heat. Watching Dean Progress through from the Reppecharge heat…this guy was throwing some fantastic moves, actually had the judges blown away with what he has achieved in such a short period of time. Andrew also was busting some huge moves! He got the highest wave score of the contest in this heat with a helix. My tactic was just to keep consistent, get some high scores. Just surf to the best of my ability, and I was lucky to get through this one.

SK: In the final, you met up with Denzil..again. What were your thoughts and tactics going into the final?

Well, I was really stoked to have made it this far, I really wanted to win this one because if Denzil won it, he’d basically have a strangle hold on the series. He also has not lost one contest since he has been taking part in this series. So I was under a lot of pressure. The wave was pretty weird in the final, the swell had dropped, so either of us didn’t know if we should stay on the shorter rides of the shore break, or go out to backline and try link one through. So we ended up mirroring each other. I was lucky, half way through I got a bomb that came through, I just managed to hang onto it dropped in did a hard bottom turn and rode up the face to float the section, it was really high up and I fell far, but managed to land it, and also was able to link the ride to the shore with some other moves, this wave gave me good confidence to go on and win it.

SK: Great, thanks for talking to us, good luck for the rest of the series.

Thanks a lot. cheers

Fluid Surf Kayak Compo #4

2007-08-27T03:47:00.001-07:00

Fluid Surf Kayak Compo #4

Great super-glassy conditions mixed with a decent 2-3ft ground swell meant only one thing…a perfect combo for an out standing event. It was the 4^th contest of the Fluid Surf Kayak Series, and what a day it turned out to be!. The only thing missing was the sun, but that didn’t detract from hot competition. I must say, from the first contest till now, there has most definitely been a steady increase in ability and the moves are just getting better and better, for instance, this is the first contest were a contestant has managed to pull off a perfect helix…TWICE!. There is no lack of talent here in Durbs…that’s a fact!

So we arrived at Snake Park at 7 o’clock to make the call…but it seems the beach made the call for us, it looked really good, maybe a little small but still excellent. We set up, then almost everyone got in to test there mettle and get a feel for the wave before the contest started…what a job getting everybody out! Ha ha. Brendan Germaine was running a little late so we started heats 3 and 4 before heats 1 and 2.

Heat 1

Kade Burnett vs Phillip Claasens

Phillip coming down from R Bay again to show what he can do in the surf, he is mostly a river kayaker, but that didn’t show in this, his 2^nd ever contest. Kade coming fourth in the last contest, and wanting to win was surfing out his sox, (or spraydeck).

Kade wining with 67 points to Phillips 47

Heat 2

Jon Ivins vs Andrew Pollock

Jon swam trying to punch through a wave on his way out. So we reduced this heat to 18 mins as apposed to 20.

To everybody’s amazement, Andrew pulled of a very clean Helix, the first in the series, as he landed it it was met with a gasp and a very good wave score. Jon still leading at this point, surfing very well, great technique with his turns and carves. But Andrew was able to just snatch this lead away from Jon with a really good second last wave to take the heat.

Andrew winning with 50 points to Jons 45

Heat 3

Dean Bottcher vs Denzil Smith.

This heat was always going to be a tough one for any contestant as Denzil has remained un defeated in the last two contests. Dean has obviously been practicing in the surf as his surfing has improved so much. Dean was the only person to get barreled twice, both times coming out of the wave curtain backwards into a 360. Very impressive. But it was Denzil with his classic style who took top honours in this heat…even though it wasn’t by much.

Denzil Smith winning with 63 points to Dean Bottchers 56

Heat 4

Rob Davey vs Brendan Germaine

Rob Davey coming second in the last contest is another surfer who you don’t really want to come up against. He has an excellent style and is really great at reading waves and the wave selection. Brendan is another surfer who has progresses so much during the contest, as his wave riding ability has really improved. Busting 360s and managing to link waves to score more points and plus getting pummeled in the shore break, hes a guy to watch out for in future. But in the end Rob Davey got the better of Brendan with some long rides and great off the lips.

Rob Davey Winning with 72 points to Brendans 44

The reppecharge heat is used to determine the last two places that go into the semi final. The first four spots are taken by the winners of each first round heat. This also acts as a second chance for the guys who lost their first heats to get through to the finals.

We held 1 reppo heat as there were 4 contestants to reduce the waiting time for the other contestants.

Reppecharge heat.

Dean Bottcher vs Jon Ivins, vs Brendan Germaine, vs Phillip Claasens.

This heat was quite difficult to judge as the wave was peeling both ways and coming in sets of two, so inevitably on two waves we had to judge four surfers. In the end it was a very close heat with Dean Bottcher winning, which is an amazing feat as its his second contest ever…well done!

Dean Bottcher winning with 57 points to Jon Ivins 51, Phillip Claasens just missing out with 47 and Brendan Germaine 45.

This means Jon and Dean Progress through to the semi finals.

Semi Final 1

Dean Bottcher vs Andrew Pollock vs Kade Burnett

The waves slowly dropping in this heat, and the tide rising, it was still quite difficult to link the wave from the back line to the re form in the shore break. Kade starting of with a great wave and setting the bar the whole way through culminating in a huge 12 point ride which consisted of a floater, slashes and a round house cutback with a reverse 360. Andrew answering with a blunt and some great carves. Andrews seat came off the one side so he was battling a bit. Dean taking some great rides too, with another barrel into a 360..

In the end Kade took the heat earning himself a shot at the final.

Kade winning with 68 points to Andrews 62 and Deans 47

Semi final 2

Rob Davey vs Jon Ivins vs Denzil Smith

Denzil decided to use a different boat in this contest. In this heat he busted another move we haven’t seen yet, and that was a 720. Rob surfing very well as usual and linking the waves nicely, but unable to land the final floater as it was in shallow water. Jon surfing well too but just not getting the scores he needed, but coming in extremely close…watch this space!.

Denzil narrowly beating Rob (by 1 point) to earn himself a shot at winning the contest.

Denzil winning with 54 points to Robs 53 and Jons 49

3^rd Place Final

Rob Davey vs Andrew Pollock

A great heat to watch, Rob electing to wait for the bigger waves and Andrew ripping up anything he could get his boat onto! Rob being the early leader with his 3 first waves all scoring 8,8, and 9, Andrew had to come back and score the wave of the day with 13 points throwing another clean helix…in a wobbly seat, respect. A really cool heat to watch with Andrew just not consistent enough in his wave scores to take the heat. At the end the judges had a draw the 5^th best waves coming into play with Rob taking third place with 1 point!

Rob Davey winning with 80 points to Andrews 79!

The Final

Denzil Smith vs Kade Burnett

Denzil coming off 2 previous victories wanting to make his mark on the contest. If he had to win this compo, he would have a good strangle hold on the series!, so Kade had everything to play for. With no surprise it was Denzil putting his mark down early with a 9 point scoring ride, kade only able to answer with an 8 point ride consisting of a few slashes and a botched floater attempt. Kade then coming to the party with two 10 point rides, dropping in then hitting the opposite way, hitting the white water, coming round with a cut back and a floater. Denz scoring a ten point ride with another 720, but it was kades day and he was not letting denzil take it with an awesome 12 point ride nearing the end, he took off on a close out, bottom turned and hit the lip to land a HUGE floater, managed to make it round the close out section into a round house cut back re-entry, hanging on to the re build and smashing another floater for the win!. An awesome final to watch.

Kade winning with 61 points to denzils 55.

This result leaving the Fluid Surf Kayak series wide open.

A HUGE thanks goes to the series sponsors Fluid, really appreciate your support. And Gashed Products, MAXPADDLE.COM as well, thanks very much for the constant support and for the use of your gazebo and banners. Thanks must go to Jon of JONIVINS.COM for the photography, and Morgs for snapping up some awesome shots! AIIII!!!!! Thanks to NDORFIN.CO.ZA for flighting our stories and results. Thanks again to MR Price for the rashies….appreciate it.

Id just like to thank Sharee, Farrell and Gareth who work hard behind the scenes doing the scoring of the heats and working out placing and all that jazz, making this whole thing run quicker. Thanks very much.

Compo results are as follows:

Kade 20pts, Denzil 17pts, Rob 14 pts, Andrew 11 pts, Dean 9 pts, Jon 7pts, Phillip 5 pts, Brendan 3pts.

Well done to Dean For achieving 5 th place! Keep it up!

The Fluid Surf Kayak Series Standings are as follows:

1- Kade Burnett 68pts Epic Rush

2- Denzil Smith 57pts Fluid Element

3- Rob Davey 53pts Surf Yak

4- Jordan Wallace 31pts Fluid Element

5- Andrew Pollock 28pts Fluid Element

6- Jon Ivins 25pts Epic Rush

7- Phillip Claasens 14pts Wave sport

7- Dean Bottcher 14pts Fluid Spice

7- Graham Anderson 14pts Fluid Element

7- Rowan Walpole 14pts Mega Xray

11- Brendan Germaine 11 pts Fluid Flirt

12- Steve Butler 7pts Blisstick

12- Stuart Howe 7pts

14- Guy Anderson 1pts Fluid Element

All photos courtesy JONIVINS.COM

Dean Bottcher busting another 360..one of many during the contest.

Rob Davey flying into 3rd place.

Jon Ivins laying back....style!

Phillip Claasens getting ready for a blunt.

Kade Burnett, flying down the face, setting hiself up for the win.

Surf Kayaker chatted to Denzil Smith. Winner of the 3rd Fluid Surf Kayak Contest.

2007-08-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

SK: Well done on your 2nd consecutive win, how do you feel?

DS: Well I’m pretty stoked hey, like I said before I’m looking at the series as a whole and want to do well in that so the points are what I’m really happy about.

SK: How did you feel going into the contest?

DS: Scared man! More so that the first ones, I knew that there were some big names entering this one that we hadn’t come up against yet and the guys from the previous compo’s just keep getting better. So I knew there was going to be some serious competition this time.

SK: What was the venue at snake park like?

DS: I really like Snake Park; it’s where I do most of my surfing. There are some awesome banks that have formed recently that hold really well and did so during the compo. There wasn’t big swell but we still had the choice of a left or a right which still held over the bank and allowed for longer rides.

SK: Have you been Surf Kayaking much, if so, how much and where do you go?

DS: To be honest I hadn’t been in my boat since the last compo. But when I do its normally at snake park.

SK: How do you feel your kayak surfing has improved since the start of the series, have you mastered more moves?

DS: As far as new moves go there’s nothing new in my goodie bag, but I am more familiar now with how the judging is done. So I tend to surf a style now more suited to compo’s which is what I think pulled me through this one.

SK: You absolutely BLITZED your way through the contest, taking everyone out, what were your tactics in the first rounds?

DS: Wow the first round was a personal biggy for me because I had never seen Andrew in a compo before and I’d seen footage of what he is capable of. I figured I’d just try having fun and sticking to what I know.

SK: What were your thoughts on the Tag team event?

DS: It was rigged! The red team was much better (looking), all I can say is that those yellow belly guys better watch out next time!

SK: In the final, you were up against Rob Davey who was also blasting big names out the water, what was your approach going to be from a tactical point of view?

DS: I went into that round pretty calm, just stoked that I had made it to the final. I tried to ride fewer waves and more quality after all only the three best scores count.

SK: Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the SA Champs in December?

DS: I just hope KZN creams those capetonians , we got the home turf which is awesome so I’m looking forward to it.

3rd FLUID Surf Kayak Competition

2007-07-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Denzil Wins Another!

The thunder of glassy seas and long, relaxed swell greeted kayak surfers at the 3^rd Fluid Surf Kayak Contest in association with MAXPADDLE.COM. The KZN SKASA Body met at Pirates at 7 to make a call on where they should hold the contest. After an SMS was sent out, the team started setting up. The venue was perfect. Snake Parks 2-3ft glassy somewhat soft waves greeted surfers, and we had a great entry of 10 competitors. Not only were the conditions great but YO TV came to do some interviews and find out more about the sport, thanks to Andrew Pollock.

After everyone had registered the competition got under way!

Heat1:

Andrew Pollock (9) vs Dean Bottcher (N/A) vs Denzil Smith (1)

The waves were playing there part big time and it was great to see some great moves from all the kayakers, especially Dean, the judges could not believe he had only just bought his kayak, and it was the third time he’d been out. Well done!.

Denzil taking this heat convincingly.

1- Denzil Smith (81), 2- Dean Bottcher (52), 3- Andrew Pollock (38)

Heat2:

Guy Anderson (N/A) vs Steve Butler (N/A) vs Kade Burnett (2)

A much closer contested heat than the first one, Steve taking part in his first heat and compo of the series. Guy coming down to Durban showing that the PMB guys also rip.

1- Kade Burnett (87), 2- Steve Butler (75), 3- Guy Anderson (64)

Heat3:

Graham Anderson (N/A) vs Jordan Wallace (4)

Graham Anderson, taking part in his first kayak contest too. This guy RIPS (watch out for the Andersons!), and had a stormer of a heat taking Jordan Wallace down, albeit by 4 points!

1- Graham Anderson (68), 2- Jordan Wallace (64)

Heat 4:

Rob Davey (7) vs Jon Ivins (5)

From the start of the series, there has been one guy who has improved his game so much. Each week hed up his ranking, and even though he didn’t win this heat, the time will come when hell blow other kayakers out the water. Jon Ivins ripping up, but Rob Davey and his “hurse” taking the cake.

1- Rob Davey (68), Jon Ivins (50)

All the guys who did not make it through the first heat have a second chance to make it through to the semi final. Two, three man heats, with the winner from each heat making up the two last places in the semi finals.

Reppecharge Heat 1

Dean Bottcher (N/A) vs Jordan Wallace (4) vs Andrew Pollock (9)

A classic heat with the leader changing a number of times…Jordan managing to pip Dean and Andrew out, by inches!

1- Jordan Wallace (65), 2- Dean Bottcher (64), Andrew Pollock (61)

Reppecharge Heat 2

Guy Anderson (N/A) vs Jon Ivins (5) vs Steve Butler (N/A)

Another close call, the chaps were carving well in this heat, but the wind had started to chop things up a bit, making the going slightly tougher. Guy Anderson having a bad day in the kayak, this guy usually rips!.

1- Steve Butler(65), 2- Jon Ivins (58), 3- Guy Anderson(57)

After the Reppercharge heats and round 1, we had a tag team event to get the guys used to tag team rules and try get the format honed for SA Champs. This ended up being a great addition to the series, as the guys really backed there sides and chirped the others.

Tag Team:

Team Red: A Pollock, Denzil Smith *, Dean Bottcher, Jordan Wallace, Graeme Anderson

Team Yellow: Guy Anderson, Steve Butler, Rob Davey *, Kade Burnett, Jon Ivins.

Denzil Having the “double Whammy” for team Yellow, and Rob having it for Team red.

A very well contested heat, with Team Yellow coming out on top!

1- Yellow (222), 2- Red (221)

Now onto the Serious part of the contest.

Semi1:

Denzil Smith (1) vs Graham Anderson (N/A) vs Jordan Wallace (4)

The second closest heat. This was always going to be a great Semi final to watch, as Denzil Smith, Jordan Wallace, and Graham can all totally charge! Seeing awesome moves!

Denzil, winning it with his smooth style and surfing all the way to the beach.

1-Denzil Smith (69), 2- Graham Anderson (68), Jordan Wallace (64)

Semi2:

Kade Burnett (2) vs Rob Davey (7) vs Steve Butler (N/A)

The wind and swell periods were playing a huge factor in the game now, and contestants had to seriously choose there waves carefully for maximum distance. Rob elected to stay far right and got the set waves which he rode his hurse (a long fiberglass sea surf kayak, that looks remarkably like a car) all the way to the sand, and in doing so, snatched the opportunity to win from Kade who came in close second.

1- Rob Davey (66), 2- Kade Burnett (65), Steve Butler (51)

3^rd Place Final

Kade Burnett (2) vs Graham Anderson (N/A)

Wind was howling and the waves were very “sectiony”. Graham, using the knowledge and skills to work his kayak into first place, and in doing so coming third over all!

1- Graham Anderson (71), Kade Burnett (64)

Final:

Denzil Smith (1) vs Rob Davey (7)

A great final, with awesome Skill and showmanship, the old hand, Rob taking some amazing waves only to be answered by Denzil Smith. It was a Blow By Blow affair, and in the end the Judges had them so close they tied there top 5 waves so there 6^th best waves counted towards who won and lost! Great final!

1- Denzil Smith (70+10), 2- Rob Davey (70+9)

All in all a really, really great event, if you weren’t there you missed out. A great call on the venue area too.

Compo Results:

1- Denzil Smith (20), 2- Rob Davey (17), 3- Graham Anderson (14), 4- Kade Burnett (11), 5- Jordan Wallace (9), 6- Steve Butler (7), 7- Dean Bottcher (5), 8- Andrew Pollock (3), Jon Ivins (2), Guy Andreson (1).

FLUID Surf Kayak Series 07 Standings:

1- Kade Burnett (48) Epic

2- Denzil Smith (40) Epic

3- Rob Davey (39) “the Hurse”

4- Jordan Wallace (31) Fluid Element

5- Jon Ivins (18) Epic

6- Andrew Pollock (17) Fluid Element

7- Rowan Walpole (14) Mega X Ray

7- Graham Anderson (14) Fluid Element

9- Phillip Claasens (9) Fluid Spice

9- Brendan Germaine (9) Fluid Flirt

11- Stuart Howe (7) Dagger

11- Steve Butler (7) Bliss stick

13- Dean Bottcher (5) Fluid Spice

14- Guy Anderson (1) Fluid Element

A big thanks must go to our Judge, Clay, who come rain, wind or shine, he’s there, score card in hand. Thanks clay!

Secondly, thanks to our series Sponsors, FLUID, and the other sponsors, MAXPADDLE.COM (thanks for the awesome Gazebo), and Gashed. JONIVINS.COM for the awesome photography, and ndorfin.co.za, check them out. If you forget whos sponsoring the series, check the back of your Series t shirt. Thanks to Shem Hunter For sorting these out, they look awesome!

Thanks must go to the “Bradleys” at MR P, thanks again for the Series Heat rashies!.

Hope to see you all at the next compo which will take place on 25^th August.

Photos Courtessy JONIVINS.com

Clay, the Head Judge.

Graham, off the lip.

Andrew Pollock.

Team Red: Denzil, Andrew, Graham, Jordan, Dave.

Team Yellow: Kade, Steve, Rob, Guy

Rob Davey, driving 'The Hurse".

Inter view with Denzil Smith. Winner of the 2nd contest

2007-06-29T04:10:00.000-07:00

Surf Kayaker, gets hold of Denzil Smith to ask him a few questions, as the latest winner of the recent Fluid Surf Kayak contest.

SK: Well done on winning the 2nd Fluid Surf Kayak competition, how do you feel?

DS: Man i'm so stoked to win one , its obviously my main objective coming

into the compo to do well , but with the series as a whole in mind i wanna

try claim a spot on that podium at the end so it all goes down to points

earned and i guess it doesn't get better than a win so im very happy about

that . I just hope that i can keep it up in the up coming events.

SK: Just a bit of background info, what do you do outside of Surf kayaking work and sport wise?

DS: Well i work as a assistant lecturer at a draughting academy here in

durban. Sports wise im very much a water person I live to surf. I

absolutely love it, its what gets me out of bed early in the mornings

before work, and also really enjoy diving , paddling and canoe polo.

SK:How long have you been surf Kayaking for?

DS: I started surf kayaking when i was 17 so for about six years now.

SK: How did you get involved in the sport?

DS: I grew up in Richards bay and was pretty much a beach bum and doing

lifesaving i got to play around on alot of the different crafts in our

club, at the same time I was involved in paddling and had bought myself a

plastic for rivers at first so it was just a matter of time before i hit

the surf in it. I been hooked ever since.

SK:What is your local surf kayak spot and how often do you surf?

DS: I like to surf kayak at snake park, the beach really has alot to offer,

there are some amazing banks out there which fire more often than other

breaks and even on the higher tide it offers a heavy bowl to play in. It

has less crowds and in my mind a more powerfull wave.

SK: Have you got any trademark or favorite moves?

DS: Yeh i like to think in my style of riding i tend to try go as big as i

can with moves like floaters but if I were to say I have a favorite move

it something I been trying to pull off and have only done so about twice

is a reverse 360 floater. Good fun and looks pretty awesome if you get it

rite.

SK: Awesome, you surf kayak in an Epic Rush, why?

DS: Well i bought the epic as i said when i was alot younger, and at that

time epics were the only localy made plastics and they were going at a

good price too. I guess I still use it because despite its wieght it a

brilliant boat in my eye, its pretty quick , and loose on a wave. Its a

very forgiving boat.

SK: Ok, back to the competition, you lost your first heat to Jordan Wallace, what happened there?

DS: Ah man that first heat was so frustrating for me, I made it out there

before the heat started and messed around on one wave and on my way back

out I just fulled up with so much water. Not to make excuses though Jordan

is a brilliant rider and took the heat in style. Jord seems to beat me in

every heat we face each other in, i got to get the bugger.

SK: You made it through the reppecharge round nicely, and won convincingly, then you were straight up into a semi against Rowan Walpole who is Cape Towns champ, and Stuart Howes, what were your thoughts out there during the semi Final heat bearing in mind that your last wave catapulted you from last to first?

DS: I had no idea I was lying 3rd through that heat, you don't know these

things while you out there but I was watching Rowen claim some amazing

rides so i knew I had to pull something out the bag. It almost ended for

me then when my spray deck had popped trying to land a floater , if it

weren't for the help from a friend , i would never of made it back out in

time to catch that last wave. But that was the most stressful heat of my

day , I must say.

SK: Ok You managed to claw your way back from a loss in the first round to come up against Kade Burnett, winner of the 1^st Fluid Surf Kayak series Compo, what was your strategy, as he was posting big scores the whole way through?

DS: Going into the final my strategy was to try ride more quality and push my length of ride rather than quantity which is my down fall . I tent to see a wave and just want to jump on it rather than wait. And to just try relax and have fun out there.

SK: In your opinion, Who are the guys to watch going forward?

DS: As a whole I think every one out there is a threat, the guys have all improved so much that if anyone were to find their form on a day they could take it. The guys are all riding so well but a few names like Kade, Jordan and Andrew Pollock Im my mind are the ones to beat.

SK: Any inspirational messages for the up and coming surf kayaker?

DS: Yeh for any one really who likes being active and has a sense of adventure its really an amazing sport with so much space for growth and freedom for self expression every one just has their own style out there I just love it.

Im just glad to be apart of it and hope more people would give it a go, I know they'll get hooked too!

SK: Thanks Denzil, good luck with the rest of the Fluid Surf Kayak Series.

Fluid Surf Kayak Compo#2

2007-06-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday 23^rd June dawned, and with it, the start of the 2^nd Fluid Surf Kayak contest.

As we arrived at Thekwini beach we saw great swell with some nice lines. So we set up and got the competition started as soon as we could. We had some important visitors this time around, as the SKASA Chairman, Greg Walpole, from Cape town was up to see how we were running our events, and Rowan Walpole, his son, and the WP no1 paddler was also down to join in the contest.

Heat 1:

Kade Burnett (1) vs Stuart Howes (n/a)

The first heat started off in some big swell with last contest winner going up against Stuart Howes, an unknown on the surf kayak scene.

Kade winning with 81 to Stuarts 65.

Heat 2:

Rowan Walpole (WP 1) vs Rob Davey (2)

A great heat to watch, as these are 2 great kayakers. Rowan kayak surfing in a Mega imported from the UK, with fins and all.

Rowan winning with 80 to Robs 58

Heat 3:

Denzil Smith (n/a) vs Jordan Wallace (4)

Another great heat to watch as many a lip was hit and lots of spray shed. Last time these two kayakers were up against each other was in the finals of the 1^st surf kayaking event.

Jordan winning with 76 to Denzils 65.

Heat 4

Jon Ivins (6) vs Brendan Germain (7)

By this time the bank was really starting to suck up with some heaving shore break and it started to become a real issue getting out. One had to chose his waves wisely and his gap perfectly.

Jon winning with 66 to Brendans 43

The loosers from each of the first round heats now got a second chance to go through to the semis if they placed in the top 2 of the reppo-charge heat.

Reppo:

Rob Davey (2), Denzil Smith (N/A), Brendan Germaine (7), Stuart Howes (N/A)

The waves were tough, and so was this heat as there was everything to surf for.

During the heat there was an interference call, the first one in the Series with Rob getting in Stuarts way on his way out. This changed the heat outcome quite considerably. The judges are working to smooth the interference protocol, but in this heat it ended up with a kayaker loosing his place in the semis by 1 point.

Winners were Denzil Smith with 76 and Stuart Howes with 60 to Rob Daveys 59* (int) and Brendans 32.

Now were into the exciting section of the competition.

Semi-final 1

Stuart Howes (n/a), Kade Burnett (1) and Jordan Wallace (4)

Waves were big and nasty and so was the paddle out. Winner would be whoever went bigger and got the longer rides.

Kade winning with 77 to Jordan 65 and Stuarts 40.

Semi- Final 2

Denzil Smith (n/a), Jon Ivins (6) and Rowan Walpole (WP 1)

Another great heat with some fantastic rides. It was an extremely close heat with any one of the competitiors. Denzil just pipping both Rowan and Jon with his last wave to go from 3^rd to 1^st .

Denzil winning with 67 to Rowans 63 and Jons 52.

3^rd Place Final.

Rowan Walpole (WP 1) vs Jordan Wallace (4)

A great 3^rd Place Final with both contestants getting some awesome waves. It was Rowan however, with the speed of his boat, who was able to get around the sections and in so doing pipping Jordan out of the elusive 3^rd place. An extremely close heat.

Rowan winning with 64 to Jordans 62.

Fluid Surf Kayak Final

Kade Burnett (1) vs Denzil Smith (n/a)

Kade coming off great heats and feeling very confident as last contests winner. Denzil having to claw his way through reppo-charge heats after losing his first round heat to Jordan Wallace. It was always going to be an intense final with both surfers big on hitting the lip and not afraid to drop in on bombs. This was the case half way through the heat when Kade dropped in on a bomb and hit the lip with the sand showing on the bank. He went down and was hit by wave after wave, eventually popping and having to swim in. This is where Denzil took his chance and clocked up some good scoring rides, eventually winning with a 3 point difference in total scores.

Denzil winning with 69 to Kades 66.

A big thanks goes to the judges Clayton and Sharee for making this possible and having some hard times with scores. Thanks guys this contest wouldn’t be able with out you.

Another big thanks goes to the series sponsors first of all Fluid Kayaks, who are getting right behind the series with some awesome prizes at the end of the series. As well as MAXPADDLE.COM also with some amazing prizes, just wait till the end!.

JON IVINS.COM, thanks for the photography and videography, Gashed, thanks for the straps, a must in any surf kayakers arsenal. MR Price for the awesome Heat Rash Vests, and endorphin.co.za. Check them out, support our sponsors as they support us.

A special thanks must also go to Greg and Rowan Walpole. Thanks for being a part of our series and for all the input, its much appreciated.

Hope to see you all at the next contest.

Compo results:

Denzil Smith 20pts, Kade Burnett 17pts, Rowan Walpole 14pts, Jordan Wallace 11pts, Jon Ivins 9pts, Stuart Howes 7pts, Rob Davey 5pts, Brendan Germaine 3pts.

Fluid Surf Kayak Series Standings as of 23 June ’07:

Kade Burnett 37pts

Rob Davey 22pts

Jordan Wallace 22 pts

Denzil Smith 20pts

Jon Ivins 16pts

Andrew Pollock 14pts

Rowan Walpole 14pts

Phillip Claasens 9pts

Brendan Germaine 9pts

Stuart Howes 7pts.

All photos, courtesy JON IVINS.COM

Social

2007-06-18T03:39:00.001-07:00

Interview with Kade Burnett, KZN'S NO1

2007-06-07T03:39:00.001-07:00

Surf Kayaker got hold of Kade Burnett, the winner of the First compo in the FLUID Surf Kayak series, and put him on the spot with an interview!

SK: Well done on winning the 1st surf kayak competition, how do you feel?

KB: Great! Im stoked to start off on such a positive note. Get the full 20 points behind me definitely takes a bit of the pressure off.

SK: Just a bit of back ground info, what do you do outside of Surf kayaking work and sport wise.

KB: I represent South Africa at canoe polo, my club side is UKZN Durban. I also surf a lot. I also have a background in canoeing with 6 Dusi’s under the belt and many Surf Ski races.

SK:How long have you been surf Kayaking for?

KB: I have been surf kayaking for about 2 years.

SK: How did you get involved in the sport?

KB: Funnily enough Jordan Wallace introduced me to the idea. I took out a plastic polo bat which has no rails and was so much fun, I decided to get a kayak, and bought Jordans old Epic from him, which is now my weapon of choice.

SK:What is your local surf kayak spot and how often do you surf a week?

KB: You will always find me out at snake park, I really love heavy shore break, and that’s the place to go! The sand banks are also great at the moment. I try to surf 4 mornings a week.

SK: Have you got any trademark or favorite moves?

KB: No trademark moves yet, but my favorite moves are HUGE floaters and I have just recently got the hang of the 360 floater, so im pretty stoked about that!.

SK: Awesome, you surf kayak in a Epic Rush, what are your feelings towards this boat?

KB: I honestly feel that nothing compares to it on a wave, other than a Fluid Element. Im really happy with it and its so responsive, I would like to see what it could do with a shorter stern. Its pretty fast on the flats and holds the rail very well.

SK: Ok, back to the competition, you won your first heat pretty convincingly, and then going into the semi, you couldn’t have asked for tougher competition, what were your thoughts?

KB: I totally agree with you, I was up against Phil from Richards bay, who was really charging in his first compo, and Andrew who is really a wave master. The conditions were turning bad and I knew that if I won this semi, I had a good chance in the final. I decided, as did everyone in the heat, to go out to backline and try get a big guy all the way, but the wait was too long and I wanted to score points, so I moved into the mid break, and managed to get some nice linking waves and rides, it was very tight with Andrew, and I was lucky to get the last wave of the heat which pushed me ahead.

SK: In the final, Rob Davey was posting huge scores and getting awesome waves, you must have been a little worried going up against him?

KB: First of all, I thought I would be up against Jordan Wallace who won the last compo, but I watched Robs semi final, and let me tell you, he may be a little older than us, but he absolutely charges. He has great wave knowledge, so experience counts!

My tactic was to stay in mid-break and wait for the waves that would score points, I saw Rob head out to back line and hoped that no waves came through, after my first wave, I paddled out and saw Rob on a great wave that took him all the way to shore, so I knew that I had to post some big scores. With 5 mins to go Rob caught a wave in and was sitting in the shore break battling to get out, which was great for me as he couldn’t score. At the end I was just lucky with my wave selection, and it came as a bit of a surprise as I thought Rob had taken the win.
SK: You surfed really well all the way through. Great win.

SK: In your opinion, Who are the guys to watch going forward?

KB: Rob Davey definitely, Denzil Smith, Jordan Wallace and Andrew Pollock. All these guys have great talent!

SK: Any inspirational messages for the up and coming surf kayaker?

KB: The more time you spend in the ocean the better, surf in all types of conditions too. Push the bar when it comes to trying out new moves, don’t be afraid of the lip!! Join the more experienced guys during the training sessions, they are there to help you! And always surf with a partner.

SK: Thanks, good luck for the rest of the series!

KB: Thanks im going to need it :)

1st compo Fluid Surf Kayak Series

2007-05-28T05:05:00.001-07:00

The first competition in the Fluid Surf Kayak Series 07 in association with Maxpaddle.com, got off to a great start as the elements were, absolutely playing their part in what was to become an awesome battle of strategy, fitness and skill. After a week of heavy seas the swell dropped to a manageable 4-5ft running backline and a very gnarly 2-3ft shore break. There was really a wave for everybody from the in experienced to the outright brilliant.

After moving the judging area twice we settled on a great spot. The waves were really running nicely and the wind was only a slight off shore. In the first heat we saw Jordan Wallace, the first seed going up against Andrew Pollock. Now for those who haven’t seen a helix, check out www.fluidkayaks.com. This guy has a super arsenal of moves, so this first heat was set to be a brilliant one to watch. Andrew set out first but forgot to put on his Mr Price Heat Rash vest so jordan took it out to him and lost it in the surf on the way out. ( If you see a black MR P Rash vest, please save it for us).

Heat 1
Jordan Wallace (1)
Andrew Pollock (N/A)
The heat got off to a great start with both guys catching some great rides, and Andrew managing to pip Jordan out with a flip turn and longer rides.

Andrew 53, Jordan 47.

Heat2
Phillip Claasens (N/A)
Brendan Germaine (8)
This was Phillips first compo, and he has never really paddled in the ocean before, but he had a fantastic heat, showing that river guys can really carve it up! Brendan on the other hand, really battled to get out as the shore break was starting to get a bit ugly and if you didn’t time your run, you’d sit on the shore for ages. This resulted in Brendan not getting the 3 waves needed and so ended up having a low score.

Phillip 58, Brendan 8.

Heat 3
Jon Ivins (7)
Kade Burnett (3)
Rob Davey (5)
We had to drop the last heat and push one guy into the 3^rd heat to make up for Denzil Smith who was MIA. This was also a great heat to watch as all these surfers are experienced in the surf, the conditions here were still really good and you had to choose whether to go out and wait for a big backline bomb as these waves are bigger and running longer so your score will be better, or stay in the mid-break and get a few more rides. Rob Daveys strategy was perfect and he ended up taking the honours with long rights from the back line. Jon only managed to catch 1 wave witch left him with a low score.

Rob 75, Kade 72, Jon 21.

After these firs round heats it was on to the reppo charge heat with the losers from each heat getting a second chance to make it into the semis. Top 2 would go through.

Reppo Heat
Jordan (1)
Brendan (8)
Jon (7)
It was here that the sea started turning nasty with the rise of the beasterly easterly, although not too strong, it was enough to chop the sea a little, that, and with the dropping tides, it was a real mission to get out. The judges often having to wait for kayakers to get passed the shore-break to start the heats. Once everyone was out it was always going to be the paddler who had a good strategy. By now the goal was to get the longer rides and be in a position where the waves were breaking and running longer. Jon was out standing in this heat being in the right place at the right time and carving up the waves very well, which put him ahead of Jordan who was the first seed from the previous compo. Both Brendan and jordan didn’t have much luck getting through the shore-break which resulted it low scores.

Jon 56, Jordan 46, Brendan 30

( Brendan, while coming in took off on a beast and got eaten so badly that everyone on the beach went “oooooohhh”…respect )

Into the Semis

Semi 1
Andrew Pollock (N/A)
Kade Burnett (3)
Phillip (N/A)
As the green flag went up which started the heat, saw all 3 kayakers out at backline, wanting to latch on to a backline monster and get a long open face (rare), the set pulled in after about 5 mins and kade was onto the first one with the other contestants hooting for support, but on the way down the face, kades nose dug and flipped him head over heels. He then moved to the shore break, with time running out shortly followed by Phillip. Kade hooked into a decent ride which he was able to link to the shore line and get a great score which pushed him infront of Andrew, Andrew then answered with another high scoring wave which put them, neck in neck, with Phillip trailing, but not by much. During the dying seconds, kade latched onto another wave which reformed and pushed him ahead of Andrew, who was un able to answer with the time run out.

Kade 79, Andrew 73, Phillip 60

Semi2
Jon Ivins (7)
Rob (5)
Jordan (1)
This was always going to be a tough semi, with Rob showing what he was capable of in the first heat. And this was no acception. From the start he was always in the right place, with an opening wave score of 14 out of a possible 20, he was taking this heat by storm. Jordan and jon got hammered trying to get out and Jon popped his spraydeck a total of 4 times throughout the contest. Infact Jon popped in every heat due to a bone crushing lip that was felt by all. Rob eventually taking down the 1^st seed and getting himself a place in the final.

Rob 70, Jordan 61, Jon 31

3^rd Place Final
Andrew Pollock (N/A)
Jordan Wallace (1)
The sea was really upside down now, with a drastic drop in waves and scores. Jordan Leading the whole time until Andrew got on a big stormer of a waver with a few carves and a 360 under the lip he was able to jump ahead of jordan to 3^rd place over all.

Andrew 58, Jordan 53

Final
Kade Burnett (3)
Rob Davey (5)
Conditions now deteriorated drastically, in this final strategy was going to play a vital role in the outcome. Rob deciding to go out to back line while kade stayed in mid break. Rob was the early leader with 2 great waves, one taking him all the way into shore, kade answered with another 2 long rides this keeping them neck in neck. Rob was now battling to get out with 5 mins to go, and here Kade capitalized with a great last wave, dropping in to a steep face and hitting the lip twice before getting the connecting reform and hitting the lip again once before smashing the floater. This propelled him into first place and was able to take top honors.

Kade 83, Rob 74.

Series Standings:

1- Kade Burnett Epic Rush 20 Pts

2- Rob Davey Riot 17 Pts

3- Andrew Pollock Fluid Element 14 Pts

4- Jordan Wallace Fluid Element 11 Pts

5- Phillip Claasens Fluid Spice 9 Pts

6- Jon Ivins Epic Rush 7 Pts

7- Brendan Germaine Fluid Flirt 5 Pts

A huge thank you must go to our main sponsors Fluid in association with Maxpaddle.com as well as Gashed Products, Jonivins.com and Ndorfin.co.za, with out them these events would not be possible.

Also a big thanks goes to Mr Price for the rash vests, we couldn’t do with out them. Thanks guys.

A special mention must also go to Clay, who is our stalwart judge who can answer any judging related question (he’s a pro) and Farrell Burnett (scribe and MC) and Gareth (All round worker, Flags man and video camera guy). Thanks to all of you.

I hope to see more people at the next compo. Its really worth your while.

Photos courtesy JONIVINS.COM

Map to the series registration party

2007-05-24T03:42:00.001-07:00

SE YOU THERE!!!!!

The FLUID KZN Surf Kayak series is HERE!!!!!

2007-05-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Double Click poster to view.

The KZN Surf Kayak Association is proud to be hosting the first KZN Surf Kayak Series.

This series will have 6 events (competitions) held over 6 months. We aim to grow the exciting sport of Surf Kayaking, and this series is open to EVERYBODY, no matter the skill level!

Registration: Friday 25th May 2007 (Bring and Braai)
Registration venue: Durban Varsity Swimming Pool
Time of registration: 6.30pm (Pre registration compulsory)
Registration fee: R100 Series registration fee, includes T-shirt.

Top 10 Surf Kayakers overall will represent KZN at SA Nationals in December.

Ill be sending out Series registration forms by the end of the week.

It is vital that you pre register for this series.

Another thing is, if you are not registered with SKASA, you will need to be, or you can get a temporary license on the day for R30. Email: surfkayaker@gmail.com for a SKASA registration form.

April Surf Kayak Compo Photos

2007-05-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

All Photos courtesy JONIVINS.COM

2007-05-11T03:36:00.001-07:00

Interview with Jordan Wallace, KZN's no1

2007-05-02T03:39:00.000-07:00

KZN Surf Kayaker tied Jordan down from his hectic schedule to have a few words with him. Check it out!

SK: Well done on winning the 1st surf kayak competition, how do you feel?
JW: Very stoked. It was awesome to be able to compete in a sport that we have done socially for the past few years.

SK: Just a bit of back ground info, what do you do outside of Surf kayaking work and sport wise.
JW: Work-wise I work for Unilever as the assistant brand manager of AXE Deodorant. Sportwise, I play canoe-polo for the Durban Varsity side, which is great training for the surf. I'm trying to get into more whitewater paddling, and this year I did my first Dusi!

SK:How long have you been surf Kayaking for?
JW: Its been just over three years. It was the 1st paddling sport I tried

SK: How did you get involved in the sport?
JW: I was down at the beach one afternoon and saw a guy ripping it up in a blue Epic Rush. Right then I though that was the coolest thing I had seen in the sea. I was out of all sport recovering from a shoulder op so had to wait about 4 months. But I did my rehab and as I was cleared I bought an Epic.
SK: Nice!

SK:What is your local surf kayak spot and how often do you surf a week?
JW: I'm a big fan of Suncoast beach for its bigger rolling swell and have had days out there where its looked like Indo! Snake Park is also great if you're in the mood for a gnarlier shore break. Work has unfortunately put a major damper on the number of sessions I get in a week. during Varsity it was everyday of the week, some days twice. Now during winter I'll try get down there one afternoon a week, and then on the weekend if I can. With the series starting soon though, I'm going to make much more of an effort to get down there whenever I can.

SK: Have you got any trademark or favorite moves?
JW: Nothing I'd be able to claim as trademark yet, but i have a few things in mind that I'd like to work on before the series starts. Favorite is definitely the big floaters I love the feeling of hitting the lip and riding the drop down.
SK: You were also busting 360’s all over the place!

SK: Awesome, you usually surf kayak in a Fluid Flirt, you were using a Fluid Element (prototype), how did this go?
JW: Its awesome hey, much better suited for the style of surfing that is required by SKASA. The Flirt is great for conventional whitewater play in the surf. But the Element provides all the speed and holding capability that you need to ride and perform on the wave face. Its a great direction that Celliers and Fluid have taken, and its going to raise the bar of all our surfing. But hats off to the boat I started in as well, the Epic, I was stoked to see how well it did in the compo.
SK: Yeah, it did really well!

SK: Ok, back to the competition, you were ranked 4th after the first heat and came up against Kade who was ranked 2nd and Rob who was ranked 5th…tough semi, what were your thoughts going into it?
JW: Kade and I have surfed so many times together, I tried to put the compo out of my mind and just enjoy the session. My strategy was to get onto the slightly longer lefts that were coming through, concentrate on wave selection and get the good high scoring waves under my belt. I got a few good waves but also spent a lot of time battling the wash to stay in the zone I wanted to be in. It was a hellava tiring final and when I left the water had no idea who had taken it. Luckily the waves i had gotten were good enough

SK: In the final, Denzil Smith was posting huge scores all along, you must have been a little worried going up against him?
JW: Definitely, Denz was the man to beat the whole day. My strategy was the same as before. Get on the longer waves and try get in that extra move that would make the difference. I started my heat with a great wave, and then just tried to have fun and link one move to the next and make as much of each wave as possible. Denz was racking up wave after wave and once again I left the water not knowing who would take it. It could have gone either way.
SK: Even the guys on the beach didn’t know who the winner would be!

SK: Well you were surfing very well, How do you feel now going into the surf kayak series ranked first?
JW: Pressure bro! But also a very strong desire to stay there and I'm going to be getting in the surf, working on new moves! Saturday's competition could have gone to any of three paddlers, and there are some super strong paddlers who couldn't be there. So the competition is going to be fierce going into the series! KZN Surf Kayaking is in a great place to grow!

SK: In your opinion, Who are the guys to watch going forward?
JW: The top 3 guys at this compo (Jordan, Denzil and Kade) are going to give each other a run every single time. Andrew Pollock and Dave Fisher are fantastic surf kayakers and will pick up the required style very quickly. Same goes with the top river kayakers like Ross O'Donohue and the Anderson brothers. So tons of people to watch out for! KZN surf kayaking is going to be a force to be reckoned with.

SK: Any inspirational messages for the up and coming surf kayaker?
JW: Yeah, get out and surf with the more experienced guys as often as you can. Surfing with others, showing off new moves, and sharing the fun is the best way to learn and develop. Also dont park 200km away from the compo zone and carry two boats through the sand. (Insight i gained this weekend).

First Surf Kayak Competition - write up

2007-04-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

It was with apprehension and grey skies that I ventured down to the beach on Saturday morning the 28^th. The news papers had been sending messages out about gale force winds and high seas, and rumors of the shark nets being taken down so as not to be lost by the strong currents. The SKASA KZN Body met at pirates at 7 to assess the situation, would we need to move to addington, the protected beach to run thy competition, or would suncoast be adequate?... On my way down, I was expecting the worst….How could the first surf kayak competition fall on such an awful day?? I parked in the pirates car park and walked to the edge of the parking lot. What greeted me, as I looked over the dunes, were glassy seas with a 3ft wind swell. The competition would take place at suncoast today! I was so stoked!

We set up at the venue, which took longer than expected, but it was the first compo, and it was being run to try get things super smooth before the KZN Series. We had 3 judges, Shem, Clay and Dave, with Farrell Burnett acting as scribe, MC, and organizer. All these guys worked very hard and there time and effort is much appreciated.

Right, so after we set up, the Round 1 heats were drawn up. Due to the small turn out of 9 people, we decided to have 2 man heats which worked out very well.

Round1

Heat 1: Guy Anderson (R) vs Brendan Germaine (Y).

Winner: Guy 93 points to Brendan 71.

Heat 2: Jordan Wallace (W) vs Rob Davey (B).

Winner: Jordan 123 points to Rob 93.

Heat 3: Hardus (R) vs Denzil Smith (Y).

Winner: Denzil 143 points to Hardus 85.

Heat 4: Jon Ivins (W) vs Kade Burnett (B).

Winner: Kade 142 points to Jon 89.

All the losers from each round took part in 2 reppocharge heats, the winner from each heat getting a place in the semi finals. So it was all to surf for, nothing to loose! Ross came late and was shuffled into the first reppo heat.

Reppo 1: Ross O’Donahue (R) vs Brendan (Y).

Winner: Ross 110 points to Brendan 66.

(let it just be known that in the dying minutes of this heat Brendan dropped into what was called one of the meanest barrels of the day, getting completely covered and swimming in with his tools, this for a guy who can hardly roll! 10/10)

Reppo 2: Hardus (R), Jon (W), Rob (B).

Winner: Rob 103 points to Hardus’ 85 and Jon 71.

The winners from these 2 heats progressed to join in the semi finals.

From the first round heats, points were taken to determine the semi final heats.

(the numbers by the names reflect the rankings as of the first rounds)

Semi final 1: Ross 6 (R), Denzil 1 (Y), Guy 3 (B).

Winner: Denzil 123 points to Guy’s 106 and Ross’ 95.

Semi Final 2: Jordan 4 (W), Kade 2 (Y), Rob 5 (B). Winner: Jordan 109 points to Kades 104 and Robs 96. (This was one of the most contested and exciting heats with the lead fluctuating between the three all the time. With a late take-off, barrel and floater, Kade Burnett scored the competitions highest wave score of 18 out of a possible 20.)

Jordan managing to knock out 2^nd seed Kade Burnett in the semis to earn himself a place against Denzil Smith in the final.

3^rd Place Final: Kade (Y) vs Guy (B). Winner: Kade 125 points to Guys 96.

The Final heats proved great for spectators and competitors alike with an array of different and exciting moves and combinations.

Final: Jordan Wallace (W) vs Denzil Smith (Y).

The waves really came to the party here with solid 3 foot glassy hollow perfection. The competitors also had a choice of whether to go out and sample the backline, but, from previous heats the good scores all coming from the shore break, they both decided to surf closer in. Early on in the heat it was Jordan who took the lead with a great bottom turn followed by a 360 and then a race along the wave to hit a good floater, which earned him a 15 point ride, Denzil was not able to match that even with his 360 floater, which earned him a 12 point ride. Denzil battled with wave selection and in the end it was Jordan who exited the water victorious as the first Surf Kayak Competition Champion. Well done Jordan, who is now seeded Number1 going into the KZN Surf Kayaking series.

Winner: Jordan Wallace 124 points to Denzils 110.

After the competition we had a lucky draw, all of the prizes sponsored by Brendan at Max Paddle.

The winners were as follows:

2 x 10% gift voucher for any max paddles: Jon Ivins and Denzil Smith.

15% off the purchase of a Fluid Kayak: Hardus

R1000 Voucher for the new WW Max Paddle: Jordan Wallace (believe it or not).

Over all standings are as follows:

1- Jordan Wallace Fluid Element (proto)

2- Denzil Smith Epic Rush

3- Kade Burnett Epic Rush

4- Guy Anderson Fluid Element (proto)

5- Rob Davey Perception

6- Ross O’Donahue Fluid Element (proto)

7- Hardus Fluid Flirt

8- Jon Ivins Epic Rush

9- Brendan Germaine Fluid Flirt

The Tag team event could not be hold as the weather was very cold.

A HUGE thank you goes out to the Judges, David Crundwell, Clayton and Shem Hunter and Farrell Burnett (Scribe/MC) all of whom did a great job, next time there will be drinks and chow for you guys.

A big thank you to the organizers, Kade, Shem and Jon, who pulled the whole thing together.

Another big thank you to Brendan from Max Paddles who really came to the party and sponsored some HUGE prizes, its great to know that there are companies out there that feel really passionate about the sport! We really appreciate it Brendan. Thanks!.

I also want to thank Brad Momsen and Brad Rowlett and Mr Price for sponcoring the heat rash vests! They look super hot!

And that concludes what was a great competition! Thanks to all who participated, hopefully we get more people out next time, for the start of the Surf Kayak Compo Series.

All pics Jon Ivins

2 Days To Go!!

2007-04-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

Only 2 days till the compo, hope your gearing up for it!

Remember, everyone is urged to come and compete, no matter the skill level!

Some info:
The venue for the competition is on the northern side of the Suncoast bathing area. Park at suncoast and walk down.

Registration starts at 7 till 8. Briefing will follow that and the first heat will start at 8.30.

Remember to bring life jackets and helmets and buoyancy...if you don’t have, it wont be a problem borrowing!

There will also be a tag team event after the individual final. (teams of 2 people)

The first person will run, get in his kayak, take 3 waves 2 of which will count, gets out runs to his partner, tags him, his partner runs gets in the water, and has 10 mins to catch 3 waves, 2 of which count. The team with the highest overall score wins. No heats….this all happens at the same time. Should be great fun, so pick your team now and send me your team name and members. You will be able to register names etc on the day and if you don’t have a partner, one will be given to you.

Max paddle has sponsored some lucky draw prizes

1- a voucher for a Glass crankshaft white water paddle to the value of R900.

2- 15% discount on Any Fluid white water Kayak

3- 2 vouchers @ 10% discount on any white water paddle bought.

Thanks very much to Brendan and max paddle.

One more thing, there will be an informal practice session tomorrow (27^th) at the compo venue (suncoast) at 8 o’clock for those interested.

Any Questions, let me know:

surfkayaker@gmail.com

See you there!!

3 Days to go

2007-04-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

Only 3 days to go to our First Surf kayaking Competition!
I trust there will be a great turn out on the day! The conditions are set to be ALL TIME epic!! Great off shore winds and swell thats not too big, but not too small.

A few things to remember on the day:
1- Have some form of buoyancy in your kayak.
2- PDF's and helmets compulsory!
3- Remember when competing : Have fun, go for broke!, we will have safety in the water!

We will be handing out membership forms on the day. You will need to be part of the SKASA if you want to compete in the up coming series and secure a place on the natal team, who, at the end of the year are going to give the rest of the country carrots at Nationals! So grab an entry form from the judges table.

I look forward to seeing you guys there!

Training session THIS SUNDAY!

2007-04-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

We will be having a training session this sunday. Its a general get together, have some fun for 2 hours and get a bit of practise in before the up coming competition on Saturday 28th April! Hope to see everybody there

Compo Heads Up!!

2007-04-18T00:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a heads up on what to expect at the competition:
(written by Rowan Walpole SKASA Cape Town) They are running a compo the day after ours.(29thApril)

Competitors will be broken into two categories Surf Kayak and Surf White water. They will be further broken down into heats for the competition. The heats will go out and the top scorers will move into the next heat and so on...
Each heat will last for approx 20 minutes and the best 3 scores achieved by the paddler in that period will be used to determine their overall score. No more than 10 waves can be taken during 1 heat.
There are penalties applied for interference and breaking the Laws of Surfing (more on these rules on the day).
Scoring is unfortunately subjective, so the same panel of judges will be used throughout the day to ensure consistency.
The scoring is broken down into a total of 20 points. 4 are allocated for take off, 12 for the ride and 4 for the exit. A smooth four stroke take off will ensure a high score, taking 20 strokes and resembling a convulsing duck probably won’t. Bouncing through the soup on exit wont score but a charge and turn or pop out etc will.
The scoring on the ride takes two factors into account: the length and the quality of the ride and the tricks used while on the ride. Combining the two of these will result in a good score.
In line with international standards, pfds and helmets will be compulsory at competitions. And a form of buoyancy in your kayak.

This is a general guideline and briefing on the day of competition will be provided to cover more specific details.

An on the day Guideline:
1. Arrive on time at the designated meeting spot, find the organiser and register (this is the meeting spot and the competition could be moved-leave the kayak on the roof until you are sure).
2. Attend the competitors briefing: This is where the format, judging and safety procedures are explained. The Notice Board will go up shortly after the briefing-check that you are in one of the heats and what colour bib you will wear.
3. A few heats before yours is a good time to stretch, prepare kit and have you boat checked out by the allocated official so that you have time to make any last minute changes e.g. borrow air-bags.
4. When the heat before yours starts get your bib, bring your boat to the beach and check in with the beach marshal.
5. Two people will be safety for each heat, these 2 people will be participating in the next heat. It will rotate, so look for your name on the notice board.
6. When the five minutes remaining flags are displayed then you can paddle out and wait outside the competition zone.
7. When the heat ends (red flag) you can paddle into the surf zone and start positioning for a wave. The top three waves of your first ten are scored so go for it.
8. Exit the water at the end of your heat (red flag).
9. It’s all about enjoyment so make the most of it…

First Surf Kayak Competition

2007-04-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

The first Surf Kayak competition is only 2 weeks away, and preparations are going nicely. We are hoping to have at least 16 competitors. There are 2 classes of surf kayaking, only one being officially recognized. The classes are Surf White water, and surf kayak. To compete in the surf white water class, you would only score points for moves in the white water and not on the face of the wave, where as surf kayaking is different, actually opposite in that the only moves scored are those on the wave, and no 'bouncing' moves are scored.

We are looking forward to a bumper competition on the 28th, and hope everyone is going to pitch up and have a great time. (placings will count for seedings in the next competition). THere are great things coming up, but ill keep you posted.

Remember that its really a fun competition, and you must bring your helmet and pfd, if you dont have, you can just borrow from other guys, there will be more than enough. Please tell your friends to enter.

Place: Suncoast beach...to the left of the bathing area (tekwini side)
- if conditions are bad, organizers will make the call to move it to addington beach.
Date: 29 April
Registration: 7-8am
Start: 8.30
Entry Fee: R40

Hope to see you there.