Victoria Bay was the epicenter of surfing excitement as the 59th South African Surfing Championships concluded with dramatic finishes and remarkable performances. Anastasia Venter emerged as the new Women's Champion, while defending Men’s Champion Tom Lindhorst successfully retained his title. Buffalo City clinched the coveted President's Cup, and Tyrell Johnson was named Surfer of the Contest.
Thrilling Women’s Final
In the Open Women’s Final, Anastasia Venter showcased her international competitive edge, taking control from the start. Despite brisk offshore conditions, Venter's experience shone through. Natasha Van Greunen, determined and relentless, put up a strong fight throughout the final. Danielle Powis displayed impressive backhand skills, while Katie Winter struggled to catch the best waves.
Venter’s standout performance included a spectacular ride that earned her a 7.33, the highest heat score. She linked turns seamlessly and rode through to the inside, solidifying her win despite Van Greunen’s 5.9 score. With this victory, Venter became the new South African Women’s Champion.
Open Women’s Final Results:
1.Anastasia Venter (CW)
2.Natasha Van Greunen (CTS)
3.Danielle Powis (CW)
4.Katie Winter (CTS)
Dramatic Men’s Final
The Open Men’s Final proved to be just as thrilling. Luke Van Wyk initially led comfortably, holding off his competitors with a combined score of 11.64. Max Elkington and defending champion Thomas Lindhorst trailed behind, with Tyrell Johnson struggling to find scoring waves after a strong semifinal performance.
As the final moments approached, Lindhorst seized a crucial opportunity. He caught a promising wave, performing a series of powerful turns and securing a score of 5.67. With time running out, Lindhorst managed to catch another wave, which he rode to a 6.40 score, just enough to clinch the win. His strategic decision to ride the last wave proved decisive, allowing him to retain his title as the SA Men’s Champion for 2024.
Open Men’s Final Results:
1.Thomas Lindhorst (BC)
2.Luke Van Wyk (CTS)
3.Max Elkington (CTS)
4.Tyrell Johnson (BC)
Team and Individual Honours
The three-day contest featured excellent surf conditions, though solid southwesterly winds and rain on the final day added an extra layer of challenge for the competitors. Representing various districts, the Cape Town Surfriders, Cape Winelands Surfriders, Eden Surfriders, Nelson Mandela Bay Surfriders, Buffalo City Surfriders, Ugu, eThekweni, and Ilembe Surfriders competed fiercely.
In the end, Buffalo City emerged victorious, claiming the President's Cup Team Trophy. Cape Town Surfriders secured second place, with Cape Winelands finishing third.
President's Cup Full Results:
1.Buffalo City - 5410
2.Cape Town Surfriders - 5367
3.Cape Winelands - 4340
4.Eden - 4183
5.Ilembe - 3938
6.Nelson Mandela Bay - 3628
7.Ugu - 2636
8.eThekweni - 2418
Tyrell Johnson was also honoured with the Surfer of the Contest trophy, donated by Bary Wolins in 1996, for his exceptional performance throughout the event.
The 59th SA Surfing Championships once again demonstrated the incredible talent and competitive spirit within South African surfing, setting the stage for future events and champions in the years to come.
IOL