galeforceevents - RACE REPORTS

HOME

DOWNWIND DASH

RACE REPORTS

2012-03-14

Last Night Dash was one of those classic evenings. The wind was up at 40km/hr from the SE. Beach sand was being blown across the Table View beach front which is always a good sign.

The surf was small and caused very little hindrance to anyone. A few SUP had to hop back on but no action for the spectators to Ohh and Aahh too, compared to last weeks massive surf!

Tallon & Darren set the early pace but were soon seen to by the sharp end of the field. Once Richard Kohler got his nose ahead made sure that that was how it remained. At the Seli1 the double of Phil & Dale started to close the gap and Mark Gevers decided to run the last bit from Small bay to the finish line coming in 20 sec behind Kohler. A number of others opted for this option but the jury is still out on which is quicker!

The current leader in the Bullets class, Boris Hales was eclipsed by, Mark Gevers and Beetle. Beetle mentioning that his training had been a bit off the mark recently and he was pleasantly surprised by his result! The secret is out – Mark Gevers has his eyes on the PE-EL trophy (Oscar beware!)

The SUP class had a record number of paddlers coming in at 47. Great to see the enthusiasm in their field similar to what was seen in the Surfski's in their early days (2002/3). The record entry for a DWD is 86 paddlers. It would be fantastic to see the SUP numbers grow to that level.

Thanks to the people on the day who make this event what it is.

Natalie & Jane (Time Keeping)

Derrick (BSLC)

Swerve (Duck crew/driving/finish line)

Rescue Duck and crew

NEXT WEEK IS THE LAST RACE FOR THE 2011/2012 SEASON.

Please show your appreciation and be there!

2012-02-08

Virtually a carbon copy of last weeks PRIMI Naish downwind dash – 37 SUP’s and 25 Surfski’s and 23-33knots of wind – only difference was a little less swell and the wind was a tad more pure South East which created an extremely smooth and fast, first half of the run. Second half, as always, provides a bit of a challenge with refraction off the coast making or breaking competitors time and positions.

The Single Surfski's were dominated by the more experienced over 45 class with Mike Schwan handing his race to Boris Hales , of Sunset Beach, on the last wave into the finish when he misjudge it and was unceremoniously spilled out of his craft. Boris made full advantage and took victory by 13 second in 38min40sec. The doubles fleet also had a great battle on the water and were relishing in the fine downwind conditions with all of them finishing under the magical 40 minute mark. Nick van Zyl,from Table View, teaming up with Mark Gevers won in a time of 38min 6sec.

The young guns in the Singles field just missed out on achieving the Sub 40. Zaren Courtney managed to win this class in 40min 4sec with a narrow gap of 6 seconds over Andrew McPherson.

Two Surfski Paddlers did not make it to the finish. Mark Voges had his left paddle blade snap off making progress very difficult. First timer Phil Noton came to his rescue and rafted their crafts together and eventually made it into Table View beach showing the safety conciseness and support of fellow paddlers.

Off the beach, it was once again young SUP junior, Dylan Smith, who showed the field who’s got the turbo speed, but once out the back Peter Petersen connected runs and got past Dylan until about 7km’s into the run where Dylan returned the favour. Dylan made the dash to the finish in a personal best time of 48.57 with Peter close behind in 49.03 – also a PB. Last weeks winner, Ivan van Vuuren, had to settle for 3rd, commenting that he prefers a bit more wind and rougher waters. Notable performance, once again set by Greg Bertish, who is hanging on using his 12’6 just shy of the top guys, who are all on the faster 14’ board, in 6th position with 51.15.