This weekend saw sports history in the making as people from around the Cape Province flocked to Bloubergstrand, in Cape Town to be a part of the first Stand Up Paddle Boarding event in South Africa.
After months of cold fronts, planning an event in Cape Town 2 months in advance, especially during early Spring season can be a hit or miss but as Saturday morning arrived with a light offshore breeze and 4 ft waves, the stage was set for a perfect Paddle boarding day.
Close to 80 riders, many of whom attempted the sport for the first time, took part in the event as equipment was supplied free of charge by Bilt, Coreban, Naish and Starboard.
Racing was without a doubt the highlight of the day as the top riders took off around the island race with a Le mans start and sprint finish.
“The unique thing about this event is that it is the first time in 20 years of doing professional water sports that I have seen athletes from so many different sporting backgrounds participate in one event and all have fun at the same time” said Ivan van Vuuren, former Springbok and event organizer. “We had top rugby profiles like Rob Louw and AJ Venter, SA Champ long boarder Tyrone Jensen, Former World Champions Nikki Carstens (paddle skier), Clinton Cilliers (knee boarder) plus other sporting personalities from kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfski and surf backgrounds going all out and doing it standing up” said van Vuuren.
“This is the world’s fastest growing watersport and judging by this weekend’s event we can see why men, women and children from all walks of life are enjoying both the exercise and wave riding aspects of this ancient Hawaiian Sport.”
Results 1st. Nikki Carstens
2nd. Clinton Cilliers
3rd. Barend Buys
1st. Lady. Haley Smuts
1st. Junior. Greg Hutchinson
See full event and details at
www.Coreban.com