All systems go for South Africa's O’Neill Scottburgh Pro

SSA Pro Mens and Womens event
Scottburgh Beach, KZN Coast South Africa
24 - 25 March 2007

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 22 March, 2007 : - - The 2A rated O’Neill Scottburgh Pro has been given the green light status by event organizers and representatives from Surfing South Africa (SSA); the event will continue as planned this weekend on March 24 and 25 at Scottburgh Beach. The O’Neill Scottburgh Pro provides men and women’s division surfers with the first opportunity to open their points for the 2007 SSA Pro Surf Tour (PST).

“What a week we have had! After the biggest swell ever to hit KZN, the ocean has recovered quickly and clean up operations have already started in Scottburgh. The Sharksboard are confident that the nets will be in place by Saturday so the contest is a go,” commented O’Neill spokesperson Mark Fessler.

The opening function for the event will take place at Phat Boyz in Scottburgh on Friday evening at 6.30pm. The queen of South African surfing Heather Clark (Port Shepstone), reigning Pro Surf Tour (PST) champion Sarah Johnston-Maritz (Warner) and Lyle Bottcher (Durban North) who won the last PST event on the 2006 calendar and finished fifth on the 2006 PST are amongst the top rated surfers that have entered the event.

Spectacular surfing is anticipated when most of the country’s top surfers will be vying for a share of the R15, 000 prize purse as well as valuable points on the SSA PST.

Experienced PST surfer Bottcher is the highest rated men’s surfer to enter followed by seventh ranked Quinton Jones of Kommetjie, Matt Kruger (Queensburgh) who ended 2006 in eighth place and Josh Redman who finished ninth on last year’s tour. Antonio Bortoletto (Durban) winner of the recent Goodwave event at New Pier in Durban has also confirmed his entry.

Scottburgh locals who are capable of walking off with the men’s title include Casey Grant as well as O’Neill team riders Quinton Shabalala and Kelvin Zehmke who have their local break wired and are sure to pose a threat to the out of town contenders.

In the Women’s division Johnston-Maritz has her sights set on overcoming international super star Clark who has returned home to compete on the domestic circuit following seven successful years on the elite ASP World Championship Tour. Other seeded surfers include Stacey Guy (Melkbosstrand) and talented 14 year olds Sarah Baum (Athlone Park) and Heidi Palmboom (Bluff).

Other activities which will be open to the public during the weekend will be Pam Golding’s property exhibition, kite flying, a learn to surf clinic by Point Surf Academy, music and the Vans Expression Session where invited surfers will be going for crazy airborne maneuvers. As the sun begins to set beachgoers are expected to flock for sundowners at Phat Boyz and the official O’Neill Scottburgh Pro party will take place on Saturday, March 24 at Speak Easy.

Surfers Paradise, Pam Golding Properties – Savills International, Phat Boyz, Netcare 911, Speak Easy, Vans, USN Ultimate Sports Nutrition, Clayton / Vendetta surfboards and Wimpy are co-sponsors of the O’Neill Scottburgh Pro. The event is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa, the governing body for the sport in South Africa and is organized by Nerve Events with support from Umdoni Coast & Country Tourism.

Previous reports:
# 1 : O'Neill Scottburgh Pro gears up for the KZN South Coast
# 2 : Entries pour in for South Africa's O'Neill Scottburgh Pro
# 3 : Storm surf damage could hamper O'Neill Scottburgh Pro
# 4 : Coming soon

www.oneill.com
www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za

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Olivia Jones

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