Lizzard Nandos Surf Pro
presented by the Weekend Witness

ASP 1 Star Mens Event
ASP Pro Jr Grade 1 Event
SSA PST 2A rated Womens Event
New Pier, Durban South Africa
6 - 9 April 2007

Du Toit, Clark top scorers at the Lizzard Nandos Surf Pro

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 7 April, 2007 : - - New Pier, Durban -- ccomplished junior surf star Chad du Toit (Durban) flew off the start blocks during the first heat of the day at the Lizzard Nandos Surf Pro, presented by the Weekend Witness, staking his title claim for the Pro Junior Men’s title, by advancing into the quarterfinals with the highest heat score of the event so far.

Du Toit, who is part of the National Junior Team that will compete in Portugal in May, executed a series of text book, in the pocket maneuvers, displaying the skill and control the judges were looking for, to earn an impressive nine point ride (out of a possible ten).

Despite his diminutive frame, Du Toit is fast becoming one of the most progressive young surfers at the New Pier and with an 8.0 point back up ride, secured a definitive 17.00 point victory, advancing ahead of emerging junior star Shawn Dennis (Glenwood) and eliminating Rory Gibson (George) and Dane Monks (Umhlanga) from the competition.

“At first the waves weren’t too good but I got into a rhythm and started enjoying myself,” said du Toit. “I’m feeling really good in the water and I’ve got a couple of good boards so hopefully I can make it through some heats and get to the finals. I got third here last year so anything better than that I’ll be happy with.”

Of all the top seeds competing in the prestigious Pro Junior Men’s round of 32, none could match du Toit’s impressive performance in the one meter wind affected waves.

Rudy Palmboom (Bluff) however, put in a solid performance in the second last heat of the day, stroking into two open faced set waves to secure a first place pass into the quarterfinals, ahead of Chris Leppan (Umhlanga), whose clean barrel ride at the start of the heat, posed an early threat to the young Bluff surfer’s lead.

Cape Town’s Brandon Roberts executed the type of surfing that has sent him to the forefront of South African junior surfing recently; his clean, powerful style awarded with 8.17 and 7.17 (both out of ten points) scores, and a place in the quarterfinals ahead of second place surfer Adam Hansen (Cape Town).

Top seed Brandon Jackson (Durban North) secured his spot in the quarterfinals with two good rides which saw him defeat national junior team member Kyle Lane (Umhlanga) who advanced in second place. The second highest individual wave score of the day went to an on form Clinton Gravett (East London) who posted an excellent 8.33 (out of a possible ten) to advance in second place behind heat winner Brett Shearer (Cape Town).