SALSA
Scottburgh Beach KZN South Africa
3 - 4 November 2007

Defending Longboarding Champion Macleod Training Hard for South Coast Surf Carnival

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 24 October, 2007 : - - Defending event champion and former SA champion Dylan Macleod (Port Elizabeth) has been training hard ahead of the South Coast Surf Carnival which takes place at Scottburgh Beach in KZN on the weekend of November 3 and 4. The fifth annual South Coast Surf Carnival is sponsored by Ugu-South Coast Tourism Board,Komunity Project ,TCE and is by presented by Jeep Apparel and Independent on Saturday.

“I am really excited because I know the best SA longboarders are all going to be taking part in the South Coast Surf Carnival so the stakes are high. It's an extremely well run and well supported event and I have been training hard in the hopes of reclaiming my Open division title,” commented Jeep Apparel team rider Macleod who identified ISA World Longboard Champion Matthew “mouse” Moir (Cape Town) and Brandon Ribbink (Berea) as his biggest competition.

The 27 year old Port Elizabeth resident started his affair with the ocean about seven years ago when he started short boarding before hopping onto a longboard five years later. His skill and agility in the water has opened doors for him to compete overseas.

Macleod’s accolades include 17th place in the Biarritz Surf Festival 2005 and 33rd place in France at the World Champs 2006. Due to his international experience he is cool under pressure and definitely one of the strongest competitors tipped to win the all-important South Coast Surf Carnival. “I am thrilled about the contest venue at Scottburgh beach. It has a laid back holiday vibe and the waves are usually awesome,” commented Macleod.

The South African Longboard Surfing Association sanctioned event boasts an increased prize purse of R11, 000 which is bound to attract the cream of the country’s longboarding crop to compete. Divisions include Open, Over 40, Over 50 and Ladies.

This year’s South Coast Surf Carnival kiteboarding event consists of a downwind dash as well as a R5, 000 prize purse for the “king of the air”. Big names that are expected to feature high on the results ladder include Alwin van Breda, Rob Chrystal, Dave Pons and Gavin Spowart (all Durban).

For the first time ever paddleboarding will be introduced to the South Coast Surf Carnival and this is expected to be a highlight of the festival showcasing the unique sport which has helped to shape modern day surfing. Paddleboarding is a traditional Hawaiian form of surfing which has been revitalized round the world and now brought to South Africa by big wave surfer Jason Ribbink (Durban).

If Neptune comes to the party and delivers big surf over the weekend of November 3 and 4, spectators will be treated to a spectacular tow-in surfing demonstration by South Africa’s top big wave riders. The Point Surf Academy will once again hold development surfing clinics open to members of the public. Youngsters will be in good hands with top coaches Shaun Hague (Scottburgh) and local south coast hero Cyril Mquadi overseeing the clinics.

In addition to the surfing clinics, free Swimming South Africa Ocean Splash lessons will take place to teach children basic water safety and surf swimming skills. Windsong Kites will be responsible for impressive kiteflying shows with their most eye-catching kites on display.

The South Coast Surf Carnival is organised by Nerve Events and sponsored by the Ugu-South Coast Tourism Board in association with Jeep Apparel and Independent on Saturday. Sub sponsors to this event are Pepsi, Nestle Pure life water, Bavaria, Bokomo, Pick n Pay Scottburgh, Cyclone Kiteboarding, Ocean 2 Air Kiteboarding and Bilt surfboards.

Previous reports:
# 1 : The South Coast Surf Carnival demos stand up paddle
# 2 : South Coast Surf Carnival to increase longboard purse
# 3 : Coming soon
# 4 : Coming soon  

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Olivia Jones

Longboard - Surfersvillage