SA Open of Surfing
Presented by Majestic Hotel, Border Surfriders Association

2A Men's and 2A Women's SSA Pro Surf Tour
Nahoon Corner, East London
6 - 7 September 2008

Emslie, Kruger and Baum shine on Day One of the 2008 SA Open of Surfing in East London.

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 6 September, 2008 : - - Local star Greg Emslie and 2008 SA team member Matthew Kruger of Durban posted the highest heat scores of the day in the quarter finals of the Men's division and talented Sara Baum of Durban was the top performer in Round One of the Women's division in the SA Open of Surfing which got under way in clean 4 - 6 foot waves at Nahoon Corner, East London today (Saturday September 6). 

The Majestic Hotel in East London, Border Surfriders Association and Surfing South Africa (SSA) have combined forces to present the annual SA Open of Surfing, a 2A rated SSA Pro Surf Tour event. Not only will the Men share R10,000 and the Women R5,000 in prize-money but the SA Open Champions will each receive a bonus of R2,500 according to Border Surfrider's Association President Dave Fish.

Huge surf and major storm damage during the week had organisers concerned but the conditions at Nahoon Corner on Day One were ideal and the contest was given the green light.

Other surfers to shine in the Men's quarters were local surfers Travis Naude and Tyrell Johnson, who like Emslie and Kruger, won their heats in style. Joining them in the semi finals are former SA Open winner Dylan Stone of Port Elizabeth, and three East London surfers Philip Malherbe, Simon Fish and Gary Muller.

Upsets included the elimination of defending champion Devyn Mattheys of East London who looked like the one to beat in Round one but then came fourth in his quarter final, and top East London surfer Clinton Gravett who could only manage third in his quarter final. SA team member Ryan Payne of Cape St Francis was eliminated in Round one as was another local favourite, Keegan Nel. 

In the Women's division East London's top woman Nikita Robb won her Round one heat as did defending champion Tammy Lee Smith of Salt Rock. Joining them in the semis are Baum, East London twins Alice and Laurie Mc Gregor and SA Team member Chantelle Rautenbach of Melkbosstrand. South Africa's "Queen of Surfing" Heather Clark found herself in the wrong place during her heat and lost out to Smith and Alice Mc Gregor in one of the biggest upsets of the event so far. 

The final day of competition in the SA Open of Surfing will feature the semi finals and finals of both divisions and organisers will be hoping thumbs that conditions will be favourable for the event to be completed at Nahoon Reef.

Previous reports:
# 1 : Coming soon
# 2 : Coming soon
# 3 : Coming soon
# 4 : Coming soon  

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SSA Contests - Surfersvillage