Mark Watt : photo Gareth White

Spur Cape Classic 2009

Sport Unlimited
Cape Town South Africa
2 - 5 April 2009 Title

Mark Watts claimed victory at Spur Cape Classic 2009

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 07 April, 2009 : - - Professional bodyboarder, Mark Watts, 21, from Westville in Durban, claimed victory in the Pro division at the Sport Unlimited/Spur Cape Classic bodyboarding contest, which was held recently in Cape Town, 2 to 5 April. 

The event, which was organised by the Western Province Bodyboarding Association (WPBA), in association with Ocean Minded, has been considered as an overall success despite the lack solid surf for most of the final day.

WPBA chairman, Deon Meyer, said that although they had been blessed with reasonable conditions on the first day of competition, 3 April, conditions somewhat deteriorated for the final day, 4 April, and riders were left to battle through testing conditions in order to make it to the finals. “Thankfully near perfect 3 to 4 foot waves arrived just in time for the finals and we were treated to a spectacular conclusion to what had been an amazing event”, said Meyer.

In what is reported to have been the highest scoring and closest ever Pro division final at a South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA), event Watts combined a series of ARS’ (Air, Roll, Spin), and near flawless riding to defeat Daniel Worsley (Cape Town), Vaughn Harris (Cape Town) and current SA Champ, Mark McCarthy (Richards Bay).

“I am so stoked with the win because it was an epic final and none of us held back. All of us came to the table with a wide variety of technical manoeuvres, which left no room for error”, said an elated Watts. Watts went on to claim his second win of the day in the Expression Session final, which is a special heat for selected riders who are scored for their most radical manoeuvre. The biggest and best move wins.

“I was so tired after the intense pressure of the Pro final that I just took it easy in the Expression Session final. I got a really fun left that had a nice section on it, went into a good back flip that I landed cleanly.” “To win both is an amazing feeling”, Watts said. Capetonians Simon Heale and Aden Kleve took top honours in the Men’s and Juniors divisions respectively while Suzie Husselmann, from Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, won the Ladies division.

Watts also found the time to assist with the running of a development clinic for disadvantaged children organised by the WPBA with support from The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. “It is great to be able to give something back to these children and I feel lucky to be given this opportunity”, said Watts of his involvement.

“The clinic forms part of a greater initiative by the WPBA be source and train a future champ from within one of the many disadvantaged communities of the Western Cape”, said Meyer. “We have been very fortunate this year in securing substantial funding from local government without which we wouldn’t be hold these clinics that bring so much joy into the lives of the children”, concluded Meyer.

The SABA circuit now moves to the Cave Rock Challenge, which will be competed at the infamous surf spot, Cave Rock, on the Bluff near Durban, from 14 to 24 April, and then on to the 10th annual Wimpy/Rossi Pro AM in Margate, from 25 to 27 April.

The Sport Unlimited/Spur Cape Classic 09 was proudly brought to you by Sport Unlimited and Spur Steak Ranches in association with Ocean Minded and supported by The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Reef Wetsuits, Science Bodyboards, Arnette sunglasses, Bondi Blu and Aloe Up.

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Gareth White

Bodyboard - Surfersvillage