Lizzard Beach Festival Fundraiser

Clark Family Overwhelmed by Community Support at Surf Contest

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 2 November, 2009 : - - Reigning ISA World Masters Surfing Champion Heather Clark (Port Shepstone) and her family were overwhelmed by the support they received yesterday (Saturday, October 31) at the Lizzard Beach Festival Fundraiser event at St Mikes beach on the KZN south coast. 

Despite the howling easterly wind, small surf and choppy discoloured water, the surfing event attracted over 60 of KZN’s top surfers.  

“We were so pleased with the turnout and support from businesses and individuals – we were hoping to put on a small surfing contest and it turned out to be a massive event. People that couldn’t surf donated money by entering the surfboard raffle. Today showed that Heather has made a huge impression on the community because she treats people so well – she is not just a good friend of mine but a good friend to everyone on the coast,” commented Derek Footit, contest organiser from Factory 7 the online surf store. 

Competing in the strong winds and challenging conditions, the Open men’s final was fiercely contested by all, but it was Scottburgh local Gavin Roberts who finished triumphant with the top wave score in the final, closely followed by Gary van Wierienger of Warner Beach. Derek Footit from Uvongo, placed third and Calvin Moore of Umtentwini finished in fourth. 

The U20 boys event was also hotly contested amongst the quality surfers that turned out, but yet another Scottburgh local Casey Grant, come out on top ahead of David Gouws of Port Edward. Umtentwini surfers Brett Palmboom and Brian Palmboom finished third and forth respectively. 

In the U16 boys event saw more quality surfing in tough conditions, but it was Brian Wigmore (Sea Park) who got the better of David Gouws (Port Edward) in second, Rudi Oppel (Shelly Beach) in third and Derek Horlock (Port Edward) in fourth.  

The ladies division saw some of Clark’s old surfing rivals come out to show their support but it was Bluff surfer Heidi Palmboom who took top honours with Chanelle Botha of Warner Beach coming in second. Durban youngster Heather Klug finished third and Courtney Ellish of Warner Beach placed fourth.  

“Heather and I competed for South Africa together in the ISA World Surfing Games on a number of occasions and have both lived on the south coast. I was so shocked to hear that she had been in the accident. Heather is so bubbly, friendly and helpful, she is loved by so many so I had to come today to enter the event for her,” commented Kay Holt who has been surfing with Heather for over 15 years and is now a teacher at Port Shepstone Senior Primary. 

The Masters division was as exciting but it was Gary van Wieringen (Warner Beach) who got the better of Ramsgate’s Andrew Banks in the final heat. One of the surprises of the day came when Ronald Tarboton from Criterion Yamaha generously donated a B-Whiz Yamaha Scooter to the Clark family.

“The Clark family do so much down here they really deserve it so it’s only a pleasure to help them out – Heather and I surfed together since I was a kid,” said Ronald Tarboton from Criterion Yamaha. 

“I just can’t believe it happened, I am gobsmacked! We were standing talking about the fact that I had lost my motorcar but had Heather back and then they announced that they were giving me the scooter. I find it hard to accept a big thing like this! The response has been mind-boggling especially for a small town like our own that has come forward with so much,” said a very emotional Dave Clark (Heather’s father). 

“Up until now Heather had no idea how many people knew her or followed her career. We have all been so touched by how caring our community has been,” added Dave Clark. 

A Safari Surfboard was raffled with the draw taking place during the prize-giving of the Lizzard Surf event. 

A beautiful group of youngsters from Lee Models based in St Mikes showcased the latest Lizzy swimwear and beach fashions at midday; Lee Models also raised a large amount of money at popular Margate club Backline in a bikini show held recently.  

Fun events were held throughout the day with a drumming display inside C-Bali restaurant, beach soccer, touch rugby, Jet Ski displays and lifesaving contests run by the Margate Saints Surf Lifesaving Club. 

Organisers would like to thank C-Bali, Tarboton Motors and Criterion Yamaha in Port Shepstone, SKZN Surfing’s Henry and Lesley Oppel, Ant Brodowicz of Surf Action and Heather Clarks Sponsors, Lizzard and Red Bull who've given all the support they can to help with this fundraising event.  

Clark has been surfing for 22 years, has surfed professionally for 12 years and is widely known as one of South Africa’s most successful surfers – she is still the only South African surfer to have won the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii. Fergie, as she is known by her friends and family, earns a living as a swimming and surfing coach on the south coast of KZN.  

A massive national fundraising initiative has been started by Surfing South Africa www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za to assist the Clark family with medical bills following a serious car accident on Thursday 22nd October.

What's your take on this?
Post your thoughts: SV Forum

New Survey: Map Surfing’s future 

More African Surfing News available here
Check the latest Africa Surf Reports and Forecasts

New! B2B News ASBE-Surf   |  Receive News-Alerts

Olivia Symcox
Olivia Jones Communications

Team News - Surfersvillage