Team Updates

Emslie and Robb clinch premier SA Titles on Safari Surfboards

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 17 May, 2011 : - - Durban -- Greg Emslie and Nikita Robb clinched the premier Open Men and Women’s titles at the 2011 SA Surfing Championships at Seal Point on Sunday while riding Safari Surfboards shaped by master-craftsman Spider Murphy.

Emslie, 34, who has won virtually every local surfing event he has entered since retiring from the ASP World Tour at the end of 2009, was again in complete control at Seal Point, going undefeated through five straight heats to secure his second consecutive SA title, and third overall.

“The SA Champs is a very special event and to get your name on the floating trophy that dates back to 60’s is a great motivation,” said Emslie, adding “Before going into the final my Border team-mate Wayne Monk, who also had two titles, and I decided that one of us must win to keep the number of names on the trophy exclusive. It obviously worked because I won and Wayne came second!”

Speaking of his boards, Emslie says he rode a standard GE01 model shaped by Spider throughout the four days of competition. “My board was solid in all conditions. Spider and I have developed a set of basic shapes and we just tweak those for various conditions. He is such a forward thinker that it is a pleasure collaborating with him and my boards have never been better.”

Although she has captured more SA Junior titles than she can remember, this was Nikita Robb’s first SA Open Women’s crown. Like fellow East Londoner and Border team-mate Emslie, she was inspired by the prestige of the title and the opportunity to add her name to a trophy that was first won long before she was born.

“Winning the SA Open Women’s title and getting your name on the historic trophy alongside the greats of SA surfing was a huge incentive for me,” said Robb, 22, who has already won several international Pro Junior events.

“I rode my standard 5’7” rounded pin – the A21 model – and it was the best board I could have been on in the point-break waves! I’ve struggled with boards in the past but since working with Spider they are right on the button. And he is such a positive influence on everything to do with surfing that I just love being around him.”

“Well done to Greg and Nikita! Winning a prestigious SA title is always special,” said legendary surfboard shaper Spider Murphy, himself a former SA Masters champion. “It’s a real pleasure to be able to assist top-class athletes to achieve their goals and I look forward to many more great results for both of them.”

Safari Surfboards was established in 1963 and is the exclusive provider of Spider Murphy’s shapes.

www.safarisurf.com

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Lonnie Tiegs

Team - Surfersvillage