[Editor: Jean Rillard sent us this report of his experiences in the ARB Surfski World Cup, held in Durban, South Africa on 1 July 2007.  The French team had a horrible journey to Durban, missing connections, losing their luggage and arriving two days late!  And, being flat water paddlers, they weren't exactly prepared for the extreme conditions on race day.  But, although none of his team finished the race, Jean can't wait to come back to South Africa...]

The ARB Surf Ski World Cup, held on July 1 2007 in Durban, South Africa was an exceptional event in all kinds of ways - from the excellent organisation to the largest prize purse ever in the history of the sport.  Even the weather was exceptional - 4m sea swells combined with a 35kt southwester gave the competitors an extreme downwind run.  For me it was the most exciting, fun downwind run I'd ever done. 

But most people probably didn't realise that a massive logistical effort was under way to film the race too... 

In the days leading up to the 2007 ARB Surf Ski World Cup, the Aussies were horrified to learn that the organizers were considering a lap-based course off Vetchies Beach.

Their strongly expressed opinion was that the race had to be a downwind and the conditions were ideal - it was a World Cup race after all.

And as we know, the race turned into a classic Durban downwind event...  so how did the Aussies like it?

My ski was stalled and broadside to a massive wave that towered above me.  I was an hour into the biggest race of my life, looking up at a wall of water poised to break on my head. 

I tried to brace - but my paddled flailed in air over a precipice.  The ski started sliding backwards over the falls...

Welcome to Durban's 2007 ARB Surf Ski World Cup!