A four-stage marathon which runs 244km along the coast between Port Elizabeth and East London, the PE2EL Surfski Challenge is held under guidance of professional sports company Sports World on behalf of Eastern Cape Lifesaving.

“We have had positive response from local, national and international competitors,” said organising team leader Michael Zoetmulder.

“We‘ve heard from top Tahitian and quite a few British skiers. There was also a call for us to hold it as a relay event instead, but we‘re sticking with the original format. This is really the big one in terms of this sport. “

“It‘s second to none in the entire world.”

Safety and supervision will receive major attention during the marathon.

“The NSRI will be handling water safety for the entire event.

“Paddlers are provided with flares in case of emergencies and we also have a land-based safety team who will be keeping an eye on things ashore,” said Zoetmulder.

Qualifying rounds will be held at select locations around the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal, as well as Cape Town, during October and November.

Entrance is open to any registered member of Canoeing South Africa (CSA) or a similar international body.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Michael Zoetmulder
Cell : 083 2344301
Telephone : (041) 586 2957
Fax : (041) 582 3383
Website : www.surfskichallenge.com

Comments (1)

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25km problem
written by wildrich, July 21, 2006

It just happens that the new start is 25km outside of Port Elizabeth. Coega is not PE. Neptune and Marathon started at 2am from the PE harbour for the birth of the challenge.

Organisers have got there facts wrong and should consult more than just one great paddler. Therefore I suggest that it should entail six days.

Day1:Tuesday Paddlers arrive and meet for race briefing at PE harbour. Proceed after briefing on a 10km paddle from port to bluewater bay. Tribute to the race and past on challengers. Others may join. (ARE YOU PEOPLE FEELING ME)

Day2:B Bay to Woody Cape

And the rest as normal. The sixth day will be used if there is a gale force headwind or something.

That is the one and only way.

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