 Durban, South Africa - A powerful Australian
contingent looks set to impose itself on next weekend's ARB Surf Ski World Cup,
in an effort to break the South African stranglehold on the year's most
important surf ski competition.
Spearheaded by the
impressive form of Tim Jacobs, the big contingent from down under boasts plenty
of ski racing experience and youthful energy, which will ensure they are a
force to be reckoned with, no matter what conditions prevail on race day.
Jacobs slipped quietly into town last week with compatriot Tommy Woodriff, and
settled into their Ballito base eager to shake of the jetlag and get familiar
with the local conditions, and the various race course options under
consideration.
[Editor: rumor has it that the Aussies have foresworn
beer until after the World Cup - we didn't know it was possible to take the
race that seriously  ]
Aus/SA Rivalry
"Yeah, there's a special rivalry between South Africa and Australia in ski
racing," said Jacobs. "We love it when there are good Saffas on the start line,
because it guarantees that the racing will be tough."
Jacobs has raced to the top of the poll on the event website asking for
predictions for the overall race winner, something which amuses the modest
Aussie. "Apparently the South Africans have been voting for me!" he says.
 Jacobs (left) & Woodriff being welcomed to Durban by Barry Lewin (R) (Photo: Gameplan Media)
"I am feeling good, and have been doing a fair bit of training, and I reckon
that I am in pretty good shape." he added. "There are more long distances races
in Australia now, so we will just have to see what happens.
ICF Recognition
Woodriff is also enthusiastic about the recognition from the International
Canoe Federation, which has sanctioned the ARB Surf Ski World Cup as an
official ICF World Cup. "It's under an international federation now, which is
good, as it gives you certain rules which you have to abide by. For the growth
of the sport the ICF recognition is really good."
Quietly confident, Jacobs
is ready to race in any conditions, but Woodriff is hoping that the Indian
Ocean will offer big swell and good fast downwind racing conditions. "I need a
bump mate! I'm gonna need some surf. Yeah, I'll just hope that they're some
waves and we'll see what happens.
 Tommy Woodriff paddling the mystery ski (Photo: Gameplan Media)
[Editor: Woodriff has been seen paddling a mystery ski
that has no identifying logos... it's believed
that he'll be paddling said mystery ski, rumored to be the new Red7 Surf70 Pro,
in the World Cup]
Aussie Team
The rest of the
Aussie contingent arrives this week, including established ski racing
superstars Dave Kissane and legend Dean Gardiner, along with Will Hardman, Nick
Dundee and Murray Stewart.
Stewart is the son of former Dusi icon Robbie Stewart, who is now living in
Sydney. The youngster will jet to South Africa from Europe, where he has been
starring for the junior Wallaby sprint team at regattas in Germany.
Dean Gardiner
It was Gardiner who stole the limelight at the world's first ski World Cup, in
Cape Town in 2004, when he beat the locals to win the single ski title in
dramatic style. The South African team, largely inspired by Gardiner's win,
bounced back to overwhelm the double ski race, and claim the World Cup title in
a very close tussle with the Australians.
 Dean Gardiner at the finish having won the 2004 World Cup in Cape Town
This year the ARB World Cup will be decided purely on single skis, as double
ski racing is not that well established elsewhere in the world, over a 30km
downwind course that aims to capitalise on the weather conditions that will
prevail next weekend.
The
international contingent taking part in the event will also include a big
federation team from France, as well as paddlers from Tahiti, the Caribbean
Islands, New Zealand and the USA.
Warm up race this Sunday
This weekend's 20km
Discovery Men's Health Surf Ski Series race on the upper South Coast will be
loaded with internationals all eager to get to grips with the locals conditions.
The forecast weather suggests that the 20km KZN Awnings race will held
in windless conditions and with very little swell, offering the visitors very
little insight into the tricky conditions that typically big winter swells
throw up off KwaZulu-Natal.
The internationals will find themselves up against series leader Matthew Bouman,
eager to extend his winning streak ahead of next weekend's big showdown, and
Barry Lewin snapping at his heels.
Hank McGregor
Hank McGregor is back from the Cape, where he was in merciless form at the SA
marathon champs, and in an ominously relaxed and confident mood.
This weekend will see McGregor complete his fifth race in the Discovery
Men's Health Surf Ski Series, which will allow his name to be included in the
series rankings, which are currently being headed by Matt Bouman and Barry
Lewin. The final races in the series, including the ARB World Cup, should
provide a fascinating duel for the overall series title.
 Hank McGregor - defending champion (Photo: Gameplan Media)
Tiffany Kruger
Also back from the marathon champs is Toti local Tiffany Kruger, who will be
eager to further extend her winning streak in the series in the women's race.
The race start from Anstey's Beach on the Bluff, with a deep water start, due
to erosion of the beach due to the Autumn storms, and finish at Amanzimtoti's
main beach.
 Tiffany Kruger - on form SA paddler (Photo: Gameplan Media)
All the World Cup race information can be found at www.surfskiworldcup.com
Information on the Discovery Men's Health series may be found on www.surfski.co.za
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