 Durban, South Africa - The organisers
of the weekend's ARB Surf Ski World Cup have decided to hold the race on
Sunday to take advantage of a major frontal system that is expected to
sweep up the coast, providing exciting downwind racing for the massive
field, laced with some of the world's finest paddlers.
Main Event on Sunday
After
studying the weather forecasts the race committee agreed on a 9am start on
Sunday morning from Amanzimtoti, creating a 29km race to the finish at
Vetchie's beach at Durban's Point, that will include the unusual
concession allowing the participants to paddle across the mouth of Durban
harbour.
Saturday will host the ARB Grand Prix relay in benign
conditions at the Point, with the south westerly wind expected to start
pushing a big swell from the south during the morning on
Sunday.
Safety
"Safety will always be the overriding factor," said race
boss Butch Murray. "If conditions change in any way that might affect the
safety of the paddlers, then we reserve the right to alter the course on
the day," he added.
If the downwind conditions materialize it will
throw the ARB Surf Ski World Cup wide open, creating a realistic shot at
the world record first prize of R80 000 for a further dozen paddlers,
whose experience in riding the runs and swells will make them contenders,
including seasoned veterans like Dean Gardiner and Ash Nesbit from
Australia and Oscar Chalupsky.
 The old bulls face off... (Photo: Gameplan Media)
"Thank goodness it won't be the same
as last year," said defending champion Hank McGregor, who made the most of
the tough flat conditions in 2006 to overtake Dawid Mocke and take the
title.
"There's no doubt that the downwind conditions will bring a
lot more paddlers into play at the end," he added. "The final kilometer
and a half from the harbour mouth to the finish will be vital. It might be
a flat sprint, which will suit the young quick guys, but if there are
runs, someone could come right into the picture then as
well."
"It's the biggest ski event to win," McGregor added. "It is
fantastic to have such a strong field here, and it promises to be a
fantastic race in great racing conditions."
 Can Stewart beat McGregor? (Photo: Gameplan Media)
McGregor was one of the
predictable inclusions in a broad South African squad that was announced
by the national ski committee, made up of twelve men, four women and three
junior boys.
Alexa Lombard
Alexa Lombard was a surprise inclusion in the SA
Squad, as the Cape star added her name to the entry list at the eleventh
hour. Lombard will bring her unique flatwater speed to what promises to be
a keen duel with Amanzimtoti ace Tiffany Kruger, Australian Lauren McKie
and the on-form Kiwi sprinter Katie Pocock.
 Katie Pocock (NZ), Tiffany Kruger (SA), Lauren Mckie (Aus) (Photo: Gameplan Media)
Aussie Goals
Australian team captain
Dave Kissane was quietly optimistic about his team's chances, and modestly
set a target of "three or four in the top ten, ideally in the top seven."
That would be enough to secure a team victory for the Australians, which
is clearly their primary objective.Kissane was also bullish about
the chances of Tim Jacobs and perhaps rising star Murray Stewart
challenging for the title.
Jacobs and compatriot Tommy Woodriff has been
keeping a low profile since beating Hank McGregor last
weekend.Stewart joined the Australian contingent from Europe,
where he has been enjoying a very successful campaign with the Australian
junior sprint team. "I haven't been in a ski for a month," said Stewart,
downplaying his chances. However his team-mates are all talking up his
speed, particularly if the race is decided by the endsprint into the
finish at the Point.
 The course for Sunday
The ARB Surf Ski World Cup will start at
Amanzimtoti at 9am on Sunday morning, with the winners expected at around
10:30am at Vetchie's beach at Durban's Point.The ARB Grand Prix
event will take place on Saturday at Vetchie's beach.
The South
African squad
Senior Men:Hank McGregor, Dawid Mocke, Oscar
Chalupsky, Herman Chalupsky, Matthew Bouman, Jasper Mocke, Darryl Bartho,
Barry Lewin, Clint Pretorius, Steve Woods, Bevan Manson, Paul
Marais
Senior Women:Alexa Lombard, Tiffany Kruger, Belinda
Carbutt, Michelle Eder
Juniors:Brett Dorman, Sean Austin,
Donovan Kennedy
All the race
information can be found at www.surfskiworldcup.com
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