The first time I ever did a down wind was back in October 2003 with a then novice Andrew Skowno. We were still friends back then, but as a result of my crazy antics and ‘silly' downwind run's its me who calls the other most when the wind blows!

I can remember the day as if it (yes) were yesterday. It will ever remain an awesome downwind for me the wind was pumping 30 knots plus with a big groundswell ‘running' up the coast. The water was as blue as the pacific in that most famous channel I can say that now because I've been there. Sun, Surf and Run's what else could any paddler want on their first real downwind?

Thunder Bolt

Port Elizabeth in the bay may be mild, but the other side she is ‘helluva' wild. Haha I'm a poet!

Nowhere else in the country do paddlers put themselves at risk of giant waves and reef's as on the western side of P.E. The Sards Summies Run (Sardinia to Summerstrand Surf Lifesaving Club) negotiates many on the 26km it takes to complete. Yes ok, Cape Point is Cape Point but it's only once a year that competitors round it and only once in a ‘blue' moon ski paddlers venture out there. It's about accessibility here. Although Thunder Bolt Reef can rival South Western Reef's when it comes to ‘spook' factor!

It's now 9:40 pm I'm all out finished to complete my story, what I'm really trying to say is, I was so lucky to have gone on that first downwind with my mate. And how awesome it is to be out there everyday in the rawest of elements here's to Ocean paddling lets look after our playground.

Cheers

Chopper

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DownWind
written by richard von wildemann, February 10, 2008

Yesterday was awesome! Discovery Mens Health Wild Side Reef Negotiator was fantastic held in great conditions!

Rob Welsh&Greg Louw took from H Skinner&Jasper Mocke in a closely contested race right till the run up were H and J took a little tumble. Gary Butlion&Chopper were third after taking a deep line, but got the best runs. Sweet!

One girls crew Kirsten Wessels & Maryna Bard had a blast in the great easterly runs.

Thanks to Hansa for the prizes and Apron Strings for the awesome venue in the bush.

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Often.
written by Gavin Dickinson, February 10, 2008

Wild man.

How often is this 'run' done & where do you enter the water from. I want to do it -and when I am next in Die Baai - I hope you will show me the way. Does not sound like it is somthing you do alone..

Any taxmen along the way?

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Almost every weekend
written by richard von wildemann, February 11, 2008

Yeah this Downwind 'Run' is what it?s all about. The Bay Specialists venture out to the wild side quite often when the wind pumps.

Summers with the Pumping East?s & Fresh Buster Sou West?s
Winters with the ground swell and big mean ass south west?s. Winter is really scary, because the waters a little colder and you have no room for error due to the fact the Sun goes down alot earlier!

Not alone always with a buddy unless you are Stevie Woods, H 'Skinny' Skinner, Brett 'Bobo' Caudwell & Andy "wild-dog" Skowno. The guys with no fear glands!

Anytime you?re in town MR GD give us a shout.

Regards

Rich

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...
written by Barry Lewin, February 17, 2008

I have to say that the one run I have done on this course was spectacular, the sea really is an amazing blue and you can hear thunderbolt from a mile away. The runs are awesome straight down the coast and being in PE the wind just doesnt blow sloftly.

Just finished my favourate run here in Durban from Uhloti to Addington in 25km NE, exactly the same conditions as i did my first downwind on the same course some 6 years ago. The beginning of a lifestyle!

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