MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Eden Surfriders team managed second place in the SA Masters Champs 2024 last weekend. Originally set to culminate at Victoria Bay, a last-minute venue switch due to monstrous surf conditions took Finals Day to Mossel Bay where the three- to four-foot waves at Inner Pool provided a more contestable setting.
The day saw former champions, professional surfers, world title holders and enthusiasts battling it out in the water.
With the judges focusing on commitment, degree of difficulty, innovative manoeuvres, and overall flow, the competition was fierce.
Gordon Harmer (Buffalo City) clinched victory in the Men's over 65 division, outpacing KZN's Warren Wareing (Ugu Surfriders) with a performance showcasing speed, power and flow. In the over 60 Men's category, Mike Burness (Nelson Mandela Bay) displayed a remarkable variety of moves to take the title from Stephen Hair (Eden).
Burness was also awarded the prestigious Dave Fish Award for being the most consistent surfer throughout the event, having also scored a perfect 10-point ride during the competition.
Simon Fish (Nelson Mandela Bay) emerged victorious in the over 40 Men's division. Gareth Sepp (Buffalo City) dethroned defending champion Greg Swart (Ethekwini) in the over 55s, and Charlie Reitz (Eden) triumphed over Cass Collier (Cape Town) in the over 50s, despite battling back pain sustained earlier in the competition.
"The waves at Victoria Bay were big and challenging. It was a tough decision to push through with the event, but the camaraderie and spirit made it all worthwhile," said Charlie Reitz, reflecting on his win.
Greg Emslie (Buffalo City) took a break from commentating duties to secure the over 45 Men's title, narrowly defeating Sean Holmes (Eden). In the over 35 Women's division, a dramatic last-minute surge saw Tamarys de Maroussem (Durban) edge out Tasha Mentast (Eden) by just 0.08 points, snatching victory as the final buzzer sounded.
Clinton Gravett (Buffalo City) comfortably won the Men's over 35 division on his backhand, defeating Craig Johnson (Cape Town).
The Masters Cup was awarded to Buffalo City, while the event's most consistent performer, Mike Burness, was rightfully honoured with the Dave Fish Award.
See results at www.georgeherald.com
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