Day One of the 2007 O’Neill Cold Water Classic at the Outer Kom proved guarantees that challenging surf in the ‘Big Five’ awaits the event competitors, after surfers were guaranteed hard-core Cape Peninsula surf.
Day Two would be a hard act to follow, but the momentum is expected to be maintained as the contest moved around the corner from the Kommetjie Lighthouse to 365, which pumped out 6-foot serious surf from mid-morning until late afternoon.
Things did not get going until midday however, as organisers and contest officials waited for optimum conditions. Once the go-ahead was given and the first siren sounded, the Women contestants got a chance to show that they could take on the most imposing of conditions and prove their worth.
And prove it they certainly did, with former World Championship Tour campaigner and South Africa’s "Queen" of surfing, Heather Clark setting the standard with some fine surfing, taking victory in the first heat of the day.
Surfing against her mentor, Tarryn Chudleigh of Kommetjie took second to join Clark in the semis.
O’Neill team rider Caylin de Reuk of Melkbosstrand had her sponsors beaming with pride, as she beat former SA Champion Penny Robarts of Somerset West into second spot in Heat three of Round One, to reach her first Women’s PST semi.
Tasha Mentasti of Durban North, the winner of the first O’ Neill Cold Water Classic in 2003, obviously has her eyes on a second title, as she beat Bronwyn Chudleigh of Kommetjie into second place in their encounter, and the two of them will meet de Reuk and Robarts in the second semi-final.
Current SA Champion and Pro Surf Tour leader Sarah Maritz of Warner Beach and Tara Hossack of Jeffrey’s Bay advanced to the semi finals courtesy of a "walkthrough" where they will meet Clark and Tarryn Chudleigh.
2007 O’Neill Cold Water Classic contest officials are confident that the Southern Peninsula will continue to play ball and deliver at least five hours of premium surf which is what is needed to complete the event.
Chris Bertish of O’Neill is really pleased with the way the event is going and said as day two came to a close "After Outer Kom we needed to chose the right spot and the right surf for the next day of competition.
“365 was an ideal venue and produced surf and conditions that tested the competitors in every heat,” continued Bertish. “We are confident that the Cape Peninsula will continue to deliver serious surf for the final ten heats, and look forward to watching the contestants as they push the limits.”
The O’Neill Cold Water Classic carries a PST rating of 2A for the Women, and is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa, the national governing body for surfing, and is supported by Vans and Crocs, with medical support from Netcare 911.
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