There were no surprises on the opening day of the 2024 Euro Steel SA Surfski Championships presented by Fenn, when Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk broke away early to claim the women’s national title in Durban on Saturday, 13 July, 2024.
In the women’s race, Bester and Van Niekerk powered away on a flat sea off Durban on Saturday when the water became a bit choppy, and were never seriously challenged again.
The finished up a minute ahead of the chasing group of Jenna Nisbet and Bridgitte Hartley, Jade Wilson and Nix Birkett and the first juniors in fourth overall, Holly Smith and Georgia Singe.
Bester and Van Niekerk admitted to a nervous moment when they struggled to find the turning buoy at halfway.
“We sat in the group until the bumps started and we saw a bit of an opportunity there,” said Bester. “We went as hard as we could and got away, but then struggled to find the buoy – we went in and out looking for it but finally found it, and then it was just a tough grind back.”
Day 1 Doubles Winner, Melanie van Niekerk
One of the niggling issues for all paddlers was the switching of the doubles and singles races, as the organisers made sure the singles event is in the best conditions.
Van Niekerk was happy they had a relatively easy paddle on the opening day. “We went steady enough not to burn our matches for tomorrow’s race,” she said. “It was nice and comfortable and a lot of fun.
“But a key thing about today was that you have to think about tomorrow, but I am stoked because if the wind blows I am happy.
“I think tomorrow will be Kira, Michelle (Burn) and Saskia (Hockly) – I think that’s the people with the most technical ability.”
The singles races will take place on Sunday. With the arrival of some wind predicted overnight, paddlers are expecting a 23km downwind race from Durban to Umdloti on Sunday.
Leading Women’s Doubles Results of the SA Surfski Championships in Durban on Saturday, 13 July, 2024
1. Kira Bester / Melanie van Niekerk 1:07:39
2. Jenna Nisbet / Bridgitte Hartley 1:08:27
3. Jade Wilson / Nix Birkett 1:08:28
4. Holly Shirley Smith / Georgia Singe (1st U18) 1:08:37
Original Copy: Tim Whitfield for Gameplan Media, with editing by gsport
Photo Caption: Race winners Kira Bester / Melanie van Niekerk (in orange) pictured taking a measured approach at the start of the women’s doubles race at the Euro Steel SA Surfski Championships presented by Fenn in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 13 July, 2024. Photo: Lynne Hauptfleisch / Adrenalynne Photography / Gameplan Media
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