Article from Zinkwazi SUP Race last weekend: "16.06.2013 2013 Starboard Zinkwazi Race Report The 2013 Starboard Zinkwazi Race is an annual SUPSA sanctioned Stand Up Paddling Race Event that takes place on the Zinkwazi lagoon in the sea-side town of Zinkwazi, 80 KM North of Durban. Already in its third year of running, this year once again promised to be a successful event with a large participation of paddlers competing for R 10000 worth of cash and prizes and a spot on the South African Team. Registration started at 8:30 AM with all late comers still getting an opportunity to enter the race. The final number of entries was concluded at 37, which is made up of both male and female racers, some very serious about competing for a spot in the South African Team and others just attending for the enjoyment and a day out with family and friends. At 9 AM, we had all competitors line-up across the mouth of the lagoon just in front of the Starboard buoy. At the word “Go” signalled by Francois Frick, the racers were off with the talented Junior, Dylan Frick from Strand, cutting across the field to take the inside line and the lead. Gunter Berger also had a good start slotting in behind Dylan by two to three board lengths followed by the two Durban brothers, Grant-Lee and Brandon and then Anton Nel from Johannesburg. Further down the field, we had Jason, Fred and Lawrence from Richards Bay juggling with one another to keep on the tail of the front bunch. Shelley Bradfield from Durban, still fresh from her return from the world SUP Champs started to the right of Gunter and impressed everyone with her very powerful start. She managed to slot in behind Lawrence for most of the race and held a very good lead ahead of Brigette van Aswegen from Cape Town with 15 Year old, Mishka Steyn in third position. Steve Honeysett once again headed up the 12’6 Boards slotting behind Nick Bradley from Johannesburg for most of the race. The first 2.4 KM up river to the first buoy, allowed everyone to adjust to pace of the race. Dylan was first around the buoy with a quick 180 degree turn and then accelerating to keep his advantage. Just after the buoy, Anton Nel managed to over-take the two brothers and get in front Gunter, giving Gunter a slight breather whilst taking advantage of the draft created by Anton’s board. Anton managed to keep this place for another kilometre, after which he had to take a breather and clear his sinuses due to the flu that he had been fighting for the last few days. This allowed Brandon and Grant-Lee to overtake him and slip behind Gunter with Anton now paddling alongside Brandon. Coming up to the 4.8KM mark, Dylan was still keeping a good lead ahead of the rest with Gunter, Brandon, Anton and Grant-lee following anxiously. The 4.8KM mark is the same one used for the start line allowing the spectators to view some of the action of the race. Dylan was once again fast to turn around the buoy and accelerate to try and increase the gap from the rest of the pack. Gunter also turned well and then picked up his pace slightly to create a 3 board length gap from the rest of the field. Anton realising that he would now have to make his move to catch Gunter, paddled wide to overtake Brandon and Grant-Lee and after some minutes of furious paddling managed to jump on to Gunter’s wake for a slight breather. The next 2.4 Km had Dylan up in front, Gunter in 2nd position, followed by Anton, Brandon and then Grant Lee. Further back in the field, we had Jason and Fred followed by Lawrence and Shelley. Then we had Steve Honeysett who had strategically snatched on to Nick’s wake and was now enjoying the drafting effect of Nick’s hard work. For the final buoy turn with 2.4 km left to go, Dylan once again managed to cruise through the turn and come out firing on all cylinders. Gunter hanging on to his 2nd place with Anton on his tail had managed pull a sizeable gap to Brandon and Grant Lee. With the head wind that had now picked up, Anton realised that now was the time to attempt to close the gap to Dylan and headed in front of Gunter with Gunter sticking close behind on Anton’s wake. The Next 1.2 Km was a fight against the wind, with Dylan realising that the finish was close, therefore picking up his speed and accelerating his paddle stroke. Gunter now paddled ahead of Anton with Anton still fighting his sinuses. The last 500m saw Dylan flying into the finish line to take the win, followed by Anton who managed to boost ahead of Gunter and open a 7 second gap. Then Brandon and Grant-Lee with a 45 second gap behind Gunter. The next bunch included Jason and Fred tussling for 6th place followed by Lawrence and then Shelley Bradfield, the first lady to cross the line, with a very impressive time. Steve Honeysett was next across the line to take 12’6ft title followed by Nick Bradley from Johannesburg and then the next lady, Brigette Van Aswegen. The first 12’6ft lady over the line was Claire Sladden. The first 12’6ft Junior over the line was Oliver Koch and Timmy Koch was the first 14ft Junior over the line. The official race was followed by a Kiddies race for the under 16 year olds and a Team relay race. Both fun races turned out more competitive than expected with every competitor squeezing out their last bit of remaining energy. Fantastic results for everyone and many new personal best records set. A massive thank you to all the sponsors for making this event possible including PRIMI PIATTI, LOCKRACK, STARBOARD and everyone who helped organise. See you same place next year for an even bigger and better event. Regards Gunter Berger
Posted on: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 09:52:09 +0000
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