Matt Bouman dominates in choppy surf conditions
Durban – Umhlanga based paddling powerhouse Matt Bouman raced to a
comfortable victory in the Billy the Bums Surfski Challenge, race two of the
ten-leg series on Friday evening and in so doing gave himself what could
prove to be a vital head start in the race for the title of the 2012 Varsity
College Marine Surfski Series.
After a rare mishap in last week’s series opener Bouman was eager to rectify
his mistake and soon opened up a commanding lead over his nearest rivals
before putting the hammer down in the closing stages of the race to cruise to
victory despite last week’s winner Herman Chalupsky’s best efforts.
“It was great to be out there again and to have got the win as well,” said
Bouman. “I got off to a great start and when I turned I didn’t really expect
to see anyone there but there Herman (Chalupasky) was, right behind me!”
“Herman’s going really well at the moment and I didn’t even know he was on
the start line so when I saw him right there I got quite a fright and
suddenly realized I was going to have to work a lot harder than I initially
thought.”
“There was no way I was going to let the ‘ballie’ beat me. He’d never let me
live that down,” he added.
Despite many title contenders missing the race due to the Global Trader Drak
Challenge taking place in Underberg this weekend conditions were still
challenging and racing tough as many of the series’ consistent performers
went in search of a strong performance and crucial overall log points.
“Obviously quite a few guys were away tonight but I’m still really chuffed
with the win,” said Bouman. “No matter what the circumstances may be its
always great to win a race here in Durbs!”
“People often forget just how much talent there is in our little town and
just how good our so called ‘next tier’ of paddlers are, so even when the top
guys are away there are still some fantastic watermen out there and the
competition is still incredibly tough.”
The return of the likes of Team Best 4 Kayak Centre’s Hank McGregor and Grant
and Brandon van der Walt as well as Team Jeep’s Barry Lewin will add great
interest in what is already hotting up to be a fascinating title race.
“I’m obviously really looking forward to next week when all the top guys are
back and the racing really gets interesting, but things certainly have not
been dull nor easy whilst they’ve been away” said Bouman.
“This is an awesome series and whilst races are a lot shorter than the
Molokai which I’m working towards at the moment it’s still fantastic
training, especially when you get to take on some of the best surfski
paddlers in the world each week,” he added.
Bouman came home ahead of a strong Chalupsky with Mark Mulder, making his
first podium appearance of 2012, finishing third.
In the ladies race it was all Natalie Veckranges as the accomplished
lifesaving competitor drew on her wealth of surf paddling expertise to
comfortably claim her first win of the series to go with her second place
finish last week.
Veckranges never once was threatened for the top honours however ladies
surfski stalwart Sharon Armstrong once again put in a stellar performance to
claim the second spot on the podium.
Race three, the Buddies Surfski Challenge takes place on Friday 20
January at 17h30 at Marine Surf Lifesaving Club. More info can be found at
www.marineseries.co.za
ENDS
SUMMARY OF RESULTS - BILLY THE BUMS SURFSKI CHALLENGE
RACE TWO OF THE VARSITY COLLEGE MARINE SURFSKI SERIES
LONG COURSE
SINGLES - MEN
1.Matt Bouman 34.36
2.Herman Chalupsky 35.57
3.Mark Mulder 37.06
4.Brett Challenor 37.48
5.Warren Beuster 38.23
6.Dwayne Powell 38.42
7.Gavin Searle 39.11
8.Scott Rutherford 39.41
9.Mark Lewin 40.32
10.Simon Grout 41.02
SINGLES - WOMEN
1.Natalie Veckranges 45.01
2.Sharon Armstrong 56.00
DOUBLES
1.Quinton Rutherford/Bryan Taylor 37.22
2.Thando Thusi/Sthembiso Mbatha 38.39
3.Luke Steenkamp/Wayne Symington 39.17
SHORT COURSE
SINGLES
1.Mthembeni Mkhize 22.55
2.Michael Elion 25.06
3.Ryan Roberts 25.30
DOUBLES
1.Neville Farinha/Lionel Foster 25.47
2.Marek Masojada/Josh Masojada 35.39
3.Carmel Billson/Peter Bees 42.41
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Matt Bouman bagged his first win of the
Varsity College Marine Surfski Series with an emphatic performance in the
Billy the Bums Surfski Challenge, race two in the ten race series. |
Anthony Grote/
Gameplan Media |
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Nathalie Veckranges took full advantage of the
opportunities presented by the Billy the Bums Surfski Challenge to post her
first win in the Varsity College marine Surfski Series. |
Anthony Grote/
Gameplan Media |
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A doubleski crew racing home in the
Billy the Bums Surfski Challenge, race two of the Varsity College Marine
Surfski Series. |
Anthony Grote/
Gameplan Media |
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A competitor crashes through the unsettled
midbreak during the Billy the Bums Surfski Challenge, race two of the
Varsity College Marine Surfski Series. |
Anthony Grote/
Gameplan Media |
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