Double Win for Iain Campbell at Wedge Classic 2013
posted by Janet Middleton on 10th July 2013
Plettenberg Bay,
9th July 2013 - The annual Wedge Classic bodyboarding contest, held last week in Plettenberg Bay,
was another huge highlight on the South African bodyboarding calendar, with
riders from all the provinces gathering at the popular Wedge Beach
in Plett to fight for the "King of the Wedge" title.
The
competition was fierce, from the Boys division all the way of to the Pros, with
conditions varying from testing to absolutely brilliant. SABA
chairman, Michael van Huyssteen said: "Once again, a very well run event
and, in all aspects, did South African Bodyboarding proud. The riding from all
divisions was of a very high standard."
Central
Kwa-Zulu Natal rider, Iain Campbell was the definite champion of the Wedge
Classic 2013, winning both the Drop Knee division and the Pro division, making
him the undeniable "King of the Wedge". He came up against tough
competition in the Drop Knee final with Bradley Moys, Michael Ostler and Chris
Green.
The
Pro Man on Man final saw Iain again facing off with Bradley Moys, which was
absolutely epic to watch! Ultimately, Iain Campbell clinched both titles,
a feat achieved just last year by Sacha Specker. Iain said of his wins :"It
is always amazing to be back in Plett for the Wedge. I am happy to be 'King of
the Wedge' 2013 and to get the double title as Sacha did last year. The feeling
is back at the Wedge and it was awesome to see everybody from all over the
country there to enjoy the Wedge."
With
over 100 entries and daily crowds of 500+, The Plett Tourism catch-phrase of
"it's a feeling" was clearly in evidence on the beach and in the water. The Red
Bull chill-out lounge and spinning station kept the riders on form during the
contest and Red Bull's Mobile music ensured that there was always something
happening on the beach, with Wedge promo girls, soccer matches and a generally
celebratory atmosphere as riders and spectators enjoyed that "Plett feeling".
Mike van Huyssteen said of organisers Offthehook Events: "The association with
Offthehook Events is going to be a long one and here's to another 18 years - at
least!"
Another
standout of the contest was 10 year old Alex Nutt, who took second place in the
Boys division after some very consistent riding from Plett local, John-Barry
Coleman. Alex, however, won "Best Move of the Contest" with a huge
invert that saw him tied for this honour with South African Bodyboarding
Champion, Tristan Roberts - which was then broken by a final vote from the Head
Judge - with Alex winning!
South
African Champion Tristan Roberts took the Juniors trophy after a tough battle
with Plett locals, Nik Martin and Michael Searle, and Western Province's
Wilder Schultz, producing some of best moves of the contest! Another highlight
was the Ladies division, which had 8 entrants, twice as many as last year's
Wedge Classic. SABA chairman said: "This is
one the largest entries that I have seen at a South African Bodyboarding event."
The division was ultimately won by Janneke de Kock with Plett local, Nicky
Gerricke in second.
It
was great to see the local Plett kids placing so highly throughout the contest
and, with intense provincial pride on display throughout, the South African
Champs in September in Mossel
Bay are sure to be
thrilling. Next up on the South African Bodyboarding circuit is the "West Beach
Warfare Contest" taking place from 9-11 August at West Beach,
Port Alfred.
Video Highlights
Official Wedge Classic Video: http://youtu.be/42T9cYH1hdsHighlights Day One:
http://youtu.be/RmVbQfErvA0
Highlights Day Two:
http://youtu.be/5iKaWgUF5doHighlights Day Three:
http://youtu.be/sgG9Ic-18dkRESULTS
Pros Division
"King
of the Wedge" 2013 Iain Campbell
2.
Bradley Moys
3.
Storm Prestwich & Stephen du Preez (joint)
Junior Division
- Tristan Roberts
- Niklas Martin
- Michael Searle
- Wilder Schultz
Drop Knee Division
- Iain Campbell
- Bradley Moys
- Chris Green
- Michael Ostler
Boys Division
- John-Barry Coleman
- Alex Nutt
- Cameron Watkins
- Wian Oosthuizen
Mens Division
- MJ Stow
- Douw Steyn
- Chris Green
- Keegan Baillache
Womens Division
- Janneke de Kock
- Nicolette Gerricke
- Suzie Vester
- Georgi McKeone
Masters Division
- Morne Laubsche
- Sean Oberholzer
- Wayne Craig
- Simon Williamson
Grand Masters Division:
- Mike van Huyssteen
- Riaan du Preez
- Riaan Nutt
Main Sponsor:
Plett Tourism (Plett, it's a feeling)
Sponsors:
Southern Cape Bodyboarding
Association
Hurley & Crush Surf
The Surf Shop
Plett
Sports & Lizzard
Robberg
Fine Foods
Glider
Eyewear
Offthehook
Seafood Café
Kingdom
Longboards
The
Table Restaurant
Surf
Café
Soca
Tsitsikamma
Crystal Water
Zigg
Zag Branding
Red
Bull
The
Print Shop
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