by SFT | Oct 8, 2024 | Surfing Today
The SA Masters Surfing Team to compete in the ISA World Masters competition in Surf City El Salvador has been announced. The two women competitors are former champion Heather Clark (KZN) and Tasha Mentasti (CT), and the two men are Gary Van Wierengen (KZN) and Tyrell Johnson (EL).
The seventh edition of the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship (WMSC) will be hosted by Surf City El Salvador from October 18 to 24, 2024, at the iconic point break of El Sunzal.
Multiple CT Champions
Multiple CT Champions are counted amongst the roster of Masters World Champions, including three-time WSL Champion Tom Curren (USA) and seven-time WSL Champion Layne Beachley (AUS). Other notable previous champions include Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Rob Page (AUS), previously mentioned Heather Clark (RSA), and the WMSC’s winningest surfer, Juan Ashton (PUR).
“I’m feeling excited about this event,” said Van Wierengen. “It’s been 11 years since we have had a World Master’s Event, and it’s always an honour and privilege to represent my country, South Africa.”
Gary in action on the South Coast © Justin Klusener
Mentasti echoed similar sentiments.
“I am honoured to be able to represent South Africa again as an athlete,” said Mentasti. “The last time I represented Team South Africa as an athlete was 20 years ago, when I placed equal 5th overall, and Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) won the Open Women’s title in Ecuador.”
Mentasti is looking forward to this event.
“I am excited to head back to El Salvador,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to be there as Head Coach for the 2022 SA Junior Surfing Team, so I know the wave well and look forward to proudly flying the South African flag.
We are a small team representing our beautiful country, but we all have big dreams and would love to return with a few medals.”
Mentasti power turn © Luke Goldschmidt
ISA President Fernando Aguerre is equally enthused about the upcoming event.
“I am extremely happy for the return of the World Masters Surfing Championship, and what an ideal location in Surf City El Salvador.”
The event can be followed here: 2024 ISA World Masters.
by SFT | Oct 8, 2024 | St Francis
Get ready for an unforgettable day on the greens with top South African singer Nadine, all in support of a noble cause. Join us for a charity golf day dedicated to St Francis Animal Rescue, where your participation in Swing for a Cause helps make a difference in the lives of our furry friends.
Celebrity Guest: Enjoy a day of golf with Nádine, one of South Africa’s beloved singers, performing live at the prize giving.
Golf Tournament: Participate in a friendly yet competitive golf tournament with fantastic prizes up for grabs.
Gourmet Dining: Indulge in a delicious meal and refreshments throughout the day.
Supporting a Cause: All proceeds go directly to St Francis Animal Rescue, helping to provide care and shelter for animals in need.
Highlights:
-Tee off with Nádine and fellow golf enthusiasts
-Live performance by Nádine
-Prize giveaways and special awards
-Opportunity to support a worthy cause.
Swing for a Cause
For more information and to book your spot, please contact +27 41 200 4500
Join us for a day of golf, music, and giving back – because every swing counts towards making a difference!
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Read More: Kouga Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, launches petition against Eskom’s proposed 40% tariff increase
by SFT | Oct 8, 2024 | Action Sports, St Francis
Cape St Francis – After excellent results at the final event on the Rip Curl GromSearch series 2024, the Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point presented by Sea Harvest, Rory Dace (CSF) and Louise Lepront (Scottburgh) emerged victorious in the series rankings.
Zigzag Magazine
The prize – a trip to Bali for the Rip Curl Global Finals – was sponsored by Zigzag Magazine and supported by The Royal St Andrews Hotel and Sea Harvest.The new version of Zigzag Magazine proudly supports grom surfing in South Africa and was happy to become the main sponsor of the Bali trips
The rankings were decided on the top four out of five contests in the national series, which comprised events at Cape Town, Durban, East London, Port Alfred and Seal Point.
Established in 1999 and known as a launchpad for future surfing superstars, the GromSearch International Final has been the proving ground for an unequalled list of world champions and Olympic medalists. Past finalists include Caroline Marks, Steph Gilmore, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Jack Robinson and Filipe Toledo.
The Road To Bali
The road to Bali was extremely competitive, with only eight girls and eight boys qualifying and representing the USA, Australia, Indonesia, Europe, Brazil, and South Africa. Two international wildcard slots per division will be announced, including winners from the #GromSearchOnline contest. During the event, finalists also receive mentorship from Stephanie Gilmore and Molly Picklum.
Cape St Francis Surfer and Seal Point Boardriders club member Rory Dace is hard at work preparing for this event.
Cape St Francis Surfer
“I’m doing a lot of training and surfing daily,” said Dace in his preparation work. “I’m also doing a lot of body work to get myself into the best possible condition for the competition. I’m getting two new boards for Bali, and I will get them dialled in before the comp, so I’m at my peak performance. I’m super amped to put on some boardies and hop into the warm water, though.”
While the goal of any surf competition is to win, Bali offers a whole new world of experiences for the travelling groms.
“My goal for the global event is to have a good time, make new friends, and get a good result,” said Dace. “This will let people people know that the young generation of South Africa has high potential.”
Dace is also excited to work with Steph and Molly.
“Steph is one of the most stylish surfers out there, and Molly has so much knowledge about tour surfing, so I can’t wait to meet them and listen to what they have to say. It’s going to be insane.”
by Craig Jarvis | Oct 8, 2024 | St Francis
Dear Readers
Yesterday’s news release on Mayor Bornman launching a petition against Eskom’s proposed 40% tariff increase received massive traffic and looks to be heading for north of 150 comments, with more coming in all the time.
Please note, however, that sending St Francis Today your vote of disapproval via the comments section will not make a difference. As per yesterday’s article, the only way to have your voice heard is to sign the actual petition.
See below.
Sign The Petition
Residents against the proposed increase are encouraged to sign the petition at https://4i959i3h.forms.app/online-petition-form. Alternatively, visit the Kouga Municipality website at www.kouga/gov.za and click on Notices and News.
Elderly and pensioners
The main concerns are from the elderly and from pensioners who have stated quite correctly and emphatically that they will not be able to afford this sort of increase, as well as several small businesses who have noted that this sort of increase will cripple their business. Neither are good places to be if such an increase were to be put in place. No one can afford a 40% increase, and not everyone has the luxury and finances to get solar panels and to go off the grid, even partially.
The best thing to do is to sign the official Mayor’s Petition Against Eskom’s Proposed 40% Tariff Increase form and get as many people as possible to sign it. Mayor Bornman has started an initiative, and it will gain significant momentum and impetus as long as we all climb in and support him and his petition.
So, thanks again for all the comments, but we all need to unite and click through on the correct petition form to make our voices heard.
editor
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