Another awesome day at Dabs! We had paddlers from Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and even Cape Town on our beach for the 13th running of the world famous High Altitude Surf Ski Championships. This this was the biggest field to date with over 100 boats and almost 150 competitors including some serious celebs. Once again we had Hank and Pippa kindly supporting our race while Matt Fenn made his second appearance, although they all had different partners this year, after having lost to the local lads TK and MJ in 2023. Also saying he wasn’t scared, was the PE2EL champ, Zach Preyser who came all the way to paddle with Moolies Moolman. This year’s swell wasn’t that big, but Rob Crichton and Matt Ballenden were the first of many swimmers; it was like a gala for some, but all who were out there had a great time; the happy faces said it all.
Matt Fenn teamed up with young Luke and despite not knowing our shores that well he drove superbly while Luke provided his power and they cruised to a comfortable win, ahead of the veteran pairing of Hank and Wayne, who were followed home by Mike Arthur and David Gerber. While young Luke and Matt dominated the men’s, we also had young Caitlin and Amy from Tuks beat Jess and Sarah from Dabs, so it looks like some of the youngsters are now showing up the older folk. But the more experienced did win everything else. First Mixed Double was Pippa and Marco. First male home was Alex Roberts, followed by Siseko and then Bruno. (Our reporters believe Alex’s boat was well under the legal weight and that he was going to be disqualified, but officials decided that his self-deportation to Australia will be punishment enough.) First female home was Karen and setting a new record with the first ever K9 class, was Brad Breetzke, Flem Dog and his dog, Ozzie Pickles who also had a swim. Poor Flem Pup had to paddle on his own. Well done to the winners and all the athletes (dogs and puppies) who participated. Back on the beach the Gin Storm started. Some sensibly avoided it, but most of the ordinary seadogs happily climbed in, led we think by Tex….
At prizegiving the winners took their spoils; then it was what everyone else had be waiting for, the lucky draws. Alex won the beautiful Gara Paddle donated by South Africa Surf Ski. Then Kerryn Fenn did the draw for the fantastic new XTS Fenn ski. Jonno, Tommo, AnO, Gabbi and Jess each got a key to try open the lock on the boat, and it was Gabbi who won – bringing tears to her eyes. After the sun had set, Jonno from Franks served up delicious burgers and hot dogs; then the Dabblers did their stuff and entertained the crowds to rapturous applause. As he is want to do, the Garden Boy behind the drums took off his shirt, and then all the other boys did too. Dumi and Mike made sure all were well refreshed and the party raged on…
Well done to Anja for organising and running the show; virtually. Thanks to all the workers on the day. Well done to Raoul for again organising the boats and wave makers. A massive thank you to Mark and Barry Lewin from South Africa Surf Ski for so generously bringing up a trailer full of their Point skis, enabling a fun afternoon for 30 additional paddlers, plus the Gara paddle prize and 4 double entries into the Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge and the Ballito Downwind. If you are in the market for a ski, they left a demo Horizon X with Canoe Concepts. Well done to Jim Davies, who also working virtually. Jim first approached Travis Smith and Keith Fenn (on behalf of Dabulamanzi and the Transvaal Navy) to become part of this unique event back in 2016, and they have been a key element in the HASSC’s success ever since. Such is the power of the prospect of winning a free ski. Thank you to Fenn for the unwavering support; it was special to have Matt win this year’s race with his mom, Kerryn, watching on. Thanks to all for helping make this what it was. Woza the next HASSC!
After Saturdays festivities, the Sunday morning Time Trial was run in honour of the late John Oliver; although sadly there weren’t as many paddlers as expected. Most as asked wore red; most as asked paddled one slow lap, and then the time trial ensued. Most would have put their money on Wayne and Hank winning, but in the end it became a two boat race with young Luke and Amy edging out Rob and MJ. It was pointed out that DUC bettered the Dabs efforts by far in their tribute which can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E5hZaxNPRc True, but please remember that the scant few who give up their personal time also need others to put their hands up to help make things happen. CSA have created an ‘event’ on the portal to raise funds towards giving John the send-off he deserves. A memorial service will be held at Hills Wedding Estate, Pietermaritzburg on Sunday at 11am. If you can support, please do. RIP John.
Following the Time Trial, we had a clean-up around the dam, which most either forgot about or avoided. Well done and thank you to those that helped pick up litter – especially the SCARCies who were happily in full force. Well done also to Fresh Earth for sponsoring the amazing Doughnuts and Coffee and Doughnuts. Thanks Matt Ballenden. Go Dabs!
