Uli Hart is set to defend his South African SS1 (single surfski) Ocean Racing title this Friday in Fish Hoek, and he will undoubtedly be counting on his home-town advantage to carry him to victory.
Last year, Hart displayed exceptional form in Durban, clinching his first South African Surfski Championship victory with a nail-biting 30-second lead over Mark Keeling.
This year, not only is Hart eager to defend his title, but the stakes are even higher as the event also serves as a selection trial for the SA team heading to the World Championships in Durban this October.
The anticipation surrounding the men’s race builds as Hart, fresh off a strong performance at the national flatwater sprint championships, faces a daunting line-up including multiple World Marathon Champion Hank McGregor, Josh Fenn, Keeling, and junior paddlers like Sam Mocke and Jared Shrimpton, who are keen to challenge their more seasoned opponents in the calm sea conditions predicted for the day.
Meanwhile, the women’s competition is expected to heat up with current World Champion Kira Bester at the forefront, vying for the national title in her own backyard.
With the absence of defending champion Michelle Burn, the race for victory appears wide open.
Bester will face formidable competition from paddlers including Saskia Hockly, Melanie van Niekerk, and Georgia Singe, all looking to establish themselves as front-runners in an intensely competitive field.
The SS1 Championships are not only pivotal for personal accolades but also set the stage for a big weekend of racing in the region.
Following Friday’s events, paddlers will gear up for the esteemed Prescient Freedom Paddle on Sunday, which doubles as the SS2 Championships. This 27km race around Robben Island, scheduled to coincide with Freedom Day, is one of South Africa’s hallmark paddling events, drawing an exceptional lineup of talent.
In the doubles race, the reigning champions, McGregor and Josh Fenn, are favoured to retain their title despite fierce competition from Kenny Rice and Nic Notten, as well as the promising pairing of Mark Keeling and Ron Benjano, while Bester and van Niekerk will aim to establish dominance in the women’s category.
The mixed doubles will also see Hart teaming up with Singe, signalling their determination to defend their World Championship title later this year.
The SS1 Championships will commence at Long Beach, Simons Town at 10am, with competitors turning 200m south of Millers Rock before racing back to Fish Hoek Beach.
Shortly after, Sunday’s race around Robben Island is set to start at 9.30am from the Oceana Power Boat Club. As paddlers gear up, excitement fills the air, marking what promises to be a thrilling weekend of ocean racing.
