The SA Masters went down in some challenging waves at Vic Bay. Nelson Mandela Surfriders got a credible 4th possie, with Buffalo City taking the win.

Top performers for NBMS were Stan Badger, with a 4th in the Over35's, and Steve Bredell, with a WIN in the Over 50 Men's.

Huge respect to Steve, who beat legend Wayne Monk in both his semi and in the finals.

Steve's story is a classic one. He used to surf in KZN back in the day - and went to trails a coupla times, but due to financial constraints at the time could never afford to go to all the trials needed to qualify, so never made a team.

He them gave up competitive surfing for 23 years. The ou's co-opted him back into the fold for these SA Masters - and he ends up winning the darn thing! Only guy in the comp to win a division that has never won a division before.

Better late than never Steve!

Day Two of the South African Longboarding Champs presented by RYD Brand sanctioned by Surfing South Africa kicked off in balmy weather and, once again, flawless offshore surfing conditions.

To start the day, the Veteran division took to the sizable 4-6ft conditions in style. This is no small feat considering that this division comprises surfers aged 60 and older.

Barry Campbell, representing KwaZulu Natal, put together an excellent heat, locking in the second highest heat score total of the day with a 17.00 total (8.00 + 9.00). The 63-year old, former Springbok surfer comes fresh off a win at the South African Surfing Masters Championships last week and proved to be a standout for the day, across all divisions. 

As the wind turned onshore in the late morning, the Open Men’s abilities were put to test in somewhat trickier conditions. Standouts from the first day of competition who shone in the trials of more difficult conditions included Thomas King (Western Province), Sam Christianson (KwaZulu Natal) and Michael Hill (Eastern Province), marking them as surfers to watch for possible podium finishes. Each of these surfers achieved at least one excellent score (range 8.00 - 10.00) in testing surf.

The contest site was graced by representatives of the Kouga Municipality, who took the opportunity to snap a photo with World Tour surfer Jordy Smith. As the main sponsor, the Kouga Municipality has shown unwavering support for the event.

The day was cut short by a rising onshore wind that rendered the conditions sub-par. Action will resume tomorrow with the Quarterfinals taking place in what are expected to be smaller, clean offshore conditions. 

For Live Heat score updates from the event, head to https://www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za/ and click on the “LIVEHEATS” Button.

For media use only, images from the day available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rvstnz46i1cdli1/AAD6s4TBzCIWNVxoDgfYcyJ4a?dl=0 
Photographer credit: Mike Ruthnumhere to edit.