EP Longboard Trials #4

© Jonker Fourie

By Gregg Clarke

Stoked! Waves again. Good waves in fact, with sunny skies and a light cross/offshore wind. Pretty much the perfect longboard wave, with waves offering all the sections needed to get within the excellent scoring range. Photos courtesy of Peter Coffey (who clapped his heat!), to follow shortly.

It went down like this….

Legends division was once again won by John Macleod who after much thought has come out of retirement (again), to try win back his SA legends title from previous years. John was also the only surfer to wear booties, while most surfers opted for baggies only. At least his wetsuit was the right way round this time, I kid you not!!

Veterans, one of the most fiercely contested divisions, saw Alan Byram winning with great top to bottom surfing and all round use of the waves. Lippy has been keeping a close eye on Alan, and is currently seeded 2nd.

Grand Kahunas winner- Greg Smith. He is also shaping amazing high performance longboards and traditional logs for those interested, give him a call.

Dave Macgregor smoked the kahunas division scoring a high 9 on one of his waves some saying the wave was a perfect 10! Great surfing from this division, with Drew Macdonald getting a 2nd place.

Craig Cuffs car broke down, much to the delight of his fellow competitors! Craig Sponneck capitalised to win the division. Andrew Scott had a wedding on the previous night….

In the other divisions: Britney Linder still looking like the girl to win the SA u18 girls title, u14 super grom Kye Macgreor is literally the most amped surfer in the world. U16 Alex v Rijsvick won his division again, and so did u18 Peter Coffey. Both on fire at the moment.

Open ladies saw Mia Baard winning, with her classic style of longboard surfing. This division is going to get interesting as we head down to the last remaining trials at East Beach (Port Alfred) and Hullets (St Francis). 3 girls gunning for the number one spot Mia, Hannah and Michelle.

Open mens, I must once again emphasize how tough this division has been this year! The most ever entrants (that I can remember), with some really top guys all gunning for one of the top 6 positions available to make the team. Mike Hill is carrying a frustrating back injury which saw him withdraw from the Senior mens division entirely, and had to settle for a 5th position on the day. 

We know Mike will come back strong and wish him a speedy recovery! Dane van Greunen couldn’t stop smiling when he made the final, after a couple of hiccups along the way at this years trials. He just couldn’t get the best waves in the final and had to settle for a solid 4th. I got third (again), but did manage to win the senior mens! Yay for me! 

Dean “I snake Gregg Clarke” Simpson finally got pipped for first by Matthew Macleod, who silenced many people who thought his previous 2nd was a fluke. Matt’s really looking consistent and like his older brother cannot be given an inch in a heat, he will punish you. Check out all the previous results and heats below.

See you all at Port Alfred 22 or 23 Feb, East Beach here we come…

Gregg Clarke


DNS = Did not surf