Jasper Mocke wins SA Champs after McGregor Swims

In a race reminiscent of the 2011 World Cup in Durban, calm winds and seas belied a nasty shore break at the finish at La Mercy Beach...

Hank McGregor, having led the field all the way from the start took an uncharacteristic swim, allowing Jasper Mocke through to take the win.

The unofficial results are:

1. Jasper Mocke
2. Hank McGregor
3. Sean Rice
4. Matt Bouman
5. Grant vd Walt
6. Dawid Mocke
7. Herman Chalupsky
8. Kenny Rice
9. Steve Woods
10. Lee McGregor

Nikki Russell took the women's title with Nikki Mocke close behind.

Can't wait for the photos of the finish... The last time I raced here was in 2011. Very similar circumstances and there was carnage in the surf. I was fully face-planted by the shore break.

Here's the story (and the pics) from that race:

dunlop-world-cup-2011-carnage-in-camera

An interesting Blog reflecting on how the race ended so dramatically for so many paddlers.

www.durbansurfski.com/2014/06/27/massive...-sparks-controversy/

As I said on FB, if you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen.

I have seen skis snapped in half in 1 meter surf due to plain ignorance, it is a bitter pill to swallow but you are in an environment that is extremely hostile and unpredictable.

If I wanted to paddle in the river I would get a kayak.

The reply regarding signalling a change in conditions is one that would be easy to implement.

A flag on a safety boat behind the breakers.
Green - Conditions as briefed/safe.
Yellow - Conditions increased/ moderate.
Red - Conditions approaching unsafe/beginners approach safety boat for brief and/or assistance.
Black - Race abandoned conditions unsafe/ all paddlers approach safety boat for brief/assistance.

Why not "Red" finish at safety boat. It's not that difficult to have a standby timing crew on board. Then take your time to beach.