Surfski for Cancer in Durban

Hayley Nixon and Carmel Bilson win the women's doubles race Credits: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

Durban, South Africa - An uncharacteristic Tuesday night start due to the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon saw paddlers don pink from top to toe at the Lettie Surfski Challenge, all in support of the fight against cancer for race six of the 2018 FNB Surfski Series.

The Lettie Love Fund was established in support of those that are currently in the fight against cancer, as well as remembering those that have lost their lives in the fight against the disease and once again the Durban surfski community came out to remember Lettie Haynes well as support the cause.

Matt Bouman, 3 from 3

From a racing perspective it was SMG/Epic Kayaks' Matt Bouman who once again dominated proceedings to take home his third win from three races at the 2018 series. His win just proves the prowess of the experienced ocean rider as he consolidated his spot at the top of the series standings.

Third win in three races for Matt Bouman

Cancer Awareness

"It's incredible that the FNB Surfski Series teams up with the Lettie Love Fund every year to host this race for cancer awareness," current women's surfski world champion Hayley Nixon said.

"It is always a sad reality that many of us have had someone that has either died or battled cancer and I lost my father 13 years ago to cancer.

"Cancer is a cruel disease and can be a tough thing to go through. So to have the paddling community down here gathering arm-in-arm and dressing up in pink and doing their bit to support those that have suffered at the hands of cancer is awesome to see.

"The funds that are being raised by Zoog (Haynes) and his group of people, that come together and help in transporting sufferers to and from therapy, are so important."

Making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate is something that the Lettie Love Fund is invested in and to have a disease like cancer to deal with on top of financial issues will put strain on all families.

"We take for granted that we can just jump in our cars and get to hospitals and get to treatment but for so many this isn't an everyday reality," Nixon stressed.

"It's a very special cause and it's great that the FNB Surfski Series highlights this and the fight against cancer.

"The weather was incredible and some people even commented that the sun's reflection on the water was pink!

"All in all it was a great evening, with a great turn out for a great cause!" she added.

Race Video

Race seven of the 2018 FNB Surfski Series takes place on Friday, 23 February at the Borland Surfski Challenge presented by Marriott.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS - LETTIE SURFSKI CHALLENGE

Overall Singles

1.Matt Bouman 33:29
2.Wade Krieger 35:28
3.Luke Nisbet 35:50
4.Lee McGregor 35:50
5.Hamish Lovemore 36:31

Doubles

1.Dawid Mocké/Ian Black 33:29
2.Richard Lowe/Shaun Burgin 34:06
3.Brent Chiazzari/Travis Kruger 34:10
4.Dave Harker/Justin Swart 36:48
5.Hayley Nixon/Carmel Bilson 36:55

Women

1.Sabina Lawrie 41:15
2.Raquel Arcediano 45:37
3.Thea van der Westhuizen 47:40

Women Doubles

1.Hayley Nixon/Carmel Bilson 36:55
2.Jacqui Boyd/Lyn Bennett 42:04

Mixed Double

1.Louisa van Staden/Gavin Botha 39:51
2.Tamryn Mckie/Calvin Mckie 41:37
3.Sharon Armstrong/Carl Elkington 42:02

Short Course

Overall Singles
1.Peter Jacobs 19:55
2.Connor Botha 23:04
3.Keaton Riddle 23:31

Doubles

1.Kyeta Purchase/Josh Simpkins 19:57
2.Jody Taylor/Duane Taylor 20:00
3.Tyler Wilson/Garnett Wilson 21:41

SUP

Dylan Fick, SA SUP Champion

Overall

1.Dylan Fick 28:26
2.Brandon Read 28:59
3.Nick Park-Ross 29:22
4.Shayne Chipps 29:25
5.Charlotte Atherton 31:35

More information can be found at www.marineseries.co.za.