Port Alfred braces for Royal St Andrews Hotel Amanzi Challenge
Surfers, rubber ducks take to water
Port Alfred is once again bracing itself for an exciting wave of water sport activity when the hosting of the Royal St Andrews Hotel Amanzi Challenge kicks off from November 10-12.
Event founder and organiser Zwelinzima Nkwinti said it was all systems go for the aquatic spectacular incorporating surfing, rubber ducks and bodyboarding disciplines.
Beach-goers and sport lovers will turn venues at West Beach, East Beach and along the banks of the Kowie into a party atmosphere as they enjoy the thrills and spills of the various events.
“Yes, we are gearing up nicely with all our partners and we are set for an eventful hosting,” Nkwinti said about ongoing preparations.
He said they were satisfied with the essential support services that will be in place to ensure the safety of participants.
“Everything has been positive in the build-up and we are well supported by all our stakeholders.
“Both Sarah Baartman and Ndlambe municipalities have been a great help,” he added.
All the focus is on the adrenalinefilled competition in the water among various aquatic disciplines.
The power and speed of the rubber ducks events always bring an added dimension to the challenge.
The bodyboarding and surfing will be obvious attractions to the locals, especially the youngsters, who frequent the popular surfing spots on the Port Alfred coastline.
“We are expecting a well-attended, action-packed weekend as surfers affiliated to SA Bodyboarding, Surfing SA and the interprovincial rubber ducks associations bring their various teams to compete.”
Nkwinti said the Amanzi Challenge was the perfect opportunity for residents to come out and have fun in the sun.
“The Amanzi Challenge makes for great leisure activity especially for families and anyone wanting to enjoy what Port Alfred has to offer.
“This event is a significant boost for the business and the hospitality sector.
“We have a strong partnership with the Royal St Andrews Hotel and the beauty of our town will be on offer for all visitors to enjoy.”
Surfing SA said it was thrilled to be a part of the highly-anticipated challenge.
“This event promises to be a thrilling showcase of SA’s top surfing talent, featuring U16, U18, and open divisions for both men and women,” contest director Bruce Luqman said.
“Surfing enthusiasts from across the country can look forward to an exhilarating display of skill and style as young talents and seasoned professionals alike ride the waves at one of SA’s most iconic surf destinations [in Port Alfred].
“With a total prize purse of R50,000, this specialty event is set to draw surfers eager to compete for both glory and significant rewards,” he said.
Surfing entries are still open until November 6, where heats and a provisional schedule will be posted on Liveheats by 8pm.
One of the highlights of the Amanzi Challenge surfing programme will be the presence of the reigning SA Open champion, Thomas Lindthorse.
The champion, who has been a dominant force in SA surfing, expressed his excitement for the event, saying: “I’m really looking forward to competing in Port Alfred again.
“West Beach is one of the most fun venues I’ve surfed on.
“We get a lot of east swell at this time of the year, so it could really turn on and turn out to be one of the best competitions of the year.”
Experienced SA bodyboarding coach and body boarder, Clinton Millard, said the preparations for the competition was going “great” and local competitors were looking forward to welcoming the visiting riders to the town.
“Roughly anything from 40 to 70 individuals are expected to participate and contestants are scheduled to arrive from all over the country for the West Beach event.
“This event has grown over the last couple of years and being the last event on the tour, people are excited to get their tour positions and to see if they can become champion in their division,” Millard said.
“The format is on a knock-out basis with riders having to place in the top two in their heat to make it through the rounds till they reach the finals,” he said.
Millard said sea conditions were extremely “brown” from all the storms recently but “the banks were looking good and should pan out for a great event”.
Eastern Cape Inflatable Boat member Gerald Williams of Gqeberha said the rubber duck community was excited about the prospect of joining up with the Amanzi Challenge again.
“The thrill of racing on the Kowie River on the second day is always spectacular and the spectators lining the banks will get a good view of the action,” Williams said.
“We always look forward coming to compete in the Amanzi Challenge.
“The hospitality is fantastic and people — especially the spectators — are friendly and always asking us questions about the sport itself. It’s great to have that interaction because not many are aware of this sport.”