Faulkner, Enslin showing fine form at surf champs
NELSON Mandela Bay’s Joshe Faulkner and Josh Enslin will be looking to continue their winning momentum in the 52nd Mercedes-Benz National Surfing Championships in East London.
Faulkner has now entered the fourth round of the men’s open division at the competition.
He was up against Brandon Benjamin, Janek Ferrandi and Calvin Moore in the third round on Wednesday and finished in second place, falling short by just 0.25 points behind fellow national team member Benjamin.
“There have been some really nice waves that have pushed the competitors to their limits,” Faulkner said.
“I am hoping the early-morning beach break conditions give me an edge to at least make it to the finals on Sunday.”
With the weather easing off approaching the weekend, the best surfers have shone on the reefs, showing the other surfers their skills.
Organising manager Edward Gregory said: “The power surfing is perfectly suited to the heavy waves and wind on offer at Nahoon Reef this week and he will be difficult to beat.”
Faulkner is hoping to continue his winning form in the recent professional junior championships at the Jordy Smith Cape Town Pro into this event.
Fellow NMB surfer Enslin has also entered the fourth round of the senior men’s division. He took the win in the sixth heat of the competition.
His nine points were good enough for the first position ahead of Avuyile Ndamase, Derek Horlock and Papi Makanyane.
Enslin was one of the standouts on the first day on Monday with two eights scored in some difficult Nahoon Beach waves.