Sa-dominated field braces for a paradise paddle
WITH the inaugural Surfski World Championships in Portugal fast-approaching, one could be forgiven for forgetting about the Mauritius Ocean Classic.
Now in its fifth year, the classic is just that, an unforgettable week on an idyllic Indian Ocean island.
Nothing but crystal clear water, cocktails and one of the best places on the planet to paddle a surfski.
This year it will be an all-out South African battle on June 29 for the podium, as no Aussie contenders will be making their way to the event. Either Matilda won’t let them go or the Aussie national coach is prepping his troops for the big one in Portugal come July.
But this will not worry our local paddling stars because there have only ever been two names engraved on the winner’s trophy. South Africans Hank McGregor and Dawid Mocke sit on two wins apiece, and will be looking for that elusive third to add to the trophy cabinet. It won’t, however, be all plain paddling to first place as a host of challengers will be gunning for gold. Mocke’s younger brother, Jasper, is a fighter, as is former Iron Man supremo Matt Bouman. Also, if a huge downwind pumps, you can never count out Oscar Chalupsky – even at 50! An exciting course of 25km – with the prevailing wind and swell – makes for some of the best action.
In the ladies race, it will be Dawid’s wife, Nikki, who will go in as favourite.
Another event that is approaching is the 52nd Berg River Canoe Marathon, which has become the “Tour de France” of the local marathon scene.
Participants are in for four days of slogging it out in the middle of the freezing Western Cape winter on some of the longest stages found anywhere.
The big news coming out of the event is that nine-time champion McGregor has opted to race in the surfski world titles, missing the race.
Pundits claim his absence has ramped up the competitive stakes. Normally, the bride’s maids have been subservient to McGregor and raced for second.
But the knives will come out and, this year, the contenders will all believe they can win now that the big dog is away.