Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
In today’s world it’s about Supergirls on Supertubes
In surfing parlance, this is called “rock- hopping threefoot close-outs buckled by a devils wind”. Most male surfers – even the professionals – would struggle.
I am pleased to report that the World Surf League has upped its game when it comes to equalising its attitude to its male and female athletes. The incredible progression of women’s surfing is partly the reason why, in the modern era, the women are sent out when the surf is pumping. And disparity in prize-money has closed too.
It will be a thrill to see our new-school super athletes carve those racetrack rights of Supers to shreds. The women are sticking the big new school moves – read aerials – a lot more, and they’re pulling off the old school moves – read big gaping tubes – with nonchalant aplomb. While there are no South Africans on the tour, it’s likely that the WSL Commissioner will select one as the wildcard. At the time of writing, Nicole Pallet was the highest placed Saffa on the QS.
Gone are the days when the women have to surf sub-stan- dard conditions, and even second- rate “softer” breaks. They can mix it up with the best of them, in the best – read scary and dangerous – surf spots around the world.
If they can ride big surf at spots like Cloudbreak and Uluwatu, they can surf pretty much anywhere.
They also bring style to the walls of JBay. Bring it on!
Speaking of Uluwatu, Johanne Defay and Willian Cardoso took the honours in the Margaret River Pro replacement event this week in Bali. Jordy Smith fared better, getting a 5th at the Uluwatu Pro after his 3rd at Keramas, also in Bali.
He moves to eight in the rankings going into the home leg of the CT at Jeffreys Bay. Michael February can take inspiration from the Brazilian Cardoso, who is also in his rookie year. February is struggling a bit (he is ranked 31), but it can take time to find your rhythm in the hustle and bustle of the big league.
Stormy seas presided over the international field surfing this weekend in the WSL Qualifying Series event, the Jordy Smith Cape Town Surf Pro, presented by O’Neill. With strong west winds and a big storm swell yesterday, organisers opted for the relative safety of Melkbos, with the primary venue of Big Bay too wild and messy.
Steven Sawyer took the men’s longboard division at the Tigers Milk Winter Classic last weekend in Muizenberg. The R6 000 prize money will help ‘Steezy’ on his travels overseas to compete in several longboarding events. Crystal Hulett beat defending champion Simone Robb to take gold and the women’s R6 000 winner’s purse.
Cranking surf today, with 6’ surf in light NW winds, going moderate N. Most spots a bit onshore. Muizenberg looks clean but small – 1’ maybe 2’. The swell direction swings to the south tomorrow, so False Bay fills up with some swell. However, the next storm hits. Strong NW winds blow. The rain arrives from 4pm. Muizenberg 3- 4’ and good. Kalk Bay could work for the Shootout, though it may disappoint.