News
Birthday boy McGregor celebrates in style
Durban – Canoe Marathon World Champion Hank McGregor gave himself a perfect birthday present on Fridayevening when he romped home to a resounding victory in the McCarthy Toyota Durban Kingsmead Surfski Challenge, race three of the 2014 Varsity College Marine Surfski Series.
The series’ defending champ made light work of the choppy conditions as he cruised past the world class field that assembled for the popular weekend-starter at Addington Beach in Durban.
“Its nice to clock up a second win early on in the series,” said the Fenn/Team Jeep star. “All the big guns were here tonight so it was nice to be able to win with everyone here, especially on my birthday.”
“There wasn’t much assistance out there and, with there being no wind at all, it was really hot – almost like sitting in a heated room the whole way – so you just had to put your head down and work hard,” he added.
Sipho Luthuli cantered home having negotiated the tricky surf in the McCarthy Toyota Kingsmead Durban Surfski Challenge, race three of the 2014 Varsity College Marine Surfski Series.
Having pulled away on the very first leg of the 2 lap, 8km course, McGregor never looked back and soon he had a unassailable lead, leaving him to pick off the doubles crews in front of him one at a time.
A fast returning to fitness Matt Bouman (Epic Kayaks) did his level best to stay with McGregor however a lapse in determination midway through the clash saw him fall off the pace and then a packet getting stuck on his rudder late in the contest put pay to any hopes he had of maintaining the gap between himself and the uncatchable leader.
Grant van der Walt (Varsity College/Epic Kayaks) made his first appearance of the 2014 series and, off the back of his remarkable third place effort at last weekend’s N3TC Drak Challenge, again made the bottom step on the podium his own whilst Quinton Rutherford and Wade Krieger rounded out the top five.
Hank McGregor (Fenn/Team Jeep) destroyed the rest of the field en route to victory in the McCarthy Toyota Kingsmead Durban Surfski Challenge, race three of the 2014 Varsity College Marine Surfski Series, giving himself the perfect birthday present in the process.
Series’ seasoned star Michelle Burn (Fenn/Team Jeep) once again claimed victory in the women’s race as she cruised home ahead of a strong women’s field bursting with talent and, astoundingly, was the fifth single across the line behind Rutherford.
Danica Bartho (Fenn/Bartho’s Fish Co.) made a welcome return to the series, claiming second, with Jenna Ward finishing third.
“It was so much out there this week,” said Burn. “I managed to get onto a nice wave early on and then picked up a couple of runs here and there but I just so enjoyed it the whole way.”
“I definitely am feeling a lot stronger now that we’re a couple of races into the series and I think Drak also really helped get my fitness back up there again,” added the 2014 Drak Challenge women’s third place finisher.
With the 2014 Dusi Canoe Marathon just around the corner, countless top contenders took advantage the surfski hit-out provided to spend some time in a boat as a pair.
Jenna Ward was one of a host of talented female paddlers to tackle in the McCarthy Toyota Kingsmead Durban Surfski Challenge, race three of the 2014 Varsity College Marine Surfski Series, ultimately finishing third behind Michelle Burn and Danica Bartho.
Mark Mulder and Dave Chaplin claimed the doubles race victory with fellow Dusi combination Adam Nisbet and Len Jenkins finishing third and Simon van Gysen and Craig Turton sixth with Luke Nisbet and Anna Notten the first mixed double across the line.
Having been pleased with the race two record field last Friday, organisers were beaming from ear to ear with the strong crowd of over 210 paddlers that headed out on the warm waters of Durban’s bay whilst scores more lined the shoreline, cheering on their paddlers, playing in the sand or taking part in the free weekly Keiki bodyboarding clinic.
The Thule Surfski Challenge, race four of the Varsity College Marine Surfski Series, takes place at Marine SLC, Addington Beach at 17h30 on Friday 31 January. More info can be found atwww.marineseries.co.za
SUMMARY OF RESULTS – McCARTHY TOYOTA DURBAN KINGSMEAD SURFSKI CHALLENGE
RACE THREE OF THE VARSITY COLLEGE MARINE SURFSKI SERIES
LONG COURSE
Overall
1.Hank McGregor 33.59
2.Matt Bouman 35.04
3.Grant van der Walt 36.10
4.Quinton Rutherford 37.07
5.Wade Krieger 37.45
Women
1.Michelle Burn 37.15
2.Danica Bartho 43.16
3.Jenna Ward 44.40
Juniors Boys
1.Keagan Kok 42.28
2.Brett Wilken (U16) 43.44
3.Bailey de Fondaumiere (U16) 46.03
Doubles
1.Mark Mulder/Dave Chaplin 34.17
2.Wayne Wilson/Shaun Dias 34.59
3.Adam Nisbet/Len Jenkins 35.06
Mixed Doubles
1.Luke Nisbet/Anna Notten 37.50
2.Ryan Atkins/Julie Cornelius 38.27
3.William Smith/Theresa Smith 41.36
SHORT COURSE
Singles
1.Trent Baird/Sandile Shange 23.15
2.Sipho Luthuli 24.23
3.Gareth Hazell 24.37
Doubles
1.Keegan Murugan/Tamryn 24.52
2.Geoffrey Speirs/Nic Tingle
3.Robert Strachan/Sally Strachan 27.10
Mark Mulder and Dave Chaplin enjoyed another pre-Dusi Canoe Marathon hit-out as they claimed victory in the doubles section of the McCarthy Toyota Kingsmead Durban Surfski Challenge, race three of the 2014 Varsity College Marine Surfski Series.
Photos: Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media
Author: Tee
Tired of spending a fortune on toys your kids play with for five minutes, only for them to get bored? We get it! That’s exactly why Playtime Rentals was born, a smarter, more affordable way to keep playtime fun, fresh, and exciting for your little ones.
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Author: Shelley
Author: Shelley
Discover the heart of KZN at Westown Square in Shongweni – a vibrant, growing destination where shopping, dining and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.
Here, local craft, artisanal homeware and unique products find a home, bringing the very best of our region to life.
At the centre of it all is The Town Square, your gateway to The Barn & Makers Market. Stroll through an eclectic mix of locally sourced art, beauty, fashion, homeware, food and
drink — all set alongside some of the region’s finest restaurants and exciting concept eateries.
More than just a market, The Barn is the beating heart of Westown. It’s where the community gathers each week for live music, entertainment, and a celebration of local talent.
#ItsTimeForTheWest
LOCAL IS LEKKER and we’re celebrating all things Heritage this month, in this beautiful province of KZN that we call HOME! There’s something for everyone, so follow us on social media to keep up to date.
THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING OF THE PADDOCK at Westown – 27 September
Westown is excited to celebrate the opening of The Paddock– a unique new place and the ‘home’ for Westown Trails. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re on horseback, on your mountain bike, running or walking. Our network of marked trails, suitable for a variety of sporting codes, enhances and extends the spectacular outdoor character the area is renowned for.
* Time: Hub Opens – 06:00
Official Start – 07:00
* Venue: The Paddock at Westown
* Cost: No cost and complimentary bike and wash service from Cycle Science Shongweni
SPRINGBOK RUGBY IN THE BARN
Come & support The Bokke at the Westown Square Fan Park in The Barn at Westown.
Catch the live action on the big screen – our DJ will be in the house for the pre-match warm-up and post-match fun.
Saturday 4 October – SA vs Argentina
*Time: 15:00
* Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Pre-match fun in the Rugby Kids Zone:
* The Garvz Sport Activation (13:00 -16:00) & Kids Activities (14:00 -16:00) including:
Baby Bok, toddler soft-play area, face painting, balloon sculpting and crafts activities
PASSION PAINT & SIP – 1 October
Release your inner artist with an evening of fun and creativity. This guided class is open to all, no matter your competency level. Be prepared to be surprised at what
you can create!
Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 18:30
Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Cost: R250 pp incl. a complimentary drink & all materials to make your own work of art.
Booking: Quicket or WhatsApp Kirsty on 083 2555 736
OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – Follow our social media pages
Westown Square is THE PLACE TO BE this October, with a School Holiday Programme to delight kids of all ages!!
FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT WESTOWN – 3 October
Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars.
Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.
* Date: 3 October
* Time: 18:30
* Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
* Venue: The Bowl at Westown Square
* Cost: Free
BLASTER WARS – the ultimate interactive fun for kids aged 5 – 13 years. Jump into action-packed group games, bouncing from one awesome game to the next, all with hands-on
safety. Activities include:
•Blaster Wars fun battles and blaster games
•Target shooting challenges
•Fun races and games for all ages
Date: 7 & 8 October
Venue: Grass Area/Lawn on Level 4
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Cost: R120 per child
Bookings: Tel: 066 236 8100 or email: info@blasterwars.co.za
FRIDAY FLASHBACK
Get a jump-start on the weekend with our vibrant weekly Westown Wind-down. Turn after-work drinks into a full night out at Westown Square, as we dial back the clock, with our weekly 80s-themed Friday Flashback retro music experience with DJ Spike & James VN on the decks and Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Date: Every Friday
Time: 16:30-21:30
Cost: Free entry
SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK VIBES
Join a line-up of Durban’s hottest musicians, every Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-15:00 in The Barn at Westown Square. Choose a bite and beverage from a diverse selection of eateries and settle in for the afternoon.
– Sunday 5 October
A regular favourite at Westown Square, Angel is in the house for this Sunday’s session.
– Sunday 12 October
Popular songbird Carmen Rodrigues is back at Westown Square for a laid-back chill
interlude.
Author: Shelley
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