Ian MacLeod in classic profile - Nahoon Reef.

1996 NEWSLETTERS

Newsletter 2 - 24 Jan 1996

Paddle Polo
Anyone interested in taking part in the 1996 Olympic Games? No, waveski is not an Olympic sport, as much as we would like it to be. Professional surfing has a better chance of becoming an Olympic sport than waveski has. So that avenue is closed. (For now.) However, there is a paddle related event that does have Olympic status. How this is so, we don't know. It sounds even more obscure than peat canal swimming races, which, by the way, has probably received more TV time than all the TV time devoted to waveski since waveskis have existed. However, I'm getting way off the subject here. Paddle polo is a recognized Olympic sport and this Association has received a memo from the E.P. Canoe Association asking if any E.P.W.S.A. members would like to participate in try-outs for the E.P. Team which are to take place shortly. Successful team members will go through to represent E.P. at the Olympic try-outs later on from which a S.A. Olympic Team will be selected to go to Atlanta, USA. From what I can gather, paddle polo is played in 'Tupperware' kayaks using your paddle as a scoop to throw the ball around. As you can imagine, this looks like a robust contact sport which sounds like a lot of fun but is also physically exhausting. A few years ago EP Waveski actually hosted a similar event as a public relations effort in the MacArthur Sea Pool. It was very interesting and amusing from a spectator point of view, and very exhausting for the competitors. People interested wanting more info can contact Craig Seale at 311593 or phone the E.P. Canoe Association. I will put more info in the next newsletter w.r.t. paddle polo, as and when I receive it.

Waveski On The 'Net'?
It definitely could happen! As a fringe benefit of the work that pays my petrol to surf, I have access to the Internet and I just happened to be 'surfing' the 'Net' one 'lunchtime', when I came across this interesting surfing site which address I will add to the bottom of this article for those as privileged as myself. It is a site containing all sorts of surfing info such as surf mags, surf prediction (Turtle Morris should read that), world weather systems, interesting surf spots, pictures, etc. The emphasis is obviously the surfing fraternity with the odd windsurfer and bodyboarder snippet added. Of waveskis I have yet to see a mention, although I have not delved deeply into this site. Promising, very promising! Internet address follows: http:// magna.com.au.

Internet Flash!
As I delved deeper into the Internet Surf site mentioned on Pg1. I came across an interesting piece of news. The International Surfing Association has been admitted to the International Olympic Committee! They are now lobbying with the IOC to include surfing in the Sydney Olympics in 2000. I must be psychic! Of course, the fact that this news is dated in April last year has nothing to do with my psychic abilities. (See Paddle Polo) Waveski is on the 'Net!!! The Western Australia Waveski Association have a homepage on the Internet with all sorts of news and stuff. Of interest is a Visitor's Book which you can 'sign'. South African's spotted in the book include that of Tracy Sassen, 1995 World No. 2 lady. Small world! http://www.ozemail.com.au. (Old address, see new address on the Links page.)

EP Trial 1
This trial was held at Fence on Sunday, 14 January. The weather was blisteringly hot, with a NW breeze which swung to SW and blew quite strongly after midday. There was a disappointing turnout of regulars but a gratifying turnout by newcomers to the Association. Everyone met at Summerstrand Beacon where it was decided to go to Bluewater Bay for the Trial. This was a mistake as Bluewater Bay had little form and no consistency in any form that did show. We then went to Fence, where, although not really much better, we decided to hold the Trial. One benefit of Fence was its predominantly left break of which there are few in Algoa Bay, so the competitors got a little left practice, for a change. For most of the novices and some regulars (like myself) the swells rebounding off the harbour wall made things quite difficult. Wave selection in this Trial was very important as the person who selected the biggest and best waves generally won the heat. A promising start to the rest of the season. Results follow: 1. Craig Seale 2. Andr� Rossi 3. Andr� Momberg 4. Anton Van Schoor (Novice)

1996 Trials
Below are some pointers that relate to the remaining Trials run after 28 January 1996. Entrance Fee: Provincial entrants = R10 per trial Development entrants = R5 per trial (No pay, no ry !!) Penalties: Late entrants (after 7am), late arrival for judging, leaving contest area without contest director's permission will be subject to a R5 fine over & above entrance fee.

1996 Subs (Yucko!)
It is time for the (dreaded) yearly subscription to EPWSA. This is, unfortunately, absolutely necessary as these funds are used to pay each member's national affiliation to SAWSA, their provincial affiliation, maintenance of the association's assets, purchasing of new assets (those that can't be sponsored), stationery, newsletters, etc. Members of the committee derive no financial benefit from these subs what-so-ever, and also pay subs. So theirs is a double sacrifice, since they do a tremendous amount of running around and organizing for your benefit. Due date for subs is 11 February 1996. Details as follows: Provincial Reps - R75 Development members - R25

Committee Problem
EPWA committee is sitting with a sizable problem. The current chairperson, Craig Seale, may not be available for re-election in 1996. According to him, his full-time workload has increased tremendously, and he has little time for committee duties. As I understand, most of the committee members have similar problems. As South Africa grinds slowly out of its economic slump, more and more demand is being placed on people with full-time careers, leaving them with little time to devote to part-time activities. Please ponder this problem as our Annual General Meeting draws near (date and venue to be announced later). Think of possible candidates that you think would make a good committee member. This is someone who has the best interests of waveski surfing at heart and has the drive and time to promote the sport. Approach your candidate and ask him/her if they'll stand for election. If they are willing, nominate them at the AGM, where everyone can vote for their respective candidates. Candidates will have to be present at the AGM to qualify. It's a thankless job, the hours and pay suck, and the job satisfaction is debatable, but the ongoing survival and growth of the sport is some reward. So those of you with time on your hands, step forward! As Elmer Fudd said, 'That's all, folks!'

(Copyright - Eastern Province Waveski Association, 1998)