Ronnie Ackerman cutting back at Noordhoek - P.E.

Newsletter 3 - 26 March 1996

2nd E.P. Trial
This trial was held at Noordhoek. Weather conditions were not ideal but the trial was continued on the premise that most important competitions are held in less than ideal conditions. The wind initially was from a northerly direction but swung around to easterly later in the morning and freshened progressively during the course of the trial. This made for fast but bumpy conditions at Noordhoek. Turnout was mediocre but again gratifying to see a couple of novices turn up for the Trial. Two 'old sweats' whom we haven't seen for a while also made an appearance, namely Joseph Ludorf and Lester Tait. Judging on the Trial was OK, but Nicholas Cadle pointed out that the judges were generally marking very low scores. He mentioned the possibility of a judging seminar soon. Lester, our resident Rasta fan, in his first trial in more than a year, just failed to complete an awesome aerial manoeuvre. Andr� Rossi also proved that consistency pays. His carving roundhouse cutbacks notched him nicely into 2nd in the Final heat. Results follow: 1. Craig Seale 2. Andr� Rossi 3. Lester Tait 4. Nicholas Cadle

KZN Open
This contest was held in Durban from Saturday, 10 Feb 96 to Sunday, 11 Feb 96. It was quite well attended and the surf was good. Weather was very hot and sunny on Saturday to very hot and rainy on Sunday. Typical Durban weather. EP's only representative was Craig Seale and he did EP proud by coming second in the contest. Results follow: 1. Michael Orsmond (Bor) 2. Craig Seale (EP) 3. Grant Kendrick (Nat) 4. Michael Cowan (Bor) Great stuff, Craig!!!

3rd E.P. Trial
This trial was again held at Noordhoek. The weather started off with a light south-west wind and an intermittent drizzle. Around lunch the wind turned and became east. Surf was an enjoyable 2 - 4 ft with a few bigger sets coming through every now and again, until the wind turned where-upon the surf become a washing machine spin cycle. Fortunately or not, from whichever point of view you look, only the finals were held in the spin cycle. Turnout was unsatisfactory, but a large turnout of juniors (5, no less) made things worthwhile. A welcome face was that of Greg Job, whom we haven't seen a lot of lately. The heats ran pretty predictably, though Nicholas Cadle impressed by nearly completing two nice aerials in one heat. His luck ran out in the semi's when he broke the nose of his board off. A pleasant surprise in the Juniours was Jurie Van Dyk, whose riding has improved a lot since the last Trial. Andr� Rossi, again impressed with consistent, steady surfing to come second again. Results follow: 1. Andr� Momberg 2. Andr� Rossi 3. Nicholas Cadle 4. Gert Roux Prior to the main final we ran a Development Final for the top four newcomers. Results follow: 1. Jurie Van Dyk 2. Greg Job 3. Eugene Van Tonder 4. Nigel Harty Keep it up, guys and see you at the next Trial.

Radio ALgoa Surf Report
For those of you who want to know what the surf is going to do on any particular day, the weather, the tides and the wind can tune into Radio Algoa around 7am on weekdays. Turtle Morris of Beachbreak Surf Shop tells all with fair accuracy and this can save you a fair waste of petrol should you decide to go surf hunting. For those of you who miss the surf reports on Algoa, whether from sleeping late or a conscientious objection to listening to Algoa, all you need do is phone Beachbreak at 555780, where an answering machine with an almost identical report to the radio report will give you details. Also, on the Tuesday following each EP Waveski Trial, Turtle also announces the results of that Trial, which I fax to him on the Monday after every Trial.

4th E.P. Trial
I wasn't present at this Trial, but Craig gave me the gist of it. It was held at Noordhoek and surf was a good 3 - 4 ft though the weather was overcast with intermittent rain. Turnout was average for 1996, with a good representation by Cadets/Juniors. Great, keep it up! Joseph Ludorf impressed with his surfing which was much improved since his first Trial where he had a bad day at the office. Results follow: 1. Joseph Ludorf 2. Craig Seale 3. Johan Momberg 4. Anton Van Schoor

5th E.P. Trial
This final Trial was held at Black Bottom, Pollok Beach, in fairly consistent if unexciting 3 ft surf. The wind was light and variable, and the weather, which promised to become very hot, gave up and became overcast and cool instead. This Trial was memorable in that Nick Cadle posted consistently good rides, with some exciting moves being made. Henri Kroukamp also surprised and attended this Trial, and also made the semi's, nogal! Another new face in the semi's was Jurie Van Dyk. Well done, Jurie! Andr� Rossi paid the price of a rough night on the town, and was just edged out by Anton Van Schoor, who squeaked into the semi's. Craig Seale was obviously resting on his laurels this Trial, as you'll see in the results. Marius Du Plessis was riding well on his new Spear (free plug!) custom board. Greg Job's surfing was also much improved, since going back to his old board.Shot, Greg! Results below: 1. Nicholas Cadle 2. Johan Momberg 3. Craig Seale 4. Marius Du Plessis

1996 Subs
Extension was given to the end of February to pay SAWSA affiliation and EPWA membership fees. A lot of members' fees are still outstanding. Further extension was granted by SAWSA till 31 March 1996. Those who still haven't paid must do so immediately. Failure to do so could lead to disciplinary steps being taken against guilty parties. People wishing to participate in the 1996 Waveski World Champs in Durban must be nationally affiliated to SAWSA. Since the provincial associations pay the affiliation fees these fees must be paid to them. Failure to do so will lead to ineligibility to enter the international contests. Please note that SAWSA affiliation fees are included in the R75 EPWA membership fees.

1996 S.A. Champs - E.P. Representatives
The following people have been selected to represent E.P. at this year's SA Closed Champs in Cape Town. They are: OPEN: 1. Craig Seale 2. Nicholas Cadle 3. Anton Van Schoor SENIORS: 1. Andr� Rossi 2. Gert Roux 3. Hendri Kroukamp JUNIORS: 1. Johan Momberg 2. Jurie Van Dyk 3. Rudi Joubert 4. Eugene Van Tonder DEVELOPMENT: 1. Rudi Joubert 2. Eugene Van Tonder No Ladies, Masters, Veterans or Cadets were entered as no one in these categories attended trials.

(Copyright - Eastern Province Waveski Association, 1998)