Thompson Sets His Sights on First Place in Africa's Largest Longboard Event.
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Hugh Marshall Thompson : photo Paul Godwin
Legendary Durban longboard surfer Hugh Marshall Thompson (Scottburgh) has set his sights on winning the 2007 South Coast Surf Carnival at Scottburgh beach on November 3 and 4. This prominent water sport festival is into its fifth successful year and is sponsored by the Ugu-South Coast Tourism Board,Komunity Project,TCE and presented by Jeep Apparel and Independent on Saturday.
Thompson's phenomenal achievements include twelve national titles and fifteen provincial titles making him one of the greatest surfers in South African longboarding history. He has also captained the KZN team at least ten times over the years and represented South Africa three times at the Oxbow World Longboard Championships.
"I have been surfing
all of my life, I started over forty years ago when longboards were the only
surfboards available. When the shortboard era came along, we all changed and
eventually got into the competitive side of surfing, but I always kept a
longboard which I rode regularly, especially on my annual pilgrimage to
Jeffrey's Bay.
When competitive longboard surfing came around to South Africa again, I was
pretty well prepared and won the first revival contest in 1985, beating my
hero George Thompson in a man-on-man final at Dairy beach," commented 54
year old Thompson who will be one of the toughest competitors at this year's
South Coast Surf Carnival as he is a former champion of this event.
The South African
Longboard Surfing Association sanctioned event boasts an increased prize
purse of R11, 000 which is bound to attract the cream of the country's
longboarding crop to compete. Divisions include Open, Over 40, Over 50 and
Ladies.
"In surfing, I regard everyone as my competition as any one person can have
their day and be the best. Competing is also good for your personal
advancement. It keeps you fit and focused," said surfing great and surfboard
shaper Thompson.
This year's South Coast Surf Carnival kiteboarding event consists of a downwind dash as well as a R5, 000 prize purse for the "king of the air". Big names that are expected to feature high on the results ladder include Alwin van Breda, Rob Chrystal, Dave Pons and Gavin Spowart (all Durban).
For the first time ever paddleboarding will be introduced to the South Coast Surf Carnival and this is expected to be a highlight of the festival showcasing the unique sport which has helped to shape modern day surfing. Paddleboarding is a traditional Hawaiian form of surfing which has been revitalized round the world and now brought to South Africa by big wave surfer Jason Ribbink (Durban).
If Neptune comes to the party and delivers big surf over the weekend of November 3 and 4, spectators will be treated to a spectacular tow-in surfing demonstration by South Africa's top big wave riders. The Point Surf Academy will once again hold development surfing clinics open to members of the public. Youngsters will be in good hands with top coaches Shaun Hague (Scottburgh) and local south coast hero Quinton Shabalala overseeing the clinics.
In addition to the surfing clinics, free Swimming South Africa Ocean Splash lessons will take place to teach children basic water safety and surf swimming skills. Windsong Kites will be responsible for impressive kiteflying shows with their most eye-catching kites on display.