The Skulls Surf Club kicked off the year with their first event this past weekend at Scottburgh main beach, The April Classic. Top seed in the Men’s Open division was Scotties local Gavin Roberts, who was followed by fellow heavyfoot Gary van Wierigin, who also took out the win in the Masters division. Koby Oberholzer shredded his way to victory in the U20 Boy’s division while Nate Spalding took out the Under 14 Boys win and Sergio Noguria winning the Under 10 Boys. Kayla Noguria was on fire, taking out both the Under 14 and Open Girls divisions. Rayner Venter was stoked to come back from a life threatening disease to take out the win for the bodyboarders.
Stoke all round for the massive 70 entrants at this year’s Skulls April Classic presented by Mahindra Amanzimtoti.
With Mahindra coming on board this year, the quality of judges was top knotch, with prizes on offer that the winners could walk away happy about. There was over R10 000 worth of prizes from Hurricane and Lizzard and another R2500 in cash prizes sponsored by Mahindra, Surfers Paradise, Cheezy Dog and Endless Summer Tours. Needless to say, everyone was super amped to give it their best crack!
Masters finalists Gavin Roberts (winner), alongside Gary Van Wieringen (second), Cody Coetsee (third) and Nick Bremner (fourth).
With over 70 entries, the event was undoubtedly one of the most successful Skulls events since 2005. Highlights from the day included, Sergio Noguria (U10) doing moves that only adults do, Koby Oberholzer landing a huge air reverse with 5 minutes left in the finals of the U20 boys to win it, Gavin Roberts winning another Open Men’s final, Rayner Venter coming back from a life threatening disease to land an ARS (air roll spin) in the bodyboarding final to win. Little Gabriella Herbst surfing in both the U10 boys and U14 girls divisions was another standout moment, and Kayla Noguria winning both girls divisions. All results below.
U20 Boys finalists Koby Oberholxer (winner) alongside Calvin Goor (second), Slater Rudling (third) and Saxton Randall (fourth).
U14 Boys finalists Nate Spalding (winner), alongside Brayden Bergset (second), Dominic Southwood (third) and Jordan Boshoff (fourth).
U10 Boys finalists Sergio Noguria (winner), alongside Jaqson Stopforth (second) Gabriella Herbst (third) and Tyne van Achtenberg (fourth).
U14 Girls finalists Kayla Noguria (winner) alongside Gabi Lailvaux (second) Gabriella Herbst(third) and Shannon Parker Dennison (fourth).
Open Girls finalists Kayla Noguria (winner), alongside Chanelle Botha (second) Olivia Izzard (third) and Gabi Lailvaux (fourth).
Bodyboarding finalists Rayner Venter (winner) alongside Blake Gardener (second), Konaf Greef (third) and Thomas Boschoff (fourth).
Masters finalists Gary van Wieringen (winner), alongside Keith Jones (second) and Mark van Achtenberg (third).