O’Neill South Africa Team Rider Chris Bertish Wins At Mavericks

Half Moon Bay, California, USA - After a historic day of big wave surfing, Cape Town surfer Chris Bertish emerged victorious at the 2009/2010 Mavericks Surf Contest. Held in wild waves that many were calling 40-foot and more, Chris put his head down and paddled into a series of giant waves to take the win from a bunch of dedicated international big wave surfers.

The total prize pool for the event was a staggering US$150,000, which was the largest in big wave surfing to date, and Chris took home a sweet US$50,000 for his first place prize. Chris flew 36 hours to get to the event on time, gambling that the event would run and that the waves and conditions would be good enough for the contest director to give the go ahead.

Bertish is part of the O’Neill South Africa surf team, and also works as the Western Cape sales agent for O’Neill South Africa. He has been with the brand for 5 years and has played an active role in marketing initiatives, as well as representing in big wave events around the world. Chris is a former finalist in the Red Bull Big Wave Africa, and his most recent results was a third place at the Nelscott Reef Paddle In Event.

Paul Canning (PC) from O’Neill South Africa was really pleased on hearing the news. “We at O’Neill South Africa are really stoked for Chris,” said a proud PC. “I know that this has been a dream of his for a long time, and he has put a lot of hard work and effort into his big wave surfing over the year. Chris is really passionate about big-wave surfing and the brand, and he really stands for what O’Neill is all about.”

The waves for the event were big, unruly monsters, some of them up to 40-foot. There were mentions of 60-foot waves rolling through but with no one able to catch them. Mavericks is a heavy big wave spot, and competitors all agreed that these were some of the biggest paddle-in waves that they had ever surfed. Some heavy wipe-outs, scary sitiuations and blood pouring from the mouth of competitor Zach Wormhoudt after one nasty fall added to the excitement. Even winner Bertish took his fair share of the knocks out there, getting caught by one monster set. “I took the worst beating of my life out there,” said Chris in a post-event interview.

The inimitable Bertish had a wild ride this year just getting to the event, which included some self-generated fund-raising, and a few broken ribs, all of which he overcame en route to this amazing victory and the massive first prize cheque of US$50,000 (R385,000).
“It was an honour just to be here today and paddle out with these guys,” said an emotional Bertish on his win. “I flew 36 hours to be here, and this has been a dream come true.”
There were an estimated 50,000 spectators lining the cliffs at Half Moon Bay to witness this unique event and his memorable victory.

Issued on behalf of:
Paul Canning
O’Neill South Africa Marketing and Sales Manager
paul.c@oneill.co.za

Doug goes the distance

Doug van der Merwe, Brad and Robin, started their epic adventure of kiting around the entire west coast (1000km) of SA toward the end of last year, with their first leg, Sunset to Paternoster.

This past Sunday, they kited from Melkbos to Hout Bay in a gnarly NW and have written their encounter for release in the new GUST, due for release in March 2010.

If you would like to be involved in their mission, leave your comments here.

Coreban Stand Up Paddle - test of the Fusion 9′

The Jan/Feb issue of GUST featured Ivan Van Vuuren, and took a peek into the history of his brand, Coreban and their vision for the future.

Check out their latest video and share your views in our comments section below this post.

The Status of Big Bay

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

MEDIA RELEASE

Blue Flag status for Big Bay Beach removed pending necessary improvements



From 14 January 2010, the City will be withdrawing the Blue Flag status granted to Big Bay Beach amid various water management issues. Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Cllr. Gerhard Ras says “the City will continue to provide and improve upon the safety and infrastructural services provided at the beach, but it will not fly the Blue Flag”. Instead, Big Bay will once again be managed as a pilot Blue Flag beach until the situation has been resolved. This will ensure the continuation of services and maintenance of standards set by the Blue Flag Programme.

Concerns about Big Bay Beach first arose last year when a foul-smelling layer of green sludge coating the surface of the beach and a continual dampness of the beach sand were reported. These observations were made in the area directly opposite the Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse and in front of the Big Bay development. The influx of such reports to City offices intensified following Big Bay’s award of Blue Flag status in October 2009. The City discussed the matter with the managing agency for Blue Flag in South Africa: the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). Following a routine inspection by WESSA, the Blue Flag status was temporarily suspended, and WESSA committed to providing direction and assistance. This suspension was valid pending the City’s own investigations and the implementation of a plan of action.

Following its investigation, the City’s report noted that the foreign layer is freshwater green algae – a phenomenon which is harmless to beach users. Routine water monitoring at Big Bay has shown that the beach complies with Blue Flag and European Union water quality standards as there are no harmful levels of faecal bacteria in the seawater. The green algal layer is more pronounced where the overland storm water flows from the development area onto the beach.

The City’s report has identified a raised ground water table. Moreover, the irrigation system on the dune in front of the Clubhouse leaks and pipes are over-flowing. The combination of the raised groundwater table, storm water outflows, and malfunctioning irrigation system are cited as the likely causes of the persistent dampness. The irrigation has since been terminated until it is repaired.

The City acknowledges that there is a need to assess the underlying causes of the conditions observed at Big Bay, and is working towards a resolution of this matter. This involves securing an engineering expert who will assess the structure and integrity of the storm water system, assess the management of the groundwater system, and recommend remedial action. The City will then see to it that the recommendations of the expert are followed.

Big Bay was among seven of the City’s beaches to receive Blue Flag status on the 29th October 2009. The other recipients of this status were Bikini, Mnandi, Strandfontein, Muizenberg, Camps Bay and Clifton fourth beaches. Blue Flag status ensures that the City manages the beaches according to a set of international criteria relating to safety and services; environmental management, education and information; and water quality.

The problems at Big Bay are complex, and as such require a specialised solution. Cllr. Ras says that “any remedial action will take place over a lengthy period but the City is committed to resolving this matter”.

Issued by:                Communication Department, City of Cape Town

View the initial report issued by the City of Cape Town here.

Programme for the Resolution Downwind Dash 2010

2010 is a special year for the Dash, as it’s the 25th anniversary of the event, originated by the Saldanha Beach sailing Club. Title sponsor Resolution is sponsoring the event for the second year now, and they continue to recognises the lifestyle of the adrenalin seeking adventurers. Resolution is proud to be associated with the heritage and caliber of the Dash. Visit www.resomed.co.za or www.resolution-sa.co.za for more information.

dwd-logo-small1Winning the dash is about the achievement. It’s the sense of satisfaction and the honour of having your plaque on the legendary wheel trophy, alongside some of the world’s finest sailors. Matt Swart is a well known local hero who has won the event five times. The dash favours the local sailor, and offers a great challenge to anyone up for the adventure of exploring the Langebaan lagoon.

There are a host of brands and sponsors who are working closely together with the Saldanha Beach Sailing Club to continue to grow the event over the coming years. Red Bull has continued their involvement with prize money, energy centre at the finish of the race, jet ski’s and mobile PA and entertainer “stretch”.  An addition to the prize line up is Bulksms, who have generously sponsored a new purse of R5000 for the first lady and man to complete the race on windsurfing wave-sailing equipment.

The event will be held on the first day of sufficient wind on either the 23/24 January 2010 or the holdover weekend 6/7 February 2010.  A preliminary notice of confirmation of the race will be sent out on the 21st January at 12:00 with final confirmation on the 22nd January depending on wind forecasts.

A pre-registration gathering will be hosted by Lagoon Sports on Langebaan main beach on Friday the 22nd.  If you pre-register online, you can collect your goodie bag and competition vest here. If you have not yet entered you will be able to register here from 17:00 to 20:00. Malcolm Mc Gregor, the founder and race director, will be available for a question and answer session from 20:00. Any queries regarding the start sequence, false starts, rider communications etc can be raised here. Cabrinha and Liquid Force will be present at the gathering, and all those who attend will stand the chance of winning great prizes in a lucky draw. There will be a spit braai and refreshments available.

Late registration and collection of competition vests will take place at the usual location on main beach from 11:00am on the morning of the race. Please note that given the limited entries available it is advisable to secure your spot in the race online prior to race day. To date we have over 100 paid and confirmed participants.

The first possible start will be at 14:00. Note that the wind requirement is a minimum of 12kts and a maximum of 30kts for safety and rescue purposes.

The annual prize giving happens at the Club Mykonos taverna, where riders and their family are invited to enjoy a fish braai and live entertainment from Nungarin and top DJ, Dino Moran.

If you have not yet arranged transport and accommodation, please make enquiries through GUST magazine.

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