Chalupsky Takes Third in Durban

Clint Pretorius posted an emphatic victory in the Dunlop Surf Ski World Cup Durban, ending a long streak of second places in major international races by beating a powerful field of paddlers over 32km of downwind racing drama.

Facing technically demanding 2m chop whipped up by the timeous arrival of a South Westerly wind, Capetonian Dawid Mocke moved into a strong position as the race went through the key turn off the Umhlanga lighthouse, as the top contenders fanned out across the ocean searching for the best runs.

However, desperate not to make the same mistake he made a year ago by staying too far out to sea, Mocke opted for an unusual line very close inshore for the last half of the race - a move that backfired badly as he struggled with the Westerly swells coming over his shoulder.

Durban North local Pretorius read the conditions superbly and opted for a deeper line, riding the swell to optimal advantage as he surged through the field, slicing past Matt Bouman who was also looking poised to take control of the race at the halfway stage.

Men

1. Clint Pretorius 1:55:37

2. Matt Bouman 1:57:21

3. Oscar Chalupsky 1:58:12

Women

1. Michèle Eray 2:17:52

2. Michele Eder 2:26:04

3. Tiffany Kruger 2:26:55

Click here to read the full race report