The inaugural Pili Pili Slow Fest SUP Race went off with an ‘electric start’ on Friday 25 March.
Photo by Mark Dixon.
Contestants of all ages from all over the country took to the water, some for the first time ever on a Stand Up Paddle board. Following the channel of the Swartvlei estuary, the 4km course was the perfect length for the beginners to have fun and the more serious SUP’ers to show what they are made of.
In an amazing time of 34:28 minutes the local boy, Slade West, took the prize. What makes his achievement even more spectacular is the fact that he competed using a surfing SUP with a plastic paddle- bit like winning a Grand Prix in a Beatle.
Following closely behind Slade was the father and son team of Andrew and Levi Mayes with the 10 year old Levi coming in as the junior champ at 37:15.
Under the watchful eye of the local NSRI team, every one of the 19 contestants completed the race, all with big smiles and high fives.
Race organizer, Neels Swanepoel, said “Thank you to the Slow Fest organizers, local NSRI and the competitors for making this a really special event. See you on the water next year!”