NMMU the overall trophy winner in 2012 USSA Surfing Champs at Vic Bay

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The SA University Student surfing championships hosted for the third time in a row by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s George campus ended on a high note and in perfect weather at Victoria Bay on Friday 29 June.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (PE) snapped up the overall trophy with a combined men’s and ladies’ score of 43 492, followed by UCT (37 000 points) and Varsity College in the third place (33 928 points).

Having scored 35 920 points, NMMU also took the honours as the best team in the Men’s division, followed by Varsity College with 28 080 points, UCT (27 000 points) and University of Stellenbosch with 26 000 points. In a close shave, NMMU’s ladies team from Port Elizabeth managed to clinch the third position with 7 572 points – a mere 8 points less than their closest rival, University of Stellenbosch. UCT won the ladies team event convincingly with a score of 10 080 points.

Tammy Lee Smith from Varsity College came first in the individual results for the ladies, followed by Jessica Lee (UCT), Lisa Mace (US) and Katarina Kern (UCT).

Two NMMU representatives – Clinton Gravett and 2011’s defending champion, Brad Beck – featured among the men’s finalists. The results for the men’s individual finals were as follows: Shawn Dennis from Varsity College (first place); Phillip Visagie, UCT (second place); Clinton Gravett (third place) and Brad Beck (fourth place).

Three NMMU surfers are among the USSA team selected from the tournament. The Men’s team includes: Shawn Dennis, Phillip Visagie, Clinton Gravett, Brad Beck, Kane Bennewith, Josh Saunders, Daniel Wilson and Scott le Fevre.

Katarina Kern, Lisa Mace, Tammy Lee Smith and Jessica Lee were selected to represent the USSA Surfing Ladies’ Team.
NMMU George participated in this event for the first time this year, represented by newcomer to the sport, Juan Reynierse, who finished the third round of the championships.

NMMU George Sport Manager and Contest Organiser, Hugo Loubser, expressed his appreciation towards all participants, the organisers and sponsors who had contributed towards another successful event. “We could not have asked for better surfing conditions - everyone thoroughly enjoyed this year’s challenge at Victoria Bay”, he said.

Photographs: By Kelvin Saunders