O’Neill Scottburgh Pro Set to Make Waves on KZN South Coast

The mid-south coast is abuzz with talk of the upcoming inaugural O’Neill Scottburgh Pro which takes place on March 24 and 25 at Scottburgh beach, South Africa. Entries are pouring in from the nation’s top rated ASP Africa pro men and women surfers who will be vying for a R15,000 prize purse in the 2A rated event as well as valuable Pro Surf Tour (PST) points to kick off the 2007 series.

“O’Neill is a Scottburgh based core surf brand so it makes sense to sponsor a surfing event of this nature at the world class point break on our doorstep. In doing this we hope to put Scottburgh on the map again amongst the surfing fraternity. We look forward to growing the O’Neill Scottburgh Pro annually so that it can become a World Qualifying Series event in years to come,” said O’Neill spokesperson Mark Fessler.

Local Scottburgh favourites who are capable of walking off with the Pro Men’s title include Gavin Roberts as well as O’Neill team riders Quinton Shabalala and Calvin Zemke who have their local break wired and will pose a threat to out of town contenders.

In the Pro Women’s division 2006 ASP Africa Women’s champion Sarah Johnston-Maritz (Warner Beach) will be the one to beat. She faces a strong challenge from rising stars such as south coast surfer Julia Morris and Cape Town O’Neill team members Caylin de Reuck and Sarah Nicholson.

In addition to explosive surfing action beachgoers can also look forward to taking part in the Point Surf Academy surfing development clinics. Hi Fly kites will be providing a visual feast in the form of a spectacular kite display. Kites will be on sale to the public who are also invited to bring their own kites along to be a part of the fun.