South Africa's top surfski athletes set for national championship battle

South African Surfski Championships in East London

East London's Buffalo City is set to host the 2016 South African Surfski Championships this weekend, November 6-7, as part of the renowned Pete Marlin Surfski Race. This event will bring together the nation's top ocean paddlers to compete for prestigious national titles.

Men's Competition: Dawid Mocké Faces Strong Challengers

Last year, the Mocké family dominated, with Dawid Mocké winning the singles title and his brother Jasper Mocké, alongside Hank McGregor, taking the doubles. Dawid's wife, Nikki, also secured both ladies' singles and doubles.

This year, defending champion Dawid Mocké faces a tough challenge to retain his singles crown. A formidable field, including his brother Jasper and Marathon World Champion Hank McGregor, will be pushing hard throughout the 23km singles race. Dawid Mocké expressed his anticipation for a highly competitive event, noting that paddlers are also seeking valuable World Surfski Series points.

Hank McGregor, despite his dominance in KwaZulu-Natal, has surprisingly not won a national singles title in his last two attempts, though he has secured national doubles titles with Jasper Mocké. His exceptional form in the 2016 World Surfski Series, where he remains undefeated, makes him a significant threat. Dawid Mocké highlighted McGregor's fierce competitiveness and Jasper's constant hunger for victory, predicting an intriguing race.

Other strong male contenders include Kenny Rice, Matt Bouman, Kyle Friedenstein, and Luke Nisbet, all aiming for a podium finish.

Women's Race: A New Champion Will Emerge

The women's competition promises equal intensity. With 2015 champion Nikki Mocké not competing, a new South African champion is guaranteed. This opens the field for emerging female surfski stars.

Local favorite Nikki Russell is a serious title contender,...

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