De Vries claims Umdloti title

Over 90 of the country's top surfers converged on Umdloti's south point for the Surfing South Africa 3A PST-rated event that catered for both open men and under twenty pro junior boy's divisions.

Umhlanga’s Beyrick De Vries put on a solid performance to win the open men's division. De Vries impressed the judges with selecting the biggest wave and pulled off two radical maneuvers to post the highest score in the twenty-five minute final. 

“Paddling out in the final I knew that it would come down to whoever caught the best wave as the other three surfers are more than capable of posting excellent rides given the opportunity, I am really stoked to win an event in my hometown. This win will boost my confidence for upcoming events overseas," said De Vries. Second place was claimed by Brandon Jackson (Durban), hot on his heels in third place was Casey Grant (Scottburgh) with Daniel Redman (Durban), a finalist at the first Quiksilver Takes One To Know One series event, taking fourth place. 

Capetonian Diran Zakarian got off to a flying start with progressive aerial maneuvers and took an early lead over his fellow competitors. Zakarian then continued to build on his lead with an impressive late drop take off and tube ride which earned an excellent 8.25-points score that secured the U20 Pro Junior title. Slade Prestwich (Durban), one of the contest's stand-outs, finished second. Jeffrey’s Bay local Dylan Lightfoot was relegated to third place while Mikey Venter (Warner Beach) finished in fourth position. Zakarian was also awarded the “Skullcandy Performance Award” for his impressive aerial surfing and tube riding . Winners and finalists took home prizes from sponsors Drift HD Camera’s, Techniblock Sunscreen, Skullcandy headphones and Zigzag Surfing Magazine.

Quiksilver’s Brandon Jackson was very pleased with the second leg of the series and said, “As a  surf company we want to put on an event that both our spectators and competitors can enjoy and Umdloti allows that with its amphitheatre set up.Even though Saturday's conditions were unfavourable, on Sunday all of the elements came together allowing the athletes to perform at their best and they put on a great show for everyone on the beach.” 

The last remaining event in the Quiksilver Takes One To Know One Series will be held at Victoria Bay in September.

Final Results:

Open Mens Final:

1. Beyrick De Vries (Umhlanga)

2. Brandon Jackson (Durban)

3. Casey Grant (Scottburgh)

4. Daniel Redman (Durban)

Junior Boys Final:

1. Diran Zakarian (Melkbosstrand, Cape Town)

 2. Slade Prestwich (Durban)

 3. Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffrey’s Bay)

4. Mikey Venter (Warner Beach)

(File photo:Gallo Images)