The eThekwini Surf Pro in Durban, South Africa, is heading into its thrilling finals day tomorrow, Saturday, June 21st. Day 3 saw intense competition across the Qualifying Series (QS), Longboard, and Pro Junior divisions, narrowing the field of talented surfers vying for victory. The first call for the final day is scheduled for 6:45 a.m. GMT+1.
Key Takeaways
- Adin Masencamp and Luke Thompson advanced to the men’s QS semifinals.
- Brothers Luke and Connor Slijpen are also in the semifinals, with a potential sibling showdown in the final.
- Crystal Hulett is aiming for a consecutive Longboard title after defeating Christy Gilmour.
- Cara Stubbs secured a spot in the Longboard final, hoping to qualify for the World Longboard Tour.
- Sam Christianson and Steven Sawyer will face off again in the Longboard final.
- The Pro Junior divisions commenced, with young talents like Max Kauffman and Coco Clark making strong starts.
Men’s QS Heats Heat Up
Day 3 of the eThekwini Surf Pro presented challenging conditions, with high tide temporarily halting the men’s QS 2,000 Quarterfinals due to diminished swell. Adin Masencamp demonstrated resilience, returning after a hold to deliver an impressive 8.50 wave, securing his semifinal spot. "I just tried to get the rhythm going," Masencamp commented, referencing his preparation for the upcoming Challenger Series. Defending champion Luke Thompson also navigated the difficult surf, advancing with powerful maneuvers. The Slijpen brothers, Luke and Connor, are both through to the semifinals, creating the possibility of an exciting family final.
Longboard Title Contenders Emerge
In the women’s Longboard division, defending champion Crystal Hulett showcased superior wave selection and smooth footwork to overcome Durban local Christy Gilmour. Hulett expressed her ambition for a second consecutive eThekwini Surf Pro Longboard victory. Meanwhile, Cara Stubbs secured her place in the final after a close heat against Tarryn King. "It’s a lifelong dream to be on the World Longboard Tour," Stubbs stated, emphasizing the significance of this competition for her qualification goals.
On the men’s side, Sam Christianson delivered a standout performance with an 8.83 in his semifinal against Oliver Packham, setting up a rematch of last year’s final against Steven Sawyer. Sawyer, who also advanced with a strong 8.50, acknowledged the challenge, "Sam and I are in the Finals again, he’s got a PhD between the piers here, so I’m going to try my best to throw him off, nothing but brotherly love!"
Pro Juniors Make Their Debut
The eThekwini Pro Junior also kicked off, featuring the opening rounds for both men and women. Fifteen-year-old Max Kauffman celebrated a successful debut, winning her first heat. Thirteen-year-old Coco Clark also advanced, marking a strong start to her Pro Junior campaign. Notable performances in the men’s Round of 32 included Matt Canning, Connor Slijpen, and Luc Lepront. Connor Slijpen, in his final year as a junior, gained valuable experience by competing in both the Pro Junior and the men’s QS 2,000 events.
The competition will resume tomorrow, Saturday, June 21st, with the first official call at 6:45 a.m. GMT+1, aiming for a 7:05 a.m. start. The eThekwini Surf Pro is supported by Durban Tourism, HUGE TNS, and Surfing South Africa.
Sources
- Field Narrowed at eThekwini Surf Pro, Finals Day Tomorrow, World Surf League.
