Sunday, 15 May 2005
1A-rated Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Africa sanctioned event
Ballito, KZN North Coast – South Africa
14 - 15 May, 2005
Basnett Wins Explosive Final in
Ballito
Surf conditions remained in the 1 to 1.5-metre range with peculiar variable winds providing tricky,
unpredictable waves.

The 1A rated Pro Men’s final was billed as one of the most exciting seen all year on the PST. 4 star ASP
World Qualifying Series (WQS) event winner David Weare (Dbn) was quick off the mark executing a fluid
cutback into 360 combination and looked set to dominate. Luke Patterson (Dbn) who is better known for his
free surfing was the next to shine with some progressive manoeuvres like tail slides on smaller waves.
Midway through the showdown, following some less than remarkable rides, Basnett came alive boosting
the event’s biggest aerial which earned him 9 out of a possible 10 points. The Bluff surfer came into his
own raising the bar even higher with another air scoring 8.5 out of a possible 10 which set the tone for the
remainder. Weare took the bait replying with 8.6-points for a stylish aerial to place second. Currently lying
second on the 2005 PST ratings, Matt Kruger (Queensburgh), packed in as many turns as possible to finish
fourth with Patterson in third.
The “PG Glass Expression Session” turned into a serious affair which boiled down to a tussle between
Shane Warren (Bluff) and Antonio Bortoletto (Dbn). The pair had a run in with each other during the Pro Men’
s semi-final earlier in the afternoon which saw Warren penalised with an interference call. Warren’s aerial
outscored Bortoletto’s and he walked off with a voucher for a brand new custom shaped Hutchison
Handcrafted surfboard.

Brandon Jackson (Dbn North) clinched victory in the “Flying Fish” Retro contest to scoop a brand new front
loader CD Player from Unreal Audio and Security. Luke Patterson (Dbn) was thrilled to win a set of Jensen
speakers from the same sponsor for second place.

David Weare (Dbn) was singled out by the Atoll Media crew as the most deserving of the Zig Zag Blowing
Up Award (R1000) for laying claim to some of the highest scores of the contest en route to the final.

Deputy Mayor of the KwaDukuza Municipality Veli Luthuli attended the prize giving as well as Saturday’s
Surfing South Africa (SSA) surfing clinic which was hosted by the Zululand Surfing Association.

Surfers were fuelled by Mad Buzz energy drink, the official sponsors of the athletes’ refreshments.

Hutchison Handcrafted would like to thank the north coast community for their support of the event, in
particular Groundswell Surf Shop, PG Glass Ballito, Unreal Audio & Security, Coastal Tool & Hire, Al
Pescatore Restaurant, Dolphin Coast Aqua, Thome Guards, Timber Trends, SAB Millers, Canon North
Coast, Franki Bananz, Nando’s Ballito, Spar Lifestyle, Pick ‘n Pay Ballito, Friendly Grocer Boulevard Centre
and DJ Marc.

Hutchison Handcrafted Pro Final Results:
Pro Men:
Ricky Basnett (Bluff)
David Weare (Dbn)
Luke Patterson (Dbn)
Matthew Kruger (Queensburgh)

Pro Women:
Sarah Johnston (Warner Beach)
Rosanne Hodge (EL)
Tamarys de Maroussem (Westbrook)
Tammy Smith (Ballito)

Pro Junior Men:
Rudy Palmboom (Bluff)
Rory Beach (Queensburgh)
Brandon Jackson (Dbn North)
Keegan Nel (EL)

PG Glass Expression Session
Shane Warren (Bluff)
Antonio Bortoletto (Dbn)
Luke Patterson (Dbn)

“Flying Fish” Retro Event
1. Brandon Jackson (Dbn North)
2. Luke Patterson (Dbn)

Zig Zag Blowing Up Award (R1 000):
David Weare (Dbn)


Issued on behalf of:
Hutchison Handcrafted Surfboards and PG Glass Ballito
Issued by:
Olivia Jones Communications
082 537 8840
Email: olivia@atomgate.com
ASP Africa Pro Surf Tour (PST) contact:
Colin Fitch (Operations Manager) 082 699 4493: aspafrica@mweb.co.za
Ricky Basnett (Bluff) surfed exceptionally
well to win the Pro Men’s title in the
explosive Hutchison Handcrafted Pro final
at Ballito on KZN’s north coast at the
weekend. Sarah Johnston (Warner Beach)
and Rudy Palmboom (Bluff) outclassed their
opponents to claim the Pro Women and Pro
Junior Men titles respectively.
Surfing
Johnston who has been knocking on the
door as runner up a couple of times in
2005 surfed to a well earned victory with
calculated, clean moves and excellent
wave selection. Former U20 SA Champ
Rosanne Hodge (EL) was on Johnston’s
heels finishing in second place. Recently
crowned South African Champion Tamarys
de Maroussem (Westbrook) placed third
ahead of local star Tammy Smith (Ballito)
who enjoyed being in her maiden PST final.
“I’m really stoked about my win; I found the waves here to be similar to my home break
Warner Beach. I think I felt the pressure because my sponsor Lizzy warned me that if I didn’t
win I would have to buy them a big cake so I guess it shows that I really like cake,” joked
Johnston who was  thrilled to notch up the second PST victory of her career.
Palmboom took a firm grasp of the lead from
the outset of the Pro Junior Men’s final to
finish streaks ahead of his peers with his
trademark style. U20 Boys SA Champion Rory
Beach (Queensburgh) took the runner up
slot ahead of Brandon Jackson (Dbn North)
who sneaked in a tube ride to take third
away from talented East Londoner Keegan
Nel.