Whatshot
Michael February and Zoe McDougall Claim Titles at Corona Durban Surf Pro presented by Quiksilver
Michael February and Zoe McDougall Claim Titles at Corona Durban Surf Pro presented by Quiksilver
Michael February and Zoe McDougall claimed the Men's and Women's titles at the Corona Durban Surf Pro presented by Quiksilver and Roxy, which was, completed in glassy half to one metre waves at Dairy Beach.
The top seeds in their respective QS1,000 rated events both delivered come-from-behind victories, producing high scoring rides in the pressure-packed dying minutes of their Finals to lift the trophies, pocket the bulk of the prize-money and add 1,000 precious points to their WSL Qualifying series rankings.
The JQS1,000 18 and under event titles went to Adin Masencamp of Strand and Kayla Nogueira from uMhlanga.
Zoe McDougall came into the event ranked No. 13 in the WSL Women's QS standings, and dominated her heats on the way to the Final, and the Hawaiian started strongly with a 7.17. But a see-saw battle ensued when reigning WSL Africa Women's champion Faye Zoetmulder (Cape St Francis) grabbed the lead and then former WSL Championship Tour (CT) campaigner Nikita Robb (East London) took over with back-to-back rides.
Without priority McDougall caught a wave in the dying seconds that walled up and she produced the manoeuvres that earned her a 7.57 and the title.
"It was a pretty slow heat for waves and with the high tide all four of us were close to the pier trying to get the lefts," said McDougall. "I swung on that last wave without priority and Emma (Smith) let me have it, so I guess I owe her one.
The Corona Durban Surf Pro is supported by Quiksilver, Roxy, Volkswagen, Yesman, Tsogo Sun, Skullcandy, El Jimador, California Dreaming and Accelerate Sport.