Muses in Muizies

UP AND RIDING: Everyone took to the waves in a bid to break records. Photo Leigh Groenemeyer

In fact, due to the numbers, the contest ran in two separate areas at Surfer’s Corner, with 25 novices surfing down the beach while the age group and open divisions showed their prowess in front of the circle.

The aloha spirit was palpable on the beach and in the water, as women of different ages and abilities got to know each other better and inspired one other to have fun and be uplifted by surfing.

The wind came up and the swell dropped as the day progressed, which saw the finalists surfing in slightly choppy 1-2 foot conditions on the high tide. But they produced the criteria the judges were looking for, namely, maintaining trim, style and grace in the most critical sections of the wave, using functional turns to stay in the pocket and displaying uninterrupted flow and control while using the entire length of the surfboard.

LADY LEGENDS: Therese Russell was the oldest competitor at 70 years. Photo WSL / Cestari

La Muse did just what the organisers dreamed of. It inspired novices to compete in a fun, inclusive environment. It inspired the more experienced women to push themselves a little harder. The contest introduced ladies who love surfing to their tribe and it got the guys off their feet as they shouted for their lady in the lineup. Families got together, down at the beach, and shared the stoke. There were beautiful mother/daughter vibes as a pair of finalists in the u-14 and Divas division cheered each other on.

Mia Baard was rewarded for the best nose ride of the event; Krystal Tavenor for the highest wave score and Elizabeth Gunther for the most stylish wave rider.

JUST CRUISING THROUGH: Charmaine Adams lines up a fun little left. Photo WSL / Cestari

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U14
1. Lisa Rose
2. Sarah Scott
3. Remi Fourie
4. Enya van Niekerk

U18
1. Leila Steytler
2. Caroline Brown
3. Amber Borton

Novice
1. Tasmin Du Preez
2. Caren Holtzhausen
3. Samantha Vietri
4. Sarah Jane Steele

Open
1. Angelica Schon
2. Mia Baard
3. Raylin Wynne
4. Krystal Tavenor

Mystics
1. Stefni Muller
2. Karin Shermbrucker
3. Elizabeth Gunther
4. Claudia Hopkins

Divas
1. Charley Pollard
2. Michelle Schoeman
3. Lisa Ringwood
4. Deborah Patterson

Lady Legends
1. Mel st Arnaud
2. Therese Russell
3. Charmaine Adams
4. Jaqueline Partridge