The Marine Surfski Series has grown tremendously over the couple year with the involvement of a new title sponsor in Varsity College and the building of a new club house at Marine Surf Lifesaving Club which the paddlers of the series enjoyed so much this year for the first time.

The races all happen on Friday evening in the protection of the Durban bay catering for every type of paddler. It has to be the best way to kick off your weekend after a long hard week. Nothing beats smashing out a paddle and a couple Hansa’s with your mates.

Known for its user friendly course the Varsity College Marine Series is primed for a bumper season with the growth of surfski paddling in the novice ranks. The series has a very achievable short course of only 4km (1 lap) and an easy launch through the surf really does cater this novice end of the field and the family friendly environment at the club with jumping castles for the kids there is something for everyone.  It really is great to see some many new people taking on the races.

The 2012 season starts with the Registration on the 12^th of Jan and the 10 race taking part on the following dates: Jan 13, 20, 27 Feb 3, 10, 24, March 2, 9, 16, 30 all starting at 530pm with the series final prize giving on the 2^nd April. The series prides itself in value to the paddler and to add this season watch out for the new rash vest on the first race.

In the traditional 8km (2 lap) long course we expect to see some of Durban’s finest paddler smash out some close races. The racing is always tight with everyone well aware that 6 races out of the 10 count for the overall series positions. In 2011 the series went down to the wire on the last race of the series with World Champion, Hank McGregor edging out local Marine member Matthew Bouman to take the series. Hank certainly has dominated in this year but will have his work cut out for him as Durban has some of the world best paddler and Varsity College Student Grant van De Walt will be hot on his heels.

The last race of the series on the 30^th of March also doubles as the SA Schools Surfski Champs. The series partners with the Surfskischool to run school clinics in PE, CT and Durban to introduce kids to the sport with kids from PE and CT getting flown up to Durban to take part in the SA Schools. The u18 competitors get a separate start in the 8km long course. Now that’s true grass route, building the youth of our sport and the next champions.

If you need any info on the series check out the new series website at www.marineseries.co.za