Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May 2011 saw a crew of the country’s most dedicated cable wake-boarders & skaters, gathering at Forever Resorts Warmbaths, Bela Bela to contest the 2011 Liquid Force Cable Nationals. Pitting themselves against each other and the assortment of rails and kickers sponsored by The waterski federation of SA and Forever Resorts. As the Red Bull DJs pumped out the beats and a throng of festive spectators watched from the shore, the riders took to the water for the 2011 Cable Nationals titles.

Saturday was the first of the heats for all categories, and the last chance qualifiers for the amateurs’ category. The Amateurs was by far the largest category, illustrating just how quickly the sport is growing. With over 40 riders competing in the 7 categories, the spectators were treated to some of the best cable riding ever. Ladies wakeskate was a brand new category opened, run for the 1st time and showed how the ladies are also progressing in the sport that used to be very male dominated.

Forever Resorts Warmbaths provided a fantastic venue for the event, with riders, spectators and families making full use of the first-class facilities, and enjoying a warm weekend away. The VIP’s were well looked after by the staff, and a special mention must go to Tom, Caroline and Hardus who put in much appreciated effort to ensure that the hosting of the event was of international standards. The Saturday evening party hosted in honour of all the riders will be remembered for many years to come!

Sunday morning’s proceedings were greeted with near perfect conditions. First up were the amateurs with Andrew Bourne from Cape Town giving all the riders in the category a run for their money. Next up was Junior Men, and a close battle between Francois du Toit from Cape Town and Liquid Force sponsored rider, Ryan Durham eventually saw Francois take the title.

The Ladies division saw local Lia-Marie Mundell going head to head with Capetonians, Melissa Colbourne and Candice Bacon. Melissa’s solid run and execution wowed the crowd, showing that this 16year old has a promising future in the sport.

The Masters division was dominated by 3 riders, with Liquid Force’s Justin Selby taking the title based on his convincing run. Justin was also commended for his dedication to the industry and the growth of the sport.

The wake-skaters started out strong and the crowd saw them sticking a combination of flat water and rail tricks. Once again, Mattie Buys dominated, this DVS & Goodwood sponsored rider is phenomenal to say the least, and his ability not only saw him winning the division and taking the title, but he also won the BEST TRICK prize of R1000 cash.

The final division was Pro Men’s, with a battle for the top position. 3-Year champion David Smith from Johannesburg wrestled with the other riders to keep his title, but unfortunately the local was de-throned by Capetonian Gregor Reichmuth. The Hyperlite sponsored rider had the crowd in awe as he showed what it takes to be crowned Nationals 2011 Pro Men winner. A special mention must go to Jason Colbourne, another Hyperlite teamrider who is by far the youngest in the division – and he claimed 2nd position overall.

Many thanks to all spectators, riders and the sponsors, Liquid Force, Forever Resorts Warmbaths, Red Bull, Skull Candy, DVS, ICE-Watch and Afriski, without whom an event of this magnitude would not have been possible.

Overall results:

Amateur Division: Andrew Bourne, Byron Brett, Jon Osborne

Junior Men Division: Francois du Toit, Ryan Durham (Liquid Force Team rider), Asher Nassif

Master’s Division: Justin Selby (Liquid Force Team rider), Koosie van Heerden, Darren Ridgeway (Liquid Force sponsored rider)

Ladies Division: Melissa Colbourne (Liquid Force Team rider), Lia-Marie Mundell, Candice Bacon

Pro Men Division: Gregor Reichmuth (Hyperlite Team Rider), Jason Colbourne (Hyperlite Team Rider), David Smith

Wakeskate Division: Mattie Buys, Darren Turner, Russel Daymond

Ladies Wakeskate Division: Hazel Knee, Bryana Motepe, Lerissa Kemp

For more information on the event, contact Kyle Holtzhauzen, Chairman of CASA on 011 462 9724