Reigning South African freeride champion Brett Armstrong will face off against British champion Graham Reid in the Madiba Jet Ski Freeride Classic at the MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival in Port Elizabeth over Easter weekend.

The invitational field is limited to eight contestants, three of whom are ranked in the top 10 on the International Freeride Watercraft Association’s professional tour.

Armstrong, who is based in PE, was hesitant to name a favourite. “Graham will be tough to beat, especially in the freeride event, but anyone can win if it’s his day.”

He added that Cape Town’s Jeremy Phillips was another name to watch out for.

In the freeride competition, which takes place at Hobie Beach on Saturday and Sunday, competitors are judged on a combination of wave-riding and tricks. Each element contributes to 50% of the total score.

Armstrong said the Madiba Jet Ski Best Trick Contest, which gets underway on Sunday after the freeride competition, will feature breathtaking stunts and jumps. “I’m hoping for good surf – everything is dependant on the size of the waves.”

The Shark Rock Pier should be the best vantage point for spectators and Armstrong invited the public to “come and make a noise”.

The competitions will be judged by Mark Matsuda from the United States and Fernando Waack from Brazil, two of the most respected judges in the world.

Friday and Monday will be treated as exhibition days.

For more information, visit www.splashfestival.com or follow the festival on Facebook or Twitter.

Issued by:

Full Stop Communications

Coetzee Gouws
041 368 4992
082 575 7991
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com

On behalf of:

MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival