Melissa Colborne: May 2015

Monday, May 18, 2015

South African Nationals 2015

This past weekend, cable nationals was held at my home cable in Cape Town.

Friday afternoon was practise so I headed to the cable after class for a little shred. The weather wasn't great, it was overcast and freezing! Definitely the coldest day we've had all year. Fortunately I had my Roxy wetsuit with me, so the cold didn't stop me from getting on the water :P

Qualifiers were held on Saturday. When we arrived at the cable in the morning, it was rainy and cold but it wasn't long before the weather cleared and the sun came out. Qualifiers went well. Once they were done, I had to get home to do some studying because exams start this week. My brother, Christopher, landed his first railey in his qualifying run! It was good to see all the Junior Men pushing each other to attempt inverts for the first time.

Finals were meant to start at 8.30 on Sunday morning but due to load shedding, it only started at 10. We had the most perfect weather on Sunday! It was hot and the water was glassy all day. A friend of ours who recently got into wakeboarding, Brent, competed in the Novice divison. He slayed it and managed to get 1st place. Its awesome to see someone who is so passionate about the sport and is just keen to learn! I was really happy with my run, the best one I've done so far, and also got 1st in the Open Ladies division. Christopher stuck another railey in his finals run so he was stoked, and he came 3rd in Junior Men. My older brother, Jason, pulled a trick out the bag that he hasn't done for about a year, since before his knee injury. He stuck it clean and got 2nd in Open Men.

It was a good way to end the season! Thanks to CASA for putting together an awesome comp, to Roxy for keeping me warm this weekend, and to Liquid Force for the best board!

Now to get exams out the way, and then it time for a little summer holiday in Spain with the Darwins!

Thanks Bianca Asher for the photos!

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Studies vs Wakeboarding

I started studying at Stellenbosch University doing a BSc in sport science when i returned from the Philippines. I have just finished with my last test week for the semester before exams start at the end of May so I thought its the perfect time to get back up to date with my blog. As far as Stellenbosch University goes - lets just say I had no idea what I was in for but I've met so many new people from all over and am enjoying my course so far.

In my free time I've been wakeboarding and competing when my studies allow it. I competed in the 1st stop of the boat tour that was held at Misverstand Dam in March. I was super chuffed with my riding, definitely the best run I have done behind the boat and was really happy with winning the ladies division. I also competed at the Re-awakening cable comp that was held at Stokecity Wakepark in March hosted by Liquid Force and was happy with my 1st place there too. They put together an epic event and it was really good to ride with all the homies again!

I spent the Easter weekend at Clanwilliam Dam with good friends. Its always fun to be back behind the boat. I've also spent some time at the Dirty Habits cable in Durbanville since my return. The kickers are my favorite at the park!

This month is cable nationals and it being held at our home cable in Cape Town- Blue Rock. I'm excited to have it at home and i'm sure it is going to be a sick event.