Having won every major title she’s entered this year, provincial, national and world surfski champion Michelle Burn has confirmed that she will be in East London for the 2021 Dischem Pete Marlin Surfski Race from 30-31 October.
Most recently Burn powered her way to the KZN provincial championship title at the Petrefuel Dolphin Coast Challenge , underscoring that she is in the form of her life going into the highly coveted Pete Marlin in October.
Despite the form, Burn’s fellow title hopefuls should be concerned given that Burn is very excited for the 2021 edition of the race after 2020’s edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s most definitely one of my favourite races on the calendar,” Burn said. “I have paddled in the race so many times and love the travel down to East London and the vibe at the race is always incredible.
“I am really looking forward to this year’s race given what happened last year and I feel comfortable racing there.”
Burn has won the Border classic twice in the last three editions which shows how impressive she can be in those conditions and given her Amanzimtoti upbringing she feels that the race is well suited to her.
“It definitely feels like you are paddling in South Coast conditions and I am comfortable with the distance as well as the sea conditions with its parallel direction to the coast so it’s something that I am used to.
“The venue is so central for paddlers from all over the country so I think we will have another really strong field this year which will make the racing that much more exciting.
“It’s not a mission to get down to East London and the prize money is good, which is always another strong incentive for the top paddlers,” the Fenn Kayaks’ star added.
With a strong field expected for the two-day test, Burn is lucky enough to have been through most of what the East London coastline has to offer.
“I’ve had some great downwinds there which have been awesome but I’ve also had some flat races but they are all fun and I really enjoy racing down there!”