There wasn’t much room to move at the 10th Edition of the Roxy Wahine Cup this weekend, as thousands of spectators arrived to watch the best female surfers in the country battle it out for top honours. In small but fun surf at Suncoast Beach, Durban, the girls took to the water, all vying for a place in the finals and a share of the prize money.

The first final to hit the water was the Novice Division, with a one-year Roxy sponsorship as first prize. New face Mia Hordyk from Durban (who first learned to surf on the Roxy Learn To Surf Tour!) surfed impressively to score 17.25 (out of a possible 20). The score secured her the top podium spot and the much-coveted Roxy Sponsorship.

In the U14 Division, Durban ripper Sarah Baum showed her local knowledge and completely outshone her opponents, winning the final with a massive margin from second placed Chanelle Botha. Courtnay Ellish and Emma Smith came in third and fourth spots.

The U16 Division final was another clear cut victory, with the honours going to Tanika Hoffman from Kommetjie who completely out pointed her fellow competitors. She beat Nikita Kekana, Heather Klug and Sabrina Scott in the final.

Her international experience shone through when Nikita Robb from East London surfed through to a comfortable win in the U20 Division. Nikita has been competing hard on the WQS this year, and just returned from a season in Hawaii to surf this event. Ever-consistent Chantelle Rautenbach placed second ahead of Alice McGregor, with Heidi Palmboom from The Bluff coming fourth.

The Open Division was a tight affair, with some interference calls and some seriously competitive surfing going down. Nikita Robb was surfing well and looking like she might win this division as well, but she was penalised in the final with an interference call and ended up placing fourth. In the end it was an ecstatic Tarryn Chudleigh who emerged victorious, beating Chantelle Rautenbach into second, with Tammy Lee Smith coming third. Tarryn, a stylish goofy-footer from Kommetjie, surfed exceptionally well throughout the event and was a deserving winner.

“I’m so happy I feel like crying,” said an emotional Chudleigh at the prize giving. “I really wanted to win, and now I don’t have the words to describe how I feel.” A very stoked Tarryn pocketed R10,000 for her victory.