Malta’s Surfski Shack has once again made its mark on the international paddling scene, with outstanding performances from its athletes in various prestigious competitions.
The Maltese governing body sent a contingent of athletes at the Naxos Cup and achieved some fine results.
The participating athletes faced choppy seas that made the 10km course a demanding physical test.
Young Mattea Micallef proved her mettle by securing a silver medal in the SS1 Senior Female category, despite competing against older and more experienced athletes.
Matthew Schembri secured a commendable fifth place finish in the SS1 Senior Male category, while Andreas Bohnsack showcased his experience with an eighth place finish.
In the doubles event, Samuel Borg and Michael Aquilina claimed a well-deserved third place in the SS2 Senior Male category.
Next up for the Maltese paddlers was the OC-Ostsee Cup 2024 that presented a more challenging field of competitors, including renowned names like Max Hoff, multiple world and olympic champion) and Gordan Harbrecht, the current surfski world champion.
The 20km course featured strong winds and challenging waves, requiring technical skill and adaptability from the paddlers.
Despite the tough competition, the Surfski Shack athletes held their own.
Matthew Schembri finished 13th in the SS1 Senior Male category, followed by Andreas Bohnsack, Samuel Borg, and Michael Aquilina.
Mattea Micallef once again demonstrated her potential with an eigth place finish in the SS1 Senior demale category.
Andreas Aquilina Bondin competed in the Sarcidano Race, a canoe sprint competition held in Sardinia in October.
Aquilina Bondin managed to claim gold medals in the K1 500m, K1 200m and K2 200m categories. He also managed to secure a silver medal in the K2 500 mix category.
In a statement, Surfski Shack said that its consistent success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of its athletes.
“Their participation in these high-level competitions has not only brought honour to Malta but has also inspired aspiring paddlers across the country,” it said in a statement.
“The club extends its gratitude to Sport Malta for their generous support through the International Participation Scheme. This funding has been instrumental in enabling the Surfski Shack athletes to compete at such prestigious events and showcase their skills on the global stage.
“Beyond their athletic prowess, the Surfski Shack athletes have demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience. On both occasions, the athletes were responsible for organising their own travel arrangements and working together to ensure a smooth competition experience.
“Their ability to collaborate and support each other has been a key factor in their success.
“As the Surfski Shack continues to push boundaries and achieve new heights, it is clear that Malta’s future in international paddling is bright
Next up for the Surfski Shack athletes a number of local time while Matthew Schembri will also be competing in the Cape Point Challenge in South Africa in mid December which is a prestigious 52km race around Cape point.
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