Veteran Kommetjie charger, Andy Marr, has proven how much experience counts in big wave surfing by claiming victory in the inaugural Striped Horse Challenge in association with RVCA, Twig Surfboards and Hurricane.

As the second oldest* of the 16 big wave surfers in contention for the grand prize that includes a return ticket to Hawaii, R20 000 cash, two new Twig Surfboards and travel accessories from Hurricane, Andy Marr knows what it takes to ride the challenging peaks of Dungeons. And the experience the 41 year-old has accumulated during the countless hours he has spent charging massive waves below the Sentinel were on display for the incredible barrel he rode on 6 August.

Andy’s epic ride was filmed by Cape Town videographer Dean Engela, who scored himself R5 000 for documenting the winning clip. He shared the R10 000 prize with photographer, Grant Scholtz, who was also in the right place at the right time to capture Andy’s ride.

Andy’s wave from Grant Scholtz’s perspective.

Here’s what a few of the judges had to say about Andy’s winning wave:

“Even though it was a slow winter for big waves in Cape Town, this wave from Andrew Marr more then makes up for it. Andy’s style and poise under pressure to negotiate the drop, angle off the bottom and almost ride though a huge tube sets this wave apart from all the rest. Well done Andy!” – Twiggy Baker

That was a defining wave in Andy’s surfing life. He did exactly what I would expect him to… He pulled in! Enough said.” – Pierre De Villiers

“I love that fact that Andy always sits way deep, and on this wave he shows style, poise and absolute commitment through a beast of a barrel!” – Ryan Butcher

Andy Marr was stoked to claim the Striped Horse Challenge winner’s cheque.

Shortly after he was announced as champion at the Awards Evening at Aces ‘n Spades on Saturday, we cornered Andy to hear his thoughts on the big win.

“You know I think I was fortunate that we had a really slow winter here, because the youngsters are really pushing the barriers now. It’s weird that an old man can still win such a thing, you know. James Lowe, Matt Bromley, they’re our future. So ja, I was very fortunate…slow winter, lucky wave. Thanks to you guys, Striped Horse and Zigzag for putting everything together. Going back over to Hawaii for this upcoming season gives me the opportunity to go back and say hi to my daughter again, and my beautiful friends in Hawaii and San Fransisco. It’s been almost six years since I’ve been back there and I always thought I’d go back on an El Nino year – and we’ve got one so it’s going to be a big deal!” – Andy Marr

Go to stripedhorsechallenge.co.za to view all the entries that were in contention for this year’s Striped Horse Challenge title.

* Greg Bertish is 44, while Andy is the next oldest at 41.