The Surfski Shack's Spring Time Trial Series 2025: A Season of Intense Competition and Remarkable Feats

The Surfski Shack recently concluded its highly anticipated Spring Time Trial Series 2025. This series, spanning four challenging events, provided a platform for paddlers to test their limits, achieve personal bests, and set new records.

The competition unfolded across two distinct 9km courses: a 3-lap circuit around the iconic Manoel Island and an open-water out-and-back route to the "il-Merkanti" reef marker. Each event brought unique conditions, from calm waters to challenging waves, testing the adaptability and skill of every participant.

Detailed Event Recaps and Athlete Profiles:

March 8th: Rough Start with 1-meter waves

The series began on March 8th with demanding "U 1m waves" and an 8-knot westerly wind on the Reef Marker course. Matthew set a strong early pace with 0:46:52. Samuel Borg finished in 0:51:52, Andreas Bohnsack in 0:52:07, Michael Aquilina in 0:53:05, Mattea Micallef in 0:57:05, Nicholas Attard Montalto in 1:00:09, Larissa Micallef in 1:03:41, and David Saliba in 1:05:25, demonstrating their ability to handle rough waters. A Special note of praise to Andreas Bohnsack who timed his turn around the reef marker to perfection dodging waves and managing to overtake Michael Aquilina who was ahead of him until that point.

Start of Time Trial on 8th March

March 15th: Testing Tactics: 12-Knot Winds and Rippled Waters

The March 15th trial on the Reef Marker course presented "small bump" water conditions and a 12-knot south westerly wind. Matthew Schembri led the pack with 0:45:42. Samuel Borg finished in 0:55:58, Mattea Micallef in 0:56:51, Nicholas Attard Montalto in 0:58:39, Giacomo Maugeri in 1:02:30, and Micallef in 1:06:46, all navigating the challenging conditions with skill.

March 29th: High Winds and Youthful Enthusiasm

Smiles after a windy time trial on 29th March

The March 29th event was marked by a strong 19-knot westerly wind, making the 3-lap Manoel Island course a true test of endurance. Despite the challenging conditions, Matthew Schembri finished in 0:47:16. Michael Aquilina achieved a PB with 0:53:12, and Andreas Bohnsack secured a CCR and PB with 0:53:13. Mattea Micallef earned a CCR in the U23 Female category with 1:00:15, while Larissa Micallef completed the course in 1:08:36. Nicholas Attard Montalto also achieved a PB with 1:08:40.

This day was also special for the children's races. Luigi Aquilina (U14) finished 2 laps in 0:49:22, Ayden Sullivan (U16) in 0:57:00, and Giorgio Iadarola (U16) in 0:58:07. Tomos Penny and Arthur Penny (both U12) finished 1 lap in 0:52:07 and 0:53:07, respectively, showcasing their budding talent.

April 5th: The Grand Finale - Records Shattered on Calm Seas

PBs all round after the time trial on 5th April

The final time trial on April 5th was held under very calm conditions, with flat waters and a gentle 4-knot wind from an ESE direction. This proved to be a record-breaking day. Matthew Schembri, using his NK Nitro 600, delivered a phenomenal performance, clocking 0:44:06 and achieving an Overall Course Record (OCR), Category Course Record (CCR), and Personal Best (PB) in the Senior Male category. His speed and efficiency were a sight to behold. Samuel Borg followed closely, finishing in 0:49:12 with his NK Nitro 640. Andreas Bohnsack, in the 65-69 category, showcased his enduring skill with a time of 0:49:25, earning a PB and CCR in his NK Squall 580. Michael Aquilina (NK Squall 580) also achieved a PB with 0:49:27, highlighting his consistent improvement. Mattea Micallef, paddling her Nelo Vintage, set an impressive OCR, CCR, and PB in the U23 Female category with a time of 0:54:04. Nicholas Attard Montalto (Nelo 510) secured a PB with 0:54:58, while Giacomo Maugeri (Nelo Viperski) finished in 0:57:45, also achieving a PB. David Saliba (Nelo 510) earned a PB and CCR in the 45-49 category with 0:58:51, and Larissa Micallef (Nelo 510) rounded out the day with a PB and CCR in the 35-39 Female category at 1:00:30.

The start of the time trial on 5th April

Athlete Spotlight:

• Matthew Schembri: A standout performer, consistently finishing at the top and setting new records. His dedication and skill were evident in every race.

• Andreas Bohnsack: A veteran paddler who proved his mettle in the 65-69 category, achieving multiple CCRs and PBs.

• Mattea Micallef: A rising star in the U23 Female category, breaking records and showing significant improvement.

• Samuel Borg, Michael Aquilina, Nicholas Attard Montalto, Giacomo Maugeri, David Saliba, and Larissa Michallef: All demonstrated consistent effort and progress, achieving PBs and CCRs throughout the series.

The Surfski Shack's Spring Time Trial Series 2025 was a testament to the vibrant and competitive paddling community in Malta. The dedication, skill, and sportsmanship displayed by all participants made this a truly memorable series.