SABA has successfully been running Bodyboarding competitions since 1987. The current South African Tour consists of 5 event stops at various locations all over South Africa. The aim is to get all the Bodyboarders within South Africa to take part in all the events and determine whom the South African male and female champion will be. All of the events also have their fun disciplines for the more beginner/ intermediate riders that just want to come and take part and have some fun.
Bodyboarding is still one of the most popular water sports in the world and can attract 100’s of Bodyboarders as well as spectators to the beach. Several media co-operation, PR & advertising activities will guarantee a well promoted event for its sponsors, partners and visitors.
Be part of these exciting sports challenge and event!
The Proposed tour stops (Exact Dates TBC): Date: Location:
Cape Classic 19th- 21st March Cape Town (Koel Baai)
Boland West Coast Classic 7-10 April 2011 (Cape West Coast)
Cave Rock Challenge 22nd – 8th May Durban - Bluff
(1day Speciality Event, Window period on either side of Margate event)
South Coast Classic 22nd - 24th April 2011 Margate
CKZN Sun Coast Event 25th – 27th April (Durban) TBC
Wedge Classic 10th - 16th July Plettenburg Bay
SA Championships 3rd - 8th October Cape Town
Event Info: (these future events programs are based on the 2009/2010 tour)
The Cape Classic
This is the first event of the year and is very often the most exciting. A handful of the South Africans have just finished up their campaigns on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii and have made their way back home to show off their more finely tuned skills. This enhanced riding from the returning crew always seems to push the riding of all the contestants, not wanting to be out done by those lucky few that have spent months living their (and everybody else’s) dream in Hawaii. The competition venue is set as roaming, which means the best possible venue is chosen on the day and this ensures that the highest and most entertaining standard of wave riding is made possible.
The Cave Rock Challenge (AKA The Gladiator Pit)
This is a speciality event as the wave must be world class for the event to run and only the Pro division will ride. For a long time Cave Rock has been the closest wave resembling Hawaii’s Backdoor Pipeline that South Africans could get to. The event only takes a day to run, but the waves must be upward of 6ft and the winds offshore. The ‘waiting period’ is positioned a week on either side of the Margate competition and is at the right time of the year for conditions to meet the standards set to run the event.
The South Coast Classic
Margate has been the most popular venue for the longest running event in Kwa Zulu Natal Bodyboarding history. Every year seems to produce awesome swells without fail. Spectators are ‘sucked’ into the action as they view the entertainment easily from the grass banks and rock pools in front of the competition area.
The Wedge Classic
Always a favourite on the tour for most competitors, the Plettenburg Bay Wedge can offer a spectacular aerial display on a beach that becomes an amphitheatre every time the event is run. Set during the school holidays the beach the heats are always ‘stacked’.
The West Coast Classic:
This is a very new addition to the SABA tour and has been continued in light of the great success of the SA Championships that where hosted on the West Coast in 2009. The venue is roaming with guarantees the best possible waves will be ridden during the event. The waters of the Western Cape are not cold enough to stop the crowds of Bodyboarders coming to ride some awesome waves.
The SABA 6th Stop: (AKA The Main Event)
South African Bodyboarding Championships 2011
From September October 1st – 9th 2011, six spectacular spring days will attract approx. 120 of
South Africa’s top Bodyboarders and loads of spectators:
Each of the previous events carries points that count towards the ranking and overall year ranking. So this attracts Bodyboarders from all over the country to come and take part in these events. Each year since 1987 the South African Championships has been where the tour winners as well as the ‘SA Champs’ are crowned. This unique sport event will be an exciting festival; South Africa’s top riders will put on a great show for all spectators.
Opportunity for sponsors to present their product to the spectators as well as the brands chance to present and sell their new collections.
Location: The South African Bodyboarding Championships event will take Cape Town in 2011. Weather & sea conditions are perfect for all divisions. The beaches and surrounding areas provides sufficient space for the build up to an attractive event for public and sponsors! Several media, PR & advertising activities will guarantee a well promoted event for sponsors, partners and visitors.
Be part of these exciting sports challenge and event! Contact the organizing team now to discuss what sponsorship opportunities will suit your brand best:
Derek Footit, 2010 SABA Chairman
Contact: + (27) 83 488 3916
Email: derek@factory7.co.za
