by SFT | Jun 28, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
Most surfing stories begin at the ocean. This one starts in the Swiss Alps.
The Wavepool Surf Tour officially gets underway on 1 August with the Alaïa Surf Challenge at Alaïa Bay, Switzerland, the first event in a new international tour created specifically for wavepool surfing. The tour includes both online and live competition formats.
While surfers have been competing in wavepools for decades, wavepool surfing has changed dramatically in recent years. New facilities continue to open across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the Americas, creating new surfing hubs and bringing the sport to places once considered far beyond surfing’s traditional reach.
The Wavepool Surf Tour has been created to connect those communities through competition.
The Team
Built by a team drawn from both the surfing and wavepool industries, the tour reflects the changing face of surfing and the opportunities created by a rapidly expanding global network of wavepools. It offers surfers a new way to participate, compete and measure themselves against others while remaining connected to their local wavepool communities.
There’s another way to do this.
Surf. Submit. Compete.
“We’ve watched wavepools grow from isolated projects into a global network of venues and surfers,” said founder Mark Fessler.
“Today, world-class facilities are operating across multiple continents, with more opening every year. We believe the time is right for a competition format built specifically for wavepool surfing and the people who are helping drive its growth.”
The Wavepool Surf Tour has been designed to be inclusive from the outset, bringing together surfers across multiple ages, disciplines and abilities within a shared competitive format.
While the season unfolds online, it culminates at the Wavepool World Finals, where the leading surfers from every division come together for the first live event of the year and the crowning of the year’s global champions.
The Alaïa Surf Challenge
The Alaïa Surf Challenge is the first event on the calendar. Additional details regarding divisions, event formats, participation opportunities and future events will be announced in the coming weeks.
Vicente Romero © Wavegarden Alaïa Bay
For more information, visit:
www.wavepoolsurftour.com
Partnership & Sponsorship Enquiries
Mark Fessler
Founder
mark@wavepoolsurftour.com
Athlete & Competition Enquiries
Clyde Martin
Co-Founder
clyde@wavepoolsurftour.com
Media Enquiries
Craig Jarvis
Head of Marketing & Communications
craig@truthcollective.co.za
FAQ’s
www.wavepoolsurftour.com/faq
About The Wavepool Surf Tour
https://www.wavepoolsurftour.com/about
The Wavepool Surf Tour connects surfers from wavepools around the world through a shared online competitive format built specifically for wavepool surfing. Competitors participate throughout the season from their local wavepools, with the leading performers advancing to the Wavepool World Finals, the first live event of the season.
by SFT | Jun 28, 2026 | St Francis
KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality has demonstrated the value of innovation and responsible asset management by converting an old, redundant refuse compactor into a 12-ton flat deck roll-back recovery truck, creating a versatile municipal vehicle at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new unit.
Innovative Asset Management
The refuse compactor, which had reached the end of its operational lifespan after the compaction unit became unrepairable due to normal wear and tear, was repurposed through an extensive conversion process. The project resulted in a fully functional recovery truck that will strengthen the Municipality’s ability to transport equipment and provide operational support across the Kouga region.
The conversion of the truck cost R423 000, compared to purchasing a new cab chassis at an estimated cost of R1.3 million, followed by an additional R450 000 to build a roll-back unit.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the project reflects the municipality’s commitment to finding innovative and cost-effective solutions while making the best use of existing resources.
“Responsible financial management means looking for opportunities to extend the lifespan of our existing assets and find practical solutions that benefit our communities. By converting an old refuse truck into a specialised recovery vehicle, we have saved significantly on costs while adding an important resource to our fleet,” said Bornman.
Four-Month Conversion
The conversion process took approximately four months and included extensive refurbishment and upgrades, including repairs to the driver’s cab, servicing and overhaul of the suspension system, upgrading of the braking system, manufacturing and installation of the 12-ton roll-back unit, as well as the installation of emergency warning lights.
Bornman said much of the work was completed in-house, contributing to cost savings and ensuring that municipal expertise was utilised throughout the project.
“The conversion required detailed planning and a significant amount of technical work. Completing much of the process internally allowed us to maximise our resources and deliver a vehicle that meets the operational needs of the Municipality,” said Bornman.
Strengthening the Municipal Fleet
The new roll-back recovery truck will primarily be used to transport municipal yellow plant, including rollers, between towns within the Kouga municipal area. It will also assist with vehicle recovery, transporting containers and moving equipment or items requiring transportation from one location to another.
Bornman added that the new vehicle will improve operational efficiency across the municipality.
“Our towns are spread across a large geographical area, and having the right equipment available when and where it is needed is essential. This vehicle will assist our teams in delivering services more effectively and responding to operational requirements throughout Kouga,” he said.
Additional Fleet Investments
The municipality has also strengthened its operational fleet through the acquisition of a new chipper unit for the Waste Section at a cost of R1 500 000.00 and a new seven-seater vehicle for the Finance Section at a cost of R630 000.00, further supporting efficient service delivery across Kouga.
by SFT | Jun 28, 2026 | St Francis
Some wine tastings focus on ratings, awards and technical details. Others remind you why wine exists in the first place and the recent Beaumont Family Wines tasting, hosted by TOPS at SUPERSPAR Village Square, St Francis Bay, was one of those.
While guests arrived expecting a tasting, they left feeling as though they had spent an evening around a family table, listening to stories that stretched across generations, vineyards and a small farming town called Bot River.
THE MAN BEHIND THE WINES
Presented by winemaker Sebastian Beaumont, the evening unfolded less like a formal wine presentation and more like a conversation.
Between stories of family, farming, surfing and the realities of running a wine business, guests were offered a glimpse into the people behind one of South Africa’s most respected family wine brands.
For many wine lovers, Beaumont needs little introduction. The family-owned estate has become synonymous with exceptional Chenin Blanc and wines that reflect place, heritage and authenticity rather than trends.
Yet what quickly became apparent was that the story behind the wines is every bit as compelling as what is poured into the glass.
ROOTED IN BOT RIVER
Sebastian shared the history of a family farm purchased by his parents in 1974, a property whose origins trace back to the Dutch East India Company.
For two decades the family simply farmed grapes before his mother, Jayne Beaumont, began making wine herself. What started as a practical decision to add value to the farm’s fruit but would eventually evolve into one of South Africa’s most admired boutique wine estates.
Throughout the evening, Bot River featured prominently in Sebastian’s storytelling. Referring to the town as the “Bot Riviera”, he painted a picture of a farming community that remains refreshingly down-to-earth, despite producing wines recognised across the country and beyond.
A LOVE AFFAIR WITH CHENIN
The evening’s strongest thread was undoubtedly Chenin Blanc.
Referring to his Beaumont Chenin Blanc as his “breakfast wine”, Sebastian balanced humour with a deep respect for the vineyards that have shaped the estate’s reputation.
One story particularly resonated with guests.
As a young boy walking to school with his sister, they would pass one of the farm’s Chenin vineyards, without realising that decades later, those vines would contribute to wines carrying the Beaumont name around the world.
Today, those vineyards form part of the foundation of Beaumont’s acclaimed Chenin programme and serve as a reminder that great wine is often measured in generations rather than vintages.
THE REALITY OF FAMILY WINEMAKING
Behind every successful wine brand lies a reality that consumers seldom see.
Another interesting anecdote cantered on a difficult period in the business, when Sebastian’s father-in-law jokingly suggested attaching a R10 note to every bottle being exported to Scotland as the farm was effectively losing money on each sale.
Despite the humour, the story highlighted the challenges many independent wine producers face while remaining committed to quality over volume.
It was an honest insight into a business where passion often has to compete with economics.
EVERY BOTTLE HAS A STORY
Guests were guided through Beaumont Chenin Blanc 2025, Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc 2024, Jackals River Pinotage 2022, Far Side Mourvèdre 2021 and Raoul’s Red Blend 2023.
Each wine reflected a chapter of the Beaumont story.
Hope Marguerite honours Sebastian’s grandmother and showcases fruit from some of the estate’s oldest vineyards. Far Side Mourvèdre takes its name from one of his favourite surf breaks, while Raoul’s Red Blend (with a Harley Davidson on the label) pays tribute to his father and his belief that wine should always have a place at the dinner table.
A selection of canapés prepared by SUPERSPAR St Francis Bay complemented the tasting and allowed guests to enjoy the wines in a relaxed and social setting.
A DESTINATION FOR WINE LOVERS
What stood out most was not only the quality of the wines, but the calibre of producers being introduced to local wine enthusiasts through the TOPS Wine Club.
By bringing family-owned estates such as Beaumont to St Francis Bay, TOPS at SUPERSPAR St Francis Bay continues to position itself as more than a retailer. It has become a destination for wine lovers seeking access to distinctive wines, passionate producers and stories that cannot be found on a shelf alone.
As the final glasses were poured and conversations continued around the room, it was clear that the evening had delivered something increasingly rare.
So much more than just a wine tasting.
by SFT | Jun 28, 2026 | St Francis
Rotary Club Welcomes New President and Honours Community Service
What a lovely evening at St Francis Links on 25th June, when the Rotary Club Of St Francis – Rotarians, friends and partners welcomed our Club President for the 2026/2027 year, Past President Ivan Beaumont.
A New Rotary Year
In accepting his chain of office from Club Secretary Lyn Aitken, Ivan thanked the Club for placing their trust in him.
In her absence, he thanked outgoing President Lesley de Jager for the long hours and dedicated service she gave to this club.
Paul Harris Fellow Award
He then presented the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award to Optometrist Tony Yoell in recognition of his exemplary service to the needy in our community.
This gentman has offered his time and professional service every Thursday for the last 10 years by attending to those in need of eye treatment in the Sea Vista community.
In addition, he played a leading role in assisting our club to meet its wish to help 19 blind patients receive 19 cataract operations at an eye clinic in Gqeberha over the past two years.
Well Deserved Recognition
Congratulations on this well-deserved award!
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Read more: Kouga Local Municipality Condemns Vandalism of Electricity Infrastructure
by SFT | Jun 28, 2026 | St Francis
Executive Mayor Declares Formal Intergovernmental Dispute with the Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, and the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, over the continued failure to maintain provincial roads within the Kouga municipal area.
Years of Engagement
The dispute follows years of engagement with the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, during which the municipality repeatedly raised concerns, requested intervention and proposed practical solutions to address the deteriorating state of the provincial road network.
“Declaring a formal intergovernmental dispute is not a decision we have taken lightly,” said Mayor Bornman. “This step has only been taken after exhausting every reasonable avenue available to us. Our residents deserve safe roads, and they deserve action.”
Responsibility for Kouga’s Roads
Many residents are unaware that only 28.8% of the road network in Kouga falls under the responsibility of the municipality. A further 66.1% is the responsibility of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, while 5.1% falls under the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL). This means that the vast majority of roads connecting our towns, supporting our agricultural sector, carrying tourists through our region and serving commuters every day are not municipal roads.
Flood Damage Highlights the Problem
The recent floods have further exposed the poor condition of these roads. Major routes, including the R102 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp, sections of the R330 and R331, roads serving St Francis Bay, Oyster Bay, Cape St Francis and the Gamtoos Valley have all suffered significant damage. Roads serving Hankey, Patensie and surrounding farming communities have deteriorated to an unacceptable level, placing residents at risk while threatening agricultural production, tourism and economic activity.
Despite repeated requests over several years, including proposals to transfer certain provincial roads to the municipality so that they could be maintained locally, little meaningful progress has been made.
Municipality’s Position
The municipality’s dispute contends that the provincial government has failed to fulfil its constitutional and statutory responsibility to adequately maintain the provincial road network, resulting in unsafe travelling conditions and negatively affecting service delivery, economic growth and the quality of life of residents.
Mayor Bornman said he remains hopeful that the formal dispute process will result in constructive engagement between the municipality and the provincial government.
“Our hope is that this process will lead to an urgent meeting with the relevant MECs, emergency funding for the most critical roads, a clear implementation plan for repairs and long-term maintenance, and consideration of transferring roads that the municipality is willing and able to maintain. We remain committed to working cooperatively, but our residents cannot continue to wait while vital infrastructure continues to deteriorate.”
Constitutional Responsibilities
The municipality emphasised that the declaration of the dispute is not about politics, but about ensuring that every sphere of government fulfils its constitutional responsibilities.
“Kouga Municipality has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver and maintain the roads that fall within its mandate. We now call on the provincial government to fulfil its responsibility for the 66.1% of the road network under its control. Our communities deserve safe, reliable roads, and we will continue to advocate for them until meaningful action is taken.”
District Officials Acknowledged
Mayor Bornman acknowledged the commitment shown by officials within the Department of Transport’s district office.
“I want to thank the officials at district level who have worked with us in good faith and have done everything within their means to assist. Unfortunately, they are hamstrung by a lack of resources, funding and decision-making support from higher levels within the provincial government. The reality is that they simply do not have the capacity to address the scale of the challenges facing Kouga’s provincial road network.”
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