Get Ready For The Wind – Gqeberha to Host WSL SA Open of Surfing This Weekend

by SFT | Mar 13, 2025 | Action Sports

The World Surf League Regional Qualifying Series (QS) SA Open of Surfing returns to Pollock Beach, Gqeberha for Stop No.4 of the 2024/2025 regional season. The SA Open of Surfing QS 1,000 is part of the City Surf Series by Accelerate Sport, and runs from 15-16 March 2025.

Strong winds are predicted for Saturday and Sunday, and St Francis surfers will have their work cut out for them.

“The SA Open of Surfing has become a flagship event in South Africa’s surfing calendar, and we are incredibly proud to see it grow year after year,” said Accelerate Sport CEO, Kudzi Nzombe. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, our graceful host and title sponsor, for their unwavering support in making this event a reality. Their commitment to sports tourism and community development ensures that this competition continues to thrive, benefiting both the sport and the region,” Nzombe said.

Nelson Mandela Bay

“On behalf of the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, I would like to welcome all the surfers and their families who are coming to the world-class surfing event, the 2025 SA Open of Surfing at the Blue Flag Pollock Beach in Gqeberha,” said Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe. 

“We are proud to be associated with this international sporting event. It puts our City on the map as an international sporting destination of choice. We promise to work with the organisers to deliver a safe and memorable event, full of fun and a taste of our rich cultural heritage. I would like to call on the residents of the Metro to come out in numbers to support the event,” Cllr Lobishe said.

“As we continue to work towards positioning ourselves as the sporting destination of choice, we are pleased that our efforts are bearing fruit.” Said Cllr Bongekile Mankahla, Mayoral Committee member of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Directorate of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. “It is all systems go, the infrastructural support is ready. The Blue Flag host beach is ready. Working together with the organisers, we will deliver a good event.”

Contest venue for the SA Open of Surfing at Pollok Beach, Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League)

Astron Energy

This edition of the SA Open of Surfing welcomes new partner Astron Energy. This is testament to the growth of the event and the sport of surfing.

“At Eyona Energy, the custodians of Astron Energy in the Eastern Cape, we are proud to partner with the SA Open of Surfing. It is a world-class event that not only showcases incredible talent but also creates meaningful opportunities for community engagement.” Said Sithsaba Xhala, General Manager: Retail & Marketing, Eyona Energy. 

“Through this partnership, we are committed to supporting initiatives that introduce children from disadvantaged backgrounds to the ocean, while also promoting essential water safety skills. Surfing is more than just a sport. It’s a platform for empowerment, inclusion, and education. By investing in these programs, we hope to inspire the next generation and ensure that more young South Africans have the chance to experience the ocean in a safe and supportive environment.”

The SA Open of Surfing will run from 15-16 March 2025 at Pollock Beach, Gqeberha.

Read More: Seven Reasons Cape Town Can Piss Right Off in 2025

Triple Crown for Vanstippen at King of the Whip 2024

by SFT | Nov 26, 2024 | Action Sports

Belgian Freestyle Motocross rider Julian Vanstippen successfully defended his crown at King of the Whip 2024. He claimed his third title in a row in front of a sold-out crowd at Montecasino, Johannesburg.

King of the Whip is presented by LW Mag in association with Ford, Monster Energy, Yamaha, Garmin, Motul, GoPro, PlayTSOGO and Estrella Cerveza.

Over 20 of the best Freestyle Motocross and Motocross riders took to the ramps to compete in the Best Whip and Best Trick contests. Up for grabs was a share of the R225 000,00 cash prize and various prizes from the official event partners. The 2024 edition saw the most extensive list of international riders come out to compete. Julien Vanstippen (Belgium), Tom Parsons (USA), Pat Bowden (Australia), Genki “Wanky” Watanabe (Japan), Andreu Lacondeguy(Spain), Sebastian Westberg (Finland) and Antonio Navas (Spain).

International Acclaim

Event organiser Ryan van der Spuy said: “Every year, this event exceeds expectations. It has gone from strength to strength and is now an event with international acclaim. We’re in our third year at this venue, sold out again, and saw seven international riders competing against our local stars, our most ever, This shows the event’s growth and recognition locally and internationally.”

“Additionally two firsts for this event, and the sport itself, saw an official pre-event riders press conference. Also, betting partner playTSOGO join to allow fans the opportunity to bet on their favourite riders.”

The action for the Best Whip competition began with the riders going head-to-head in four qualifying rounds. Judges were looking for amplitude, style, and variation when deciding which of the 15 riders would qualify for the semi-finals. Seven more riders were eliminated in the semi-finals, leaving only eight to compete in the Finals.

Before the King of the Whip could be crowned, FMX riders had a chance to show off their crowd-thrilling freestyle tricks in the Best Trick Right-Side-Up and Upside-Down competitions, where Pat Bowden proved to be the King of the tricks.

Right Side Up

In the Best Trick Right-Side-Up competition, each rider had two chances to take to the ramps and pull off the best trick possible. Bowden claimed victory by showcasing his heart-stopping tricks like a Holy Grab to Double Hart-Attack Lookback and a Holy Grab to Rock Solid Indie. He was joined on the podium by crowd-favourite Genki Watanabein in 2nd place, and Julien Vanstippen, who finished 3rd.

For the Best Trick Upside-Down, the riders had three jumps each to stake their claim. Not content with one first place, Bowden took the top step again to claim the title with a Backflip No Hander, Backflip Cliffhanger and a Backflip Double Grab. Rounding out the podium was Watanabe, who slotted into 2nd place and Dallan Goldman, who grabbed 3rd.

Bowden, winner of the 2024 Best Trick Right-Side-Up and Upside-Down competitions, commented: “It feels awesome as I had no expectations coming here. I didn’t even know if I would be riding until two days ago, as I broke my ankle around 10 days ago. I taped my ankle as best I could before riding, so going home safely with two medals in the bag feels incredible.”

Best Whip Final

After the Best Trick contest, it was time for the evening’s premier event: The Best Whip final. As the sun set, the tempo began to ramp up, with the action only aided by a dazzling pyrotechnics display and a crowd on the edge of their seats. The Best Whip final saw the riders pull out all the stops to unseat reigning champion Vanstippen as King of the Whip. It was a hotly contested battle between Tom Parsons, on-board the Stark Varg electric bike, and the defending champion Vanstippen. Vanstippen stepped it up to ultimately emerge as the 2024 winner and claim the Triple Crown. Parsons followed him in 2nd, and Watanabe claimed 3rd; rounding out the top five were local riders, Dalton Venter and Dallan Goldman, respectively.

Verstappen, the 2024 Best Whip competition winner, commented. “Third time in a row, baby. I’m so stoked and thankful to be back here. The crowd was insane. So claiming my third King of the Whip title in front of them was a fantastic experience. King of the Whip always puts on such a great event. I can’t wait to be back next year battling it out with these amazing riders in front of this crowd!”

KING OF THE WHIP 2024 FINAL RESULTS

Best Whip

1st Julien Vanstippen (Belgium)

2nd Tom Parsons (USA)

3rd Genki Watanabe (Japan)

4th Dalton Venter (South Africa)

5th Dallan Goldman (South Africa)

Best Trick Right Side Up

1st Pat Bowden (Australia)

2nd Genki Watanabe (Japan)

3rd Julien Vanstippen (Belgium)

Best Trick Upside Down

1st Pat Bowden (Australia)

2nd Genki Watanabe (Japan)

3rd Dallan Goldman (South Africa)

#KingoftheWhip

Read more: The Most Crazy Gallery – King Of The Whip

The Most Crazy Gallery – King Of The Whip

by SFT | Oct 20, 2024 | Action Sports

The Most Crazy Gallery – King Of The Whip

The Most Crazy Gallery – all photos @ eric palmer

see also: King of the Whip Set for the Ultimate Showdown in 2024

see also: Monster Energy SA

King of the Whip Set for the Ultimate Showdown in 2024

by SFT | Oct 20, 2024 | Action Sports

The adrenaline-fuelled Action Sports event is presented by LW Mag in association with Ford, Monster Energy, Yamaha, Garmin, Motul, GoPro, Estrella Cerveza and PlayTSOGO.

Doors open at 2 p.m., and fans can meet their favourite riders during the “Pit Walk,” which runs until 3:30 p.m. Proceedings kick off at 4 p.m. and continue into the evening with the final showdown under the night skies and flashes of pyrotechnics.

Best Whip

Riders scoring enough points through the Best Whip qualifying rounds will advance to the semi-finals and finals. Judges will consider style, amplitude and variation when allocating scores.The FMX Best Trick contests are set to take place before the Best Whip finals, featuring both right-side up and up-side down trick categories.Riders will compete for their share of the R250 000.00 cash prize purse and various prizes from the official event partners.

Four-time X-Games medallist Julien Vanstippen (Belgium) will be back to defend his title for the second time, hoping to score the prestigious three-peat. Local Freestyle Motocross star Dallan Goldman will be looking to continue his record of podiuming at every King of the Whip event to date. The event’s top Motocross rider, Jesse Wright, will also be in the mix and is hungry for the win. The list of local and international competing riders will be revealed soon, giving KOTW fans the chance to bet on their favourites

Monster Energy’s internationally endorsed DJ MA1A will be on the Monster Energy rig decks, ensuring next-level vibes and entrainment value. Also making his way back to South Africa is renowned FMX event host Steve Sommerfeld, who will be on the mic and keeping everyone informed throughout the day.

King of the Whip organiser Ryan van der Spuy says, “It’s incredible to see the beast of an event that King of the Whip has evolved into, attracting huge interest locally and internationally. Following two sold-out events, we are excited to bring fans an elevated and unforgettable experience. We’re in for a treat this year!”

Whip (Noun):

A manoeuvre performed on a motorcycle, usually during a motocross or freestyle motocross contest, in which the rider brings the rear of the motorcycle abruptly around to either side. Performed while the machine is airborne off a jump. In extreme whips, the rear of the motorcycle will end up perpendicular to the direction of travel, in addition to the motorcycle being laid flat. The purpose of the whip is to show off, alter the bike’s trajectory in flight, and scrub speed over jumps.

Inviting everyone, families, and friends to witness this highly anticipated, action-packed event. Tickets are available for R200 (standing) and R320 (grandstand seating) at Howler.co.za. Food and beverages will be on sale at the event.

King of the Whip event details:

Date: 23 November 2024

Time: 2 pm onwards

Venue: Montecasino – Montecasino Boulevard (Cnr William Nicol and Witkoppen)

Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg

Tickets available from R200: https://www.howler.co.za/KOTW2024

#KingoftheWhip

King Of The Whip high-resolution images are available for media outlets.

Distributed by Truth Collective

e. craig@truthcollective.co.za

t. 082 376 4443