LAST month the Kowie played host to West Beach Warfare, the final leg of the SA Bodyboarding Association circuit for 2016, but if you thought that was the end of bodyboarding for the year, think again.
South Africa Bodyboarding coach Clinton Millard and his team have managed to secure a team from Australia who will be hitting our shores on November 11 for 17 days of coaching clinics and competition, and the great news is that the two competitions will be held here in the Kowie.
The Australian team who this week will be presented with their national colours, will comprise of 12 people, including their national coach, while South Africa will face them with eight people, including Millard, all anxious to show the Ozzies exactly how it’s done.
“The plan is the Australians will arrive in Cape Town on November 11,” said Millard. “We will treat them to a trip to Table Mountain and several other places of interest before heading up the coast to the Kowie.”
There will be two competitions held here over a five-day period, and then the teams will head off to Durban where the Australians will catch a flight and return home.
Last year international competition was cancelled due to a lack of funds, as bodyboarding does not receive any governmental sponsorship, so competitors have to effectively pay their own way.
“It is very expensive, certainly from a South African perspective, but everyone around the world is currently feeling the pinch,” said Millard.
Halyards Hotel has agreed to sponsor accommodation the bodyboarders in the Kowie, but provision must be must be made for transportation and accommodation for return travel to Cape Town and Durban.
“We are looking for sponsorship for transport, food and accommodation for all 20 personnel,” said Millard.
“As the host nation we will have to cover the expenses this time around, but the Australians have committed to reciprocate next year.”
The Australian contingent will also bring with them their own media person and a documentary of the trip will also be made.
“We hope this is the start of annual competition for our bodyboarders who have already proven themselves worthy adversaries in the international bodyboarding arena,” said Millard.
Talk of the Town will be following the progress of the completion. For more information or to offer sponsorship, please contact Millard on 082-494-1680 or email him on clinton@multisecurity.co.za.
