The Eastern Cape’s coastal Kouga region is fast becoming the new winter playground of South Africa, with a bumper selection of sports events and family fun lined up for July 2013. Holidaymakers can catch a glimpse of sporting celebrities like former world champion surfer, Mark “Occy” Occhilupo, and Comrades Marathon legend, Bruce Fordyce, who will be taking part in the winter festivities.
J’Bay Winter Fest
The first ever J’Bay Winter Fest is an extreme sports festival taking place in Jeffrey’s Bay from 6 – 14 July. The key tournament of the festival will be the inaugural Jeffreys Bay Open of Surfing, an invite-only Pro Surf Tour presented by Billabong. Occy is one of the big names who have been invited to take part in the contest, which will run at Supertubes from 9 – 13 July.
The J’Bay Winter Fest combines all that is best about Jeffrey’s Bay, said Kouga Executive Mayor, Booi Koerat. “It’s a fantastic mix of surfing, skateboarding, fishing, open-water swimming, mountain biking, and trail running. We are very proud of our sporting community for putting together such a great winter holiday event to fill the gap left by the Billabong Pro,” he said. “It has the potential to become the top winter sports festival in the country and has the full support of the Kouga Council.”
The Winter Festival kicks off with the J’Bay Cold Water Swim Classic and J’Bay Skins Fishing Comp on Saturday, 6 July. The thrilling Core Downhill Sokkie Jol skateboarding event will wow spectators at Sable Street on 12 July, while the first J’Bay Urban Rumble Obstacle Race will give old and young the opportunity to race and have fun overcoming an obstacle course at the Fountains Mall on 13 July. Also set for 13 July, is the J’Bay MTB Open, a scenic mountain bike ride, and the J’Bay Funduro, a fun motorcycle ride aimed at everyone from novices to pros. The weekend will conclude with the Flamingo Trail Run on Sunday, 14 July.
VW Rally
The town stage of the VW Rally will return to Jeffrey’s Bay just after the Winter Festival on Friday, 19 July.
St Francis parkrun
A host of activities has also been lined up for St Francis during the winter months. A highlight is the launch of the St Francis parkrun at the St Francis Links on 13 July, where Comrades Marathon legend, Bruce Fordyce, will be making a celebrity appearance. Parkrun is a global initiative that encourages people to become involved in walking, jogging, or running. It consists of free, weekly 5km time trails and will take place locally every Saturday at 8am at the St Francis Links.
The launch will form part of the Friends of St Francis Fire & Rescue Charity festivities, a weekend fundraiser taking place from 12 – 13 July. The fundraiser will include a 24-hour bouncy castle jumpathon, morning market, fire demonstration, music, family fun, games, and golf.
Port St Francis Tuna Challenge
Also happening in St Francis is the annual Port St Francis Tuna Challenge, which will be taking place from 10 – 13 July.
Rotary Makro Cool Season Golf Festival
Visitors to St Francis should also diarise 26 and 27 July, when the first Rotary Makro Cool Season Golf Festival will be held at both local golf courses. The event will include the Rotary Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and Fashion Show on the Sunday.
For more information about the J’Bay Winter Festival visit www.jbaywinterfest.co.za, facebook.com/jbaywinterfest or twitter #jbaywinterfest. Further information about the St Francis winter programme is available from St Francis Tourism.
Don’t miss the exciting events happening in South Africa’s ultimate winter playground; book your Jeffrey’s Bay or St Francis accommodation today!
