Volume 2 Issue 3 2010 R24.95 Vat Incl.
Conquering the ADVENTURE - SPORT - LIFESTYLE
Tsitsa Gorge
Fast, Fun, Safe!
Track Cycling
My ITB Diary
- Arran Brown
Dubai Skies Parachuting Champs
VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 3 • 2010
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Son of a Pitch! Winging it in Zambia // Stand Up Paddle Surfing HANSA Trail Runs // joBerg2c Feedback
Date: Start time: Venue:
17 July 2010 08h30 (Race briefing star ts at 08h15) Bufulong Wed ding venue-C ullinan (35 min from Pretoria and 70 min from Johannes
Events: 1.50 km Adv enture race (Teams of 2 2.30 km Adv to 3) enture race (Teams of 2 3.30 km Dua to 3) thlon (Individu al) - 20 km M TB - 10 km R un Adventure ra ce entry fees : - R150 pr e-entry - R200 race day entry Duathlon - R100 pr e-entry - R150 race day entry ENTER ONLI
NE: www.ent
rytime.co.za Adventure ac tivities includ e: - MTB - Trail Run ning - Navigatio n - Rope ac tivities Compulsory equipment: - Mountai n bike - Cycling helmet ( no helmet no rid - Trail runn e) ing shoes - Water bl adder and/or two water bo - Pen and ttles plastic bag fo r your map an - Compass d instructions Food and dr inks for sale on the day. Accommodat ion available at star t/finish Prizes for to . p 3 in differe nt categorie s. Race enquiri es: Keane Ludick 071 593 3221 keane@doitn ow.co.za Accommodat ion enquiries : Monique Kru ijer 083 324 2119 bufulong@ne s.co.za
burg)
Drive a super sexy, no-introductions-needed Audi A4 during the High Performance Driving Course and learn how to improve vehicle control and hone your skills under full-time expert instruction. This full-day course is held at Gerotek and kicks off with an enlightening lecture on the theory of vehicle dynamics. Perfect the art of driving by practicing high-speed driving techniques, emergency situation simulations and demonstrations of the latest vehicle technologies. This is all done in the safety of a racing-circuit environment.
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* Look out for more information on the DO IT NOW website - www.doitnow.co.za
DO IT
NOW
inTRO Welcome … Can you believe the World Cup kick off countdown clock has actually run out and the world’s greatest sporting event is finally underway? There’s been an incredible build up to it and it has been wonderful to see all South Africans unite in a way that only sport manages to pull us altogether. Good luck to all the teams, especially Bafana Bafana – make us proud! The DO IT NOW interactive website countdown clock has also run out and our new website is live and looking good. The website boasts many cool new features to enjoy, including our online magazine, information portals, galleries and video footage of current and past events. Another exciting development is the introduction of our new online DO IT NOW Shop, where you can purchase a range of top products to enhance your next ADVENTURE-SPORT-LIFESTYLE undertaking. Over the coming months, our aim is to grow the product range available and provide you with a one-stop shop for all your adventure, sport and lifestyle needs. So if you are in need of some retail therapy, from the comfort of your home or office, visit www.doitnow and check out our awesome offerings. You can also expect to benefit from many great specials that will be running in the magazine. Over the next two months I’m looking forward to a number of great events and activities that DO IT NOW will be involved in, and which we will post on our website and facebook. Some of the action to look out for includes climbing in Waterval Bovan (a true climbers paradise), going whisky tasting in Dullstroom, conquering the mighty Spitzkoppe in Nambia, catching some fish at Henties, taking part in the upcoming Fritz Pienaar Nissan Series and Diamond Dash II and the list goes on! Good luck to all the die-hard athletes in training who are brave enough to leave their warm beds on these chilly mornings to pound the streets, pavements and countryside in their quest to get into shape for the many events that are coming up. :-) But to quote a friend “Pain is now, regret is forever.” The result always outshines the pain and sacrifices we take to achieve them. Until next time, stay warm and remember to give a helping hand to others this winter that are not as fortunate!
Francois Flamengo FOUNDER
6 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
www.doitnow.co.za >> 7
DO IT
NOW
inDEX Vol 2 | Issue 3 | 2010 | www.doitnow.co.za
Regulars
Hitching a ride in Lesotho
Base // inFO: p. 12-14 Information page - check out our competitions and event dates.
// inVOLVED: p. 102-104 Community involvement.
// DINList and CALENDAR: p. 105 All the exciting "Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle" activities for 2010, plus a three-month calendar.
// inCLOSING: p.106 A sneak preview of upcoming features and articles.
Regulars p. 20-25 p. 26-39 p. 42-44 p. 48-53 p. 54-64 p. 65-69 p. 70-77 p. 80-86 p. 87-91 p. 92-94 p. 95 p. 96-99 p.100-101
inGEAR: "Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle" activities featuring vehicles with gears. inH2O: Water sport and adventure activities. inALTITUDE: Aerial adventure and sport activities. inTRODUCING: Informative articles on a number of sports and why athletes participate in them. inACTION: Information and feedback on various exciting sporting events. inPREPARATION: Training programmes and tips on various sporting activities. inSHAPE: Important information about health, nutrition and exercise. inTHE HOLE: Golfing articles. inNATURE: Outdoor experiences and activities such as hiking and fishing. inDULGE: A wine and dine section with a twist. inSURE: Valuable information about insurance and related topics. inFOCUS: Photography section with discussions, competitions and event-specific photography tips. inTERTAINMENT: Book, CD, music and gaming reviews. Key: Adventure | Sport | Lifestyle
8 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
Featured Articles
20
32
ADVENTURE p.16 to 45 inGEAR 20 Winging it in Zambia 24 Tracks on the West Coast inDEPTH 40 Into the Deep inALTITUDE 42 Even Superheroes Fight the Feeling
inH2O 26 A Beginner’s Take on Stand Up Paddle Surfing 28 Conquering the Tsitsa Gorge 32 Paddling in the Cold – Part 1 34 The Freedom of Wakeskating 36 Styling a Toeside Wake Jump 38 In Awe of the Majestic Whale Shark
SPORT p.46 to 77 inTRODUCING 48 Track Cycling – Fast, Fun and Safe! 50 Polo. My Game. My Life. 52 Why we Pole Vault
65
50
inACTION 54 2010 Blyde Xfest 58 Dubai Skies, The Dubai Parachuting Championship and Gulf Cup 2010 61 Single Handed Round the Island Race 62 Fairbairn Capital joBerg2c – the new Amazing Race
inPREPARATION 65 The HANSA Hout Bay Trail Challenge and the Old Fisherman’s Trail Challenge 68 The Bite of the Otter inSHAPE 70 My ITB Diary - Arran Brown 74 Hydrating your way to peak performance 75 Recovery Methods that Work 76 Building upper body strength
LIFESTYLE p.78 to 101
88
in THE HOLE 80 21 Questions with Michael Naicker 82 Son of a Pitch 84 The 40 Year-old Rookie: The Dogleg Billionaire
92
inSURE 95 Don’t be caught empty handed inFOCUS 96 Reader Photo Competition
inNATURE 87 Look at the Grass 88 A Journey through Africa inDULGE 92 Hide the Good Stuff! 94 Cold Octopus Salad inTERTAINMENT 100 CD, Movie and Gaming Reviews
Be where the ACTION is - Excel to the FINISH LINE - Live the LIFESTYLE - Be the one to DO IT NOW! visit our new look website and e-MAGAZINE at www.doitnow.co.za Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
For more information on Advertising and Sectional Sponsorship opportunities in the magazine and website, you can request the DO IT NOW Company Profile, Rate Card, Specs & Schedule Sheet via email at sales@doitnow.co.za or telephonically from the DO IT NOW office on +27 71 898 2888.
www.doitnow.co.za >> 9
On the Cover
NOW
the TEAM etc.
Tsitsa Expedition - Paddler Andrew Kellett Photo by Celliers Kruger
DO IT
The DO IT NOW Team comprises of the following individuals: FOUNDER Francois Flamengo MANAGING EDITOR and OPERATIONS Elri Flamengo BRAND AWARENESS Keane Ludick CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tessa Dreyer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ilzé Eva & Hayley Cameron TEXT EDITOR Tracy Knox ON SALE AT CNA, Exclusive Books, Sportsman’s Warehouse and selected Spar stores ADVERTISING SALES sales@doitnow.co.za ACCOUNTS, SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES info@doitnow.co.za PUBLISHER DO IT NOW CC DISTRIBUTION Ezweni Distributors DESIGN & LAYOUT LilyHouse Design Studio WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Tenaka’s Tribe PRINTING Law Print
HEAD OFFICE DO IT NOW CC Postnet Suite #152, Private Bag X033, Rivonia, 2128 Tel +27 (0)83 415 3899 info@doitnow.co.za www.doitnow.co.za DO IT NOW (ISSN 2074-6113) is published bi-monthly. While every effort is made by the DIN Team to ensure that the contents of the DO IT NOW magazine are accurate at the time of going to press, the Founder cannot except responsibility for any errors that may appear, or for any consequence of using the information contained herein. Statements by contributors are not always representative of the Founder’s opinion. Copyright 2009 DO IT NOW (Pty) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retrieval system without the prior permission of the Founder. DO IT NOW supports and encourages responsible practices with regards to all Adventure, Sport and Lifestyle activities. We also believe in the conservation and protection of all fauna and flora.
10 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
Thank you to all our contributors who helped make this magazine such an exciting adventure!
<< Claire King // inALTITUDE - Dubai Skies, The Dubai Parachuting Championship and Gulf Cup 2010 Claire loves to try new stuff and if it is outdoors and active, she’s game. Her main passion is skydiving in which she a PASA Couch, FAI Judge and has medalled at various SA National Championships. Most weekends she can be found team training, couching or judging skydives.
< Deon Breytenbach // inH2O - Paddling in the Cold - Part 1; 2010 Blyde Xfest
Deon has been paddling whitewater for the last 13 years, he competed in both local and international freestyle competitions. Currently based near the Blyde River Canyon he spends as much time as possible getting new faces introduced to the world of whitewater paddling. “have kayak, will smile”. Deon is supported by Fluid Kayaks.
<< Garth Oliver // inSHAPE - Recovery Methods that Work
Sport freak. Canoes, surfing, touch rugby, triathalons, running. Physiotherapist during the day. Currently run a multi disciplinary clinic in Pietermaritzburg.
< Michael Scholz // in THE HOLE - 21 Questions with Michael Naicker; Son of a Pitch; The 40 Year-old Rookie: The Dogleg Billionaire
A journeyman professional golfer and adrenalin junkie, Mike enjoys scuba diving and fly wwfishing, but mountain biking tops his list of activities. A passionate but relative new-comer to mountain biking, Mike enjoys the fitness, the ‘burn’ of serious hills and the competitive nature of the sport.
<< Paul Carrick // inGEAR - Winging it in Zambia
Paul is an enthusiastic adventurer who will risk crashing motor bikes, hang gliding into mountains and falling off yachts at sea to experience the thrill of life. His day job is not as exciting.
< Peter Fairbanks // inSURE - Don’t be caught empty handed
Peter is very passionate about his work and risk management in general. He feels that even the smallest contribution to the wealth creation and protection of his clients is what makes his job so rewarding. Peter loves sport in general, as long as it is on ‘terra firma’.
<< Richard Flamengo // inTERTAINMENT - CD, Movie and Gaming Reviews
Richard is a movie, music and games (MMG) enthusiast, who loves relaxing at home playing games or going to watch movies, with some salt and vinegar popcorn. Richard enjoys all sorts of music ranging from lekker sakkie sakkie Afrikaans stuff through to hard-hitting rock.
< Rocco le Roux // inACTION - Single Handed Round the Island Race
Too much energy to sit still. Can’t be bothered to watch TV as I can’t do it while I am running, cycling, swimming, kayaking, paragliding, diving or driving … a classic Porsche and Harley are part of my family. Comfort is for other people; I would rather rough it. Challenging myself physically keeps me alive.
<< Samuel Sithole // inSHAPE - Building Upper Body Strength
Sam has been working in the health, sport and fitness industry for almost four years. When it comes to training he strives towards positive results, not perfection. He lives an active lifestyle and is passionate about people.
< Steve Adams // inDULGE - Hide the Good Stuff!
Steve, the co-owner of Wild about Whisky, is passionate about whisky, photography and travel, and believes that life is too short to accept mediocrity. He believes in dreaming big.
Arran Brown // inSHAPE Christa North // inSHAPE Celliers Kruger // inH2O Lee Dormer // inNATURE
- My ITB Diary - Nutritional Supplements – are they really good for you? - Conquering the Tsitsa Gorge - Look at the Grass
ADVENTURE: inGEAR: Theo Heyns & Marius de Vaal; inH2O: Perino Hanack, Kyle Holtzhauzen; inDEPTH: Nico Scholtz; inALTITUDE: Pietre Smit SPORT:
inTRODUCING: Yvette Victor, Craig James, Honorata Saar; inACTION: Rhys Foster; inPREPARATION: Claire Ashworth, Mark Collins
LIFESTYLE: inNATURE: Dawie du Plessis; inDULGE: Francois Wessels PHOTOGRAPHY: Cover Photo by Celliers Kruger; Header Page Photograph (Sport) by Adrian Tregoning www.doitnow.co.za >> 11
DO IT
Tip: Mind the coconuts
NOW
inFO
26°06'18.081"S
By Elri Flamengo
Does the place featured on the photo look familiar to you? 35°29'33.880"E
If so, submit your answer to knowtheplace@doitnow.co.za and stand a chance to win a R250 gift voucher.
The winner will be announced in the next issue of DO IT NOW and on our website.
DO IT NOW
When you see the DO IT NOW truck on the road, stuck in traffic, at an event or out in the bundus, start clicking and send us your most creative photo. You could be in line to win great prizes, as well as the annual prize worth more than R5 000! Only the most striking and original images will be considered, and make sure the DO IT NOW logo is clearly visible! Send your high resolution photograph to spotthetruck@doitnow.co.za
Supports Nelson Mandela Day Join us on Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July and spend just 67 minutes doing something to help uplift your community! Then send us your story with some photos, and let us know how you helped make a difference!
Want to know more? Then have a look at http://en.mandeladay. com and read about this fantastic initiative in honour of Madiba, one of the greatest humanitarian’s of our time!
Here are a few tips: Try to capture some great action shots with the truck flying through the air, up a sand dune, travelling through water or in a unique or scenic landscape.
inVOLVED is the heart of DO IT NOW! Our aim is to give back to those who are less fortunate than us, as well as protect our animals and planet! A DIN inVOLVED bank account has been set up and DO IT NOW has committed to donate a percentage of its monthly earnings to this fund. Our ultimate goal is to encourage our readers, co-workers and service providers to do the same. The concept behind inVOLVED is to do just that - become involved! As such, the DO IT NOW team’s aim is to become actively involved with various charities, church, animal and environmental conservation organisations and institutions. Proceeds from the inVOLVED fund will be donated to these organisations to help them meet their own needs. Thereafter, they will become part of the DIN network and their details will be published in the DO IT NOW magazine. Feedback on and photographs of these experiences will be featured in either the DO IT NOW magazine or on the DO IT NOW website. We don’t want our involvement to stop there, so we will endeavour to make follow-up visits to these groups and continue to build relationships with them and see how they are faring. Read more about our latest inVOLVED ventures on pages 102-104. If you know of an institution or group that is in desperate need of help, please contact us at involved@doitnow.co.za.
12 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
NEW!!
DO IT NOW Website at www.doitnow.co.za Our new and greatly improved website is up and running! More features, more reading pleasure and you can subscribe to the DO IT NOW magazine ONLINE too! We are so proud of our new and evolving website that we would like to invite all our readers to check it out. Our interactive site covers current news, happenings, events, topical stories and competitions. Says Francois Flamengo, Founder, “We are really excited about the new look and functionality of the DIN website. It is more user friendly and I am confident that it will become a great source of information on any adventure, sporting and lifestyle happening. I also believe that DIN TV will enhance the site and keep it exciting, fresh and up to date. For a limited period only, if you REGISTER online at www.doitnow.co.za you will receive a copy of the latest magazine, compliments of DO IT NOW.
So - don’t hesitate, don’t procrastinate, just DO IT NOW! C u on the web!
Producing a magazine and developing a website that exceeds our readers’ expectations is important to us. As such, we would like to encourage you to send us any suggestions you feel will help us to achieve this goal and enhance your reading pleasure. Please send us your suggestions via one of the following methods: Email: dinmag@doitnow.co.za Fax: 086 517 0934 Website: www.doitnow.co.za Attention: DO IT NOW Mag Suggestions
Do you want to share your ADVENTURE – SPORT – LIFESTYLE experiences with DO IT NOW readers? If so, contact us at editor@doitnow.co.za.
www.doitnow.co.za >> 13
DO IT
NOW
inFO DO IT NOW (and website) is divided into three pillars: These articles share experiences and provide answers to questions about training, equipment required to enjoy it safely and advice on popular destinations.
How would you like to SEE some of the DO IT NOW adventures and experiences we tell you about up close and personal? Well, it’s HERE! DO IT NOW TV … By simply logging on to our website, you will find all the links that will take you into the heart of the action, making you feel as if you were there right at that exhilarating or scary moment! Go and see for yourself on www. doitnow.co.za! Look out for the videos on Big Dune Driving in the Namib Desert as well as some sani2c action!
This section is dedicated to ‘Adventure’ and a wide variety of related topics. These articles, also featured on the website, share experiences and special memories, and also provide answers to questions about training, what equipment is required to enjoy it safely and advice on popular destinations. Some of the categories covered in this section includes scuba diving, high performance driving, kayaking, rafting, boating, off-road driving, Big Dune driving, dirt biking, Bronze Shark fishing, skydiving and paragliding.
Congratulations to the
TUKS Girls DO IT NOW Trail Running Team! The TUKS Girls DO IT NOW Team consisting of Pretoria athletes, Landie Visser and Winia Janse van Rensburg took a tight second place in the Pronutro African X three-day stage race, which took place in Kleinmond, Western Cape on the weekend of the 7-9th May. Read more on their experiences of this event in the August Issue of DO IT NOW.
The ‘Sport’ section covers stories on mountain biking, paddling, trail running, triathlons and so forth. We are continually growing this section to include many other sporting activities that are relevant to our readers. Watch out for our DO IT NOW Action Team and their activities around the country
The Lifestyle section aims to provide valuable information on the DO IT NOW lifestyle. The magazine and website features experiences, valuable information and contact details about various categories, which is constantly expanding with each new issue. The current categories include hiking, fly fishing, exciting personal experiences, photography, insurance, all about whisky, recipes and competitions.
To get your copy of DO IT NOW, visit the following stores: Countrywide: CNA // Exclusive Books Gauteng: ONCA Off-Road // Avalance // Wonder Wall Kaya Sands // Ventures for Africa // Eagle Canyon Cycles // The Dive Shop Clearwater Mall // Mias Fourways // The Pro Shop // Solly’s Angler Corner // Trappers Fourways // Tony Impey Cycles // Cajees Strubens Valley // Cajees Fourways // Nuwave Marine // Country Café Bedford.
14 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
YES! I want to subscribe to the DO IT NOW Magazine Please COMPLETE AND FAX to 086 517 0934 or POST to, Postnet Suite no 152, Private Bag X033, Rivonia, 2128
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Photo by Elri Flamengo Description: Beach Scene, Mozambique
// [inGEAR] Winging it in Zambia • Tracks on the West Coast // [inH2O] A Beginner’s Take on Stand Up Paddle Surfing • Conquering the Tsitsa Gorge • Paddling in the Cold – Part 1 • The Freedom of Wakeskating • Styling a Toeside Wake Jump • In Awe of the Majestic Whale Shark // [inDEPTH] Into the Deep // [inALTITUDE] Even Superheroes Fight the Feeling
Adventure
DO IT NOW | inGEAR: Words & Photos by Paul Carrick
We had been talking about it for years! A trip into Zambia, with a few good rugged vehicles and the freedom of the open (well mostly open) roads. Basically, the plan was for the Durban crew to meet us in Johannesburg, and then we would all cruise up to Botswana through the awesome Central Kalahari Game Reserve, pick up a mate in Maun and spend a few days in Moremi Game Reserve before boarding a ferry at Kazungula that would take us to Victoria Falls, on the Zambian side. There, some of the crew would bid their farewells and the rest of us would continue on the second leg of our journey; driving up the western side of the Zambezi. After that, we’d wing it, a solid plan. As usual the last-minute preparations covered about 95% of all the arrangements we made. And in retrospect, I may have gone overboard with a last-minute trip to Makro for tinned food – we definitely weren’t going hungry on this trip. The convoy consisted of a 4.2-litre Diesel Land Cruiser Pickup, a 2.2-litre Double Cab Toyota Hilux and a 110 Petrol Land Rover.
www.doitnow.co.za Adventure >> 21
vegetation lush. The animals were easier to see in the pans and seemed less skittish - probably as a result of the fairly high human activity.
After a long and dusty drive, we stayed over at the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (bookings are mandatory) and what a whorthwhile experience that was. The park is huge. There are several rudimentary camps sites of which most are simply cleared areas with a small sign board tacked to a tree (don’t you just love Africa!). You need to sort out your own water and ablutions (some of the camps have recently had some quite nice long drops installed), however, you are rewarded with unfenced, pure and wild camping where you are part of the bush instead of a spectator.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve was founded in 1961 and is the second largest piece of protected desert land in the world. The reserve, surprisingly enough, was not founded to protect any endangered wildlife species, but rather focused on protecting the nomadic San Bushmen. The aim was to provide a home for the San in their natural environment, thus ensuring their survival and preserving their way of life.
The first thing you notice sitting around a camp fire in the middle of this wilderness is the complete darkness outside the little ring of firelight, which highlights the spectacular show put on by the stars. It is amazing how quiet the night seems until you stop long enough to hear the wild. We had joked about the safety of a 0.25 mm material tent keeping the lions at bay, but happily jumped into the apparent safety of the tents after our first long day on the road. James and I had an entertaining time listening to the girls next door. We heard their tent open, ziiiiiiiiiiiiip, and close ziiiiiiiiiip, followed by a muted conversation about how far would be polite, to go to have a piddle. The soft patter of feet left the camp and then there was complete silence, until a lion roared in the distance. Breaking all the rules of physics, the girls teleported themselves back to their tent, zip zip, and the safety within. The route through the Central Kalahari Game Reserve from the south to north didn’t offer too many options in terms of route choice, but this was offset by the fact that there were so few visitors. We only ever saw single groups of cars heading in the opposite direction, each day. We also never shared a camp with anyone else and most lunches were spent parked in the shade of a tree, in the middle of the track. Although the track in the south of the park is sandy, a fair amount of the park consists of dense bush, often limiting the view from the road. On some of those sections, we would sit on the vehicle’s roof to get a better view. Deception Valley is located on the north eastern border of the reserve and is renowned for lions and hyenas. Compared to the southern area of the park, it is big, wide and open. Most of the pans are kilometres across and in addition to the lion and hyena, there are scores of giraffe, antelope and birds. Unlike the south, this area boasts a number of camp sites and is relatively busy. During the day there are enough cars and tour vehicles for this to be noticeable, yet the nights belonged to the wild. The recent rains had transformed these pans into perfect rugby pitches, the
22 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
Stopping in the middle of a pan, we jumped onto the roof of the Cruiser’s canopy to get a better look at a huge herd of gemsbok; the antelope most associated with the park. Binoculars engaged and cameras at the ready like real tourists, we were surprised to see some young lions circling the herd. They silently stalked their way closer until one of the brave cats decided it was time to show them what he was made of. The gemsboks, instead of high tailing it out of there, decided this wasn’t a real threat and turned towards the approaching cat, slowly marching forward. Obviously the lion hadn’t seen this move before and in a role reversal that could emotionally scar this young hunter for life, he ended up being the one on the run. Bath time in the bush is always an occasion. My preference is a bucket with some water, a cloth, soap and towel, and depending on the terrain, either slops or a pair of hiking boots. Typically, you head out away from camp to find a spot with a great view (for you, not the rest of the camp), open space and a bush to hang your towel on. Standing naked in the middle of the bush is great! One evening as I was in the middle of soaping up and quietly enjoying the setting sun over the plains, the sound of a lion’s roar sent my adrenaline levels through the roof. In an instant, the bucket of water went over my head, sploosh, as my feet leapt into my boots of their own accord, shloop, and with the towel wrapped around me, I made a very hasty retreat in boots full of water, shloopshlupshluupshlop, back to the relative safety of the camp. Heart beating like a bongo drum at a volcanic sacrificial ceremony, I was welcomed back to camp by the sound of howling laughter and snorting giggles. It’s easy to be brave when you’re sitting at the camp fire! After leaving the park, we shot through to Maun to fetch a varsity friend, Paul, who’d been doing some tiger fishing with his boet. We decided that the best way to get to the north of the country was through Moremi, another fantastic park. With all the rain, navigating the dirt tracks was made all the more interesting by the puddles, mud pools and slimy dirt roads. During the drive to the camp, we saw a lot of game including elephant enjoying the wet conditions and a lucky sighting of a herd of buffalo moving through the bush a mere 10 metres off the road. The next morning, we were woken up to the sound of crunching, munching and the squelching of grass, really close to the tents. Like ninja reccies, we poked our heads through the zips to find a big elephant bull having an early breakfast. He didn’t seem interested in us, so we leopard sprinted to the other side of the cars to watch the show. However, the bull started to take an interest in the cars in the camp (or the people behind them), so we backtracked making sure to keep a vehicle between us and our visitor. It’s only when you’re this close to these massive animals that you can really appreciate just how dextrous those trunks are. We’d made beer bread in a pot the night before and left it on the roof of the Cruiser to stop the animals getting at it. Standing 12 ft high meant that this was the perfect breakfast table height and he had the lid off in no time. After sampling our fare, the bull then proceeded to check if the fire wood was properly tied down and test the high lift jack mounting. After doing a bit more snooping around the camp, he decided that the green vegetation was better after all and slowly moved off. The parks in Botswana are well maintained, and the camp sites we chose were neat and tidy, had great ablutions and were set up in a fashion so that you didn’t feel like you were camping on top of each other. Leaving Moremi we took the most direct route to the Kazungula ferry via a sand track that led to the main tar road The ferry was our ticket across the Zambezi River and into Zambia. It’s great fun and a bit of an adventure in itself, and having a fairly waterproof vehicle for the entry and exit off the barge was a definite advantage.
eventually ‘convinced’ the pilot of a construction flotilla, a big steel barge, to let us park our vehicles on the flotilla bound for Mongu down river. At five the next morning, we loaded the cars onto the flotilla, got out the gas cooker for coffee, sat back and spent the most unbelievable day floating down the Zambezi. It was surreal, unexpected and the highlight of the trip for me. We floated on water that looked like a mirror, kilometres wide, past houses in water up to their roofs and friendly river folk fishing or heading somewhere. We washed clothes, ate and just enjoyed the incredible scenery we were floating past for the entire day. From there, it was a short trip to Victoria Falls where we camped for a couple of days and said goodbye to the girls. The area around the Falls is perfect for exploring, and any photographer had better have a lot of film or memory cards with him. It’s a powerful place! Leaving Victoria Falls, we backtracked past the Kazungula ferry to board another ferry further north, to cross to the western side of the Zambezi. Arriving at the river, we were greeted by a new bridge and a bit of a barricade, made from two drums and a pole. It was still under ‘construction’ but after a few cool drinks and a long, friendly chat with the boom handler (we had almost given up all hope of getting through when a local car whizzed over the bridge in the opposite direction), he finally relented and gave us ‘permission’ to cross the bridge. Some of the roads on the western side of the river are shot. Not bad, but hideous. In our macho 4x4s, we were making a steady 40 km/h. If you’re in a rush, you should either take another route or learn to drive like the guys who get Land Cruiser Pickup’s sponsored by World Aid. As we tentatively picked our way through the potholes and rocks, a Cruiser Pickup with one of those white delivery canopies came screaming past us at over 80 km/h. It was quite a spectacular sight. We later met one of these drivers at a village and he told us the secret was pumping the marie biscuit tyres to 4.5 bar and then holding on. Apparently the vehicles only last six to nine months - imagine that! If the road wasn’t full of potholes and mud pits, it was soft sand. The sand proved to be a real test for the Land Rover, which unlike the driver was not sipping on a cold one but rather guzzling 40degree petrol. It was a good excuse to stop for refreshments under the shade of some big trees and out of the scorching heat, to let her cool off a little. Fuel wasn’t as much of a logistical problem as we had originally thought. It was entertaining buying petrol by the container, whatever that container might be, and checking for solids by hand. It was a little easier finding diesel than petrol, but that was expected. Apparently, most of the fuel bought on the road comes from the fuel tanks of army and government vehicles that are siphoned at night. There are two roads up the western bank of the Zambezi; one is close to the water and the other is a few hundred metres further away. We tried the river road a few times but were constantly met with deep flooded roads. Some of the bridges we used to cross over the small tributaries and streams were degraded; half the structure was missing, or more frightening, made from thin logs more suited to a donkey-drawn cart than an overloaded 4x4. But these little gems were what made this route so much fun to drive. Along the way we made camp in the bush alongside the road, or where we could at camps. The roadside camping was really easy and we had no problems with unwanted visitors, but we were always wary. One night we stayed at a locally-owned and run campsite, literally metres off the river. There were great little ablutions and for a bath, we hopped into the mighty Zambezi. The owner was friendly and more in touch with world politics than we were. The following morning I saw something I had never seen before, a Land Rover being started with a hammer! We eventually arrived at our destination, Kalabo, a town just on the southern side of Luiwa Plains. And as we’d sort of expected, there was going to be a problem driving around the plains as it was still six feet under water. Standing at the river’s edge over looking our original destination in flood, we made a new plan. We
Arriving in a chaotic Mongu, we exited the city as fast as possible and headed towards our next destination, the massive Kafue National Park. After a few roadside stops, we spent a few glorious days at a river lodge, with ablutions and a bar. The little things are sometimes the bomb. Entering into Kafue we had no idea what to expect or where to go. It is a huge park and it markets cheetah as a major draw card - although we didn’t get to see any. A little disappointed with their organisation (which didn’t exist), we decided to head south through the park to the reserve, which is basically land south of the park proper that is not separated by fences, just wild Africa again. The roads were overgrown, and for the most part we were following our noses and picking the track that looked the least wrong. We saw less and less game, denser bush and eventually landed up on a road that ended in thick brush. Being the manly sort of men we are, we jumped out, armed with bow saws and axes and ready to do battle. Walking into the tunnel of bush, we merrily hacked at the rogue bushes that were going to scratch our beloved vehicles. But as we got further along the road we realised that we’d be chopping and cutting for days before we’d clear it sufficiently for the cars to get through. So after three laborious hours of hacking, we returned to the vehicles and mounted up. We cautiously entered the tunnel of brush, which degraded way more swiftly than we thought, and found ourselves ploughing through it to the scratching, squeaking sounds that would make any car owner cringe. It was ridiculous, but epic. I mean, who cuts their own road in Africa anymore? Well we did! The rooftop tent didn’t fair to well either and was a little less weather proof after that. By nightfall we were bushed (he he) and after setting up camp we hit the sack early in the middle of nowhere and with nobody around for miles. Or so we thought. At 2 a.m. we were woken by the sound of a distant car engine. Paul, James and I were in a tent together and discussed the options; almost all of them not good. After rousing Hal from his somewhat breezy rooftop tent, we all stood around waiting for the mystery vehicle to arrive; our imaginations running wild, and armed with easy-to-reach axes and knives. An old Double Cab Toyota bakkie arrived and stopped. A few black guys jumped off the back and few more emerged from the cab, with one white American. They approached and politely asked what we were doing, where did we come from, where were we going and when would we be leaving; all very politely. I’d like to believe they were impressed with our bush cutting story, but in reality my heart was beating so loudly that I could hardly hear myself think. Walking them just as politely back to their bakkie, I peaked inside and saw an arsenal that would make a small freedom fighting gang deliriously happy. We unanimously decided that it was time to leave the area and headed back to Victoria Falls the following day. Thankfully, this trip was uneventful except for being stopped by police for looking at a dam with binoculars – go figure! Apparently there was a secret military base in the area. We camped on the banks that night and didn’t see anything, so it was either a cunning scheme or they were really top secret. Back in Victoria Falls, the crew split up again. Hal took a hunter’s trail south through Botswana, and James, Paul and myself were headed across the Caprivi Strip and south through Botswana.
It was an amazing trip with so many memorable moments. I’d recommend winging it anytime! • www.doitnow.co.za Adventure >> 23
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Words by Theo Heyns & Marais de Vaal Photos by Theo Heyns & Jabus de Vaal
Tracks on the West Coast It was 00h30 on the morning of November 30th 2009. During the following days we would painfully remember that South Africa was in high summer, but for the moment it was dark and surprisingly cold. The town of Springbok was asleep and with our only refuge being a petrol station, we found ourselves asking (not for the last time during this trip) what we should do next. And so, after 18 hours on the bus from Pretoria and after many weeks of looking forward to our cycling trip down the West Coast, we began our adventure. The plan was simple: we were five friends who wanted to cycle from Alexander Bay to Cape Town in two weeks. Although we planned on occasionally meeting friends along the way, we decided that we would complete the tour unsupported. This meant that we had to carry all our equipment, including our tents, sleeping bags, gas stoves, clothes, food and water. Some of our group members made use of bicycle trailers, while the others opted for bicycle panniers. Both methods worked surprisingly well, but we found the panniers less bulky and easier to transport. As for the rest of the plan … well we decided that we would figure it out as we went along. We did not plan our route beforehand, nor did we make any bookings. We wanted the freedom to spend our time at the places we found most enchanting, with no schedule to press us onward. At 01h00 we were still undecided as to where we were going to sleep that night. So we bought coffee from the garage and started to unpack our mountain bikes from the boxes used to transport them in on the bus. The ‘petroljoggies’ were the first of many during our trip to openly display their interest (or amusement) in our cause. With panniers and trailers assembled and packed, it was time for a quick spin in the parking lot to confirm that everything worked smoothly. André had progressed less than a couple of metres when he took the honour of being the first to crash on the tour. He had forgotten to properly inflate his rear tire, so that it came off when he turned with the heavy load. The look of amusement on the faces of the petroljoggies had turned to sympathy, and their body language clearly asked whether we had any idea of what we were doing. That night we ended up sleeping in the parking lot of the local Police station.
simple yet beautiful camping spot on the beach and our first taste of Weskus kreef. As we hugged the coastline between Port Nolloth and Kleinzee, we entered the restricted De Beers diamond mining area (remember to obtain a permit beforehand). The occasional mining site reminds you that even here man has left his mark, but mostly the coastline is wild and rugged. We spent a night at a rustic backpacker lodge near Noup, where after a magnificent sunset the ocean came alive with a bright phosphorous glow. As we departed the following morning a whale came to greet us. From Noup we headed inland to Garies via Hondeklipbaai. This was certainly the hardest day of the tour. It was boiling hot and mostly we had to battle uphill into the heart of Namaqualand. It took us 12 hours to travel from Noup to Garies, but on the way we discovered the most charming little café in Hondeklipbaai, spent an hour sleeping under the trees next to an old farmhouse where the sole inhabitant of the house, an old woman, treated us to cold juice and cookies. The day ended spectacularly; seven kilometres before Garies the dirt road turned to tar and a sign indicated that the remaining distance would be a sharp descent. As we raced downhill, the wind washed away the last dust of the long day. The sun set behind the mountains and the sky turned deep red with a horizon streaked with golden clouds.
... under closer inspection the West Coast is filled with small little jewels ...
We rose early the following morning, thanked the officers for their facilities and started planning the day’s route. Our first goal would be to reach Alexander Bay, the most northern destination on our tour. To avoid having to double back on the tar road from Port Nolloth to Alexander Bay, we opted to travel north on a not-sosmall detour through the Richtersveld. During the following three days we would come to acknowledge that the Richterveld is indeed a mountainous desert landscape, with occasional deep sand roads and little shade. It is probably not the ideal terrain for heavily loaded bicycles, but we carried enough water, wore long shirts and drenched ourselves with sun cream. During this part of the journey we experienced the profound hospitability of the Namaqualand people, enjoyed listening to some of their mystical stories as we crowded around camp fires and came to appreciate their content wisdom. The grandeur of the Richtersveld was incredible. Our first impression of Alexander Bay was perhaps not overly spectacular, but under closer inspection the West Coast is filled with small little jewels. Some of the treasures we found in Alexander Bay included a cosy little kitchen restaurant with fresh snoek, a magnificent sunset at the mouth of the Orange River and strangers who received us like old friends before offering us a place to stay for the night. Having reached Alexander Bay we turned south. Our next destination was Port Nolloth, which offered us a couple of ice cold beers, a
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Nearing the end of our journey we started to relax more. The Western Cape mostly offered tarred roads and the distances between towns became shorter. Our route took us from Lambertsbaai to Elandsbaai, Dwarskersbos and Paternoster. We met friends at Tietiesbaai, where we spent a day resting. We camped on the beach amidst the most amazing rock formations and spent the night playing guitar, braaing snoek and kreef and enjoying some of the good red stuff, for which the Cape is so well known. Cycling towards Yzerfontein through the West Coast National Park, we caught sight of our final destination. Table Mountain loomed like a welcoming sentinel from just over 100 km away. But the West Coast was not about to let us go before van Hingst and the Devil came out to greet us. We spent our last day cycling straight into the most ferocious winds we have ever experienced. On the news that evening, we saw how the winds earlier in the day had literally torn roofs off a couple houses in Cape Town. Even the house where we planned on staying at had not escaped the wind’s wrath, which had ripped the sliding door out of its frame. We finally arrived in Bloubergstrand and as we looked back north we remembered an amazing journey. When you tour on a bicycle there are no windows between you and your immediate surroundings. You see everything in its true colours, you feel the wind, you taste the ocean and you get to meet so many people you would have hurried past in a car. And there is no better way to make and share memories with your best friends! But we’ll save the nostalgia for another day. It’s time to start planning our next trip. •
Bloubergstrand | Photo by Jabus Tietiesbaai | Photo by Jabus
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Words by Francois Flamengo Photo by Elri Flamengo
Stand
Paddle
To quote the producers of the 2005 surfing movie, ‘Step Into Liquid’, “Surfing is not a lifestyle, it’s life where style is an option!” I think this is a great way to sum up the sport of surfing! Another good point the producers bring across in this movie is that no matter what your age, shape or size, everyone can do it, and once you’ve caught your first wave you’ll be hooked! The movie also highlighted the many variations of surfing you can get into such as competition, big wave or recreational to mention a few. There are also a number of surfboards to choose from, which range from small boards to the traditional long boards. The only constant to all of this is ‘THE WAVE’. When you think about it, man is just not equipped to surf waves like our ocean friends, the dolphins and seals. The nerve-wracking thoughts of getting seriously dumped, hurt or the biggest fear of all, drowning are all factors we have to mentally overcome before we can relax in the water and simply go with the flow. Then there is the aspect of balance and co-ordination and ultimately mastering our board, no easy task even for the most avid of ocean lovers. I remember being utterly pumped to try out this sport after watching ‘Step Into Liquid’; how hard could it be? Shortly afterwards, I was heading to the coast armed with all the goodies that would see me riding those waves like a pro in no time. Sadly my vision of catching that big wave and taming it was dashed. Just paddling into a wave is a technique that takes a little while to perfect. And only once you’ve got this right, can you move on and learn how to stand up on the surfboard - and stay there! Now, if you don’t get this right and are drilled hard by a set, you might consider giving up your dream … unless there is another option … Stand Up Paddle Surfing has opened up a whole new chapter in the world of surfing and is THE hottest surfing variation right now. So what is Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUP) and how does it differ from traditional surfing? Well for starters, the boards are larger so it’s easier to stand on it right from the word go! From the elevated position, surfers get a better view of incoming sets and
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are able to catch more waves. Secondly, you are armed with a paddle that helps you to get into the correct position to catch a wave quicker and more easily than paddling with your arms. The paddle also enables you to gain the speed required to catch the waves and get to the best waves before anyone else. Awesome, now I really can learn to surf in just a few days.
This is all theory, so here’s a practical example. Paul, my best friend and the instigator behind my venturing into the world of SUP, had access to a beach house in Mozambique for nine days. He invited a few friends and myself to come along, and promised me that by the end of the holiday I would be surfing and catching waves using my SUP board. I bought a Starboard Cruiser and before you could say Inhambane, I was at the water’s edge with my SUP board and baggies, ready to surf. Initially, standing on the board with water constantly moving beneath me took some getting used to before I felt in control. I fell off many times, which wasn’t too bad because it was a scorcher of a day and a great way to cool down (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!). By the end of the day, I had rediscovered muscles that I had forgotten existed and felt drained and very tired, but happy with my progress. By the end of day two, I was standing up and paddling around the bay looking like a pro. However, this newfound confidence took a bit of a battering when the occasional big wave reminded me that I was still a ‘probeerder’ and needed a lot more practice before I could conquer these waves. Paul gave me some great advice on how to overcome the problem of my board flying out from under me when paddling with the waves. The solution was actually quite simple; stand in a more aggressive position and paddle harder. With a little practice, I could now paddle towards, with or sideways over the waves.
My final challenge was learning how to position myself in the correct place so that I could paddle into the wave where it’s breaking, leading to the ultimate prize of surfing! This ended up being the most exhilarating part of the whole experience because when you fall off in the safety of the bay, it’s easy to get back onto the board in an environment that is calm and controlled. When you fall off in the break zone of the wave set, life turns upside down and inside out real quick. I had physical proof of that for quite some time thereafter. But after a number of miserable failures, I eventually caught my wave – although a small one – I caught it! So after a few sore muscles and bruises, I was able to surf ‘THE WAVE’ standing up thanks to my SUP board. But this is only my story; my beginner’s take on Stand Up Paddle Surfing. What did my other friends say about SUP?
Elri: “Nothing beats having a breaking wave pushing you forward,
with absolutely no control of it! I loved that feeling but have to confess that I did not do this standing up … yet. I did realise that my balance on a board is not great on the water, and I will need a lot more practice to get this right. In the mean time, I love the huge floating board on which I can ride my wave while sitting down!”
Pietré: “This is the closest thing to walking on water and probably
a whole lot more entertaining! But practice your balance in calm water first! Once in rough seas, you’ll want to be able to concentrate on the monster wave behind you and not struggling to stay upright. It’s fun for gentle paddlers to thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies.”
Wynand: “Standing up on the board ranges from semi easy to
extremely difficult for an oke with absolutely no centre of gravity. Playing around in the waves is awesome fun, but falling off (which at first you will do a lot) and hitting the board chin first, will spoil the fun.”
Wikus: A new experience such as Stand Up Paddling required
a lot of co-ordination, especially from someone like myself who prefers terra firma under my feet. And then of course there are sharks in the sea, so the option of falling off the board was not that appealing. But having said that, it certainly created a whole new meaning of fun in the sun. After lots of laughter and many unsuccessful attempts, I finally managed to cope with the motion of the ocean under my feet and paddled my board in a standing position by the third day. I made a couple of loops and found that the mind had managed to store all the relevant information required to keep me upright and on the board. This was truly a great experience and certainly a toy that is well worth adding to the collection. It’s also a great workout! •
Q: Why did I choose a Starboard Cruiser? A: Known to be the best tandem board, it’s the longest SUP
board in the Starboard range with a wide surface to stand on. The length of the board makes catching waves really easy as it sucks up the smallest surf out there and lets you do more with less. The width of the board also gives you a good area to balance on. The only drawback for more advanced surfers is that the board is very rigid and doesn’t turn as easily, especially with the skegz on, compared to smaller versions. Other great options in the Starboard range are the Avanti, Wopper and Hero.
Cruiser Facts: Size: Length: Width: Volume: Stability rating: Recommended retail price:
The Lingo:
2’6” X 30” 380 cm 77 cm 206 litres 9/10 R10 900 (excludes paddle & board bag)
Skegz aka fins: Small fins attached to the bottom of the board that enable the surfer to control the board and steer it on the wave.
STARBOARD STAND UP PADDLE BOARDS Avanti • Whopper • Hero
Now available from
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Words by Celliers Kruger Photos by Andrew Kellett & Celliers Kruger
Hanging mid-air about 50 m from the top of the cliff and 60 m above the rock ledge where the abseil would end, I took the opportunity to catch my breath and sneak a look at the magnificent waterfall thundering beside me and the gurgling gorge waiting below. For the first time I wondered, what I was doing there …
Early the next morning we loaded the vehicle and drove to the put-in site, the 98 m high Tsitsa Falls ... The cliffs rose above the waterfall to around 110 m
The two major tributaries of the Umzimvubu River, in the Transkei, are the Tina and Tsitsa Rivers, both of which are large rivers in their own right. All three rivers have very deep gorges and the entrances are marked by breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls that shake the air around them. Most sections of these rivers have been paddled before, except for the main Tsitsa Gorge. That was until we managed to run it, and it took months of waiting for perfect conditions. My four companions on the Tsitsa expedition were Hugh du Preez of Whitewater Training, Adriaan Badenhorst of Upper Tsitsa Falls Backpackers Lodge, Andrew Kellett of Gravity Adventures and Jaco Lubbe of Induna Adventures. After the long drive from Parys, we overnighted at Adriaan’s Upper Tsitsa Falls Backpackers Lodge, situated further upstream from the main Tsitsa Gorge we were going to do battle with. From this location, we checked the water levels of the Tsitsa as well as the adjoining tributaries, the 1:50 000 maps and our gear, and knew that we were in for a trip of a lifetime. We would get on the water the next day and only leave it five days later, 86 km downstream from where we started. The gradient lines on the maps showed that the first 11 km of the expedition would be the crux section, after that it should be plain sailing. Early the next morning we loaded the vehicle and drove to the put-in site, the 98 m high Tsitsa Falls. Instead of fighting our way through the bushes on a long, steep and narrow footpath to the bottom of the gorge with our loaded kayaks in tow, we opted to abseil down the waterfall with our kayaks, literally starting the expedition on a high note. The cliffs rose above the waterfall to around 110 m. Setting up a safe abseil from that height takes time on an unknown site and by the time we were ready to start, the midday sun was beating down on us. At last we were set to go ... I took pictures of Adriaan, Jaco and Andrew abseiling down with their boats, and then it was my turn. I’m more comfortable with water than heights, so when I took a breather almost halfway down the cliff, I was more stressed than I could ever be in a rapid. Unfortunately, at that stage there was no turning back, so I unlocked the rope again to allow it to slide through as I descended into the belly of the gorge below.
Paddler: Celliers Kruger | Photo by Andrew Kellett
The blow-out from the waterfall was indescribable, as the water doesn’t fall into a pool but rather onto a sloping ledge just above water level that projects the spray directly downstream.
Paddler: Jaco Lubbe | Photo by Celliers Kruger
We ran the first few rapids without any problems and arrived at the first proper drop, about 800 m downstream from the put-in, with just a slither of the waterfall still in sight. We decided to call it a day and have a good night’s sleep right there, so that we would be fresh for the crux section the next day. The next morning we started off with the drop that we had slept next to, which was about 5 m high. Andrew and Jaco ran the obvious line first. The rest of us decided to run the more difficult line with a tricky approach, just for the sake of better pictures. I had a picture perfect run, boosting my confidence a bit. Maybe too much because that was to be my downfall later that day … The day saw us paddle down some complex rapids that were sometimes hard to read and we had to do more scouting from the bank than we had hoped to. We still made good time though, given the degree of difficulty we were faced with. After some solid rapids that we styled, we reached a place where we could have gotten ourselves killed had we had paddled the gorge any further. The river was completely walled in with cliffs on both sides and the water running from wall to wall. Thankfully, in the middle of the river was an island to scout from, and this island was only sticking out about a foot above water level. If the water had been more than a foot higher we would have had to run these drops blind, with disastrous consequences! On the left of the island was a 13-14 m waterfall that was barely runnable. On the right was a steep slide dropping about half that distance into a short pool; taking the wrong line here would mean paddling into the heart of an unrunnable rapid completely choked with big deadly boulders. Hugh, Jaco and I opted to run the slide to the right of the waterfall into the short pool, then abseiled down the middle of the river to the bottom of the waterfall. Andrew and Adriaan decided to run the waterfall on the left. Andrew ran the waterfall first and gave us some anxious moments when he popped up behind the waterfall, out of sight. We had no idea where he was until he eventually paddled straight through the curtain, the only way he could escape. It takes experience and guts to make a decision like that … Adriaan’s run was spot on, luckily.
Photo by Celliers Kruger
After a few more difficult rapids that we ran without incident, we made it to a double drop rapid that I’ll never forget! The first drop was just a fast chute with a hole at the bottom. The second drop, right beneath it, had a big boulder in the middle splitting the flow. The line was simple: run the first drop, aim left to make sure you go over the left pour-over and not the right one, which appeared to be the nastier of the two. Adriaan had a perfect line. Hugh and Jaco’s lines were not too bad. Andrew was pushed against the boulder, but managed to work his way around to the left side. As I was taking pictures of the others, I went last. Even though the line didn’t look that easy to navigate, it also didn’t seem too difficult either and I certainly didn’t treat the rapid with the respect it deserved. I ran the first drop without the determination I should have had, got pushed against the boulder and the next thing I knew I was dropping backwards into the right pour-over. What made this pour-over so unforgiving was the fact that it was backed up by a vertical cliff, making the recirculation a lot more terminal than it would have been otherwise. I took a solid beating and knew I was not going to get out with my boat intact and pulled my skirt. I got some more downtime in the boils until I miraculously felt a step in the cliff, almost five feet under the water. The step was barely big enough to fit my one foot on and all I could do was hold on to the side of the cliff, head just above the water, with my boat still receiving a beating in the pour-over and hitting me in the ribs every now and then. Having been pre-occupied with my own little dilemma in the pourover, I missed the funny part of the action. Adriaan was standing on the cliff that backed up the pour-over, a few metres downstream. He was there as a safety precaution and armed with a rope, which is a standard procedure for drops like this. When I took my beating,
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Paddler: Celliers Kruger | Photo by Andrew Kellett
Photo by Andrew Kellett
Photo by Celliers Kruger
“We were determined to get through the crux section before we made camp that night, as we didn’t want to get caught there with a rising river.”
Adriaan leaned forward to see what was happening. As luck would have it, he slipped and fell into the water only a few metres downstream from the boil line. He couldn’t get back up the cliff and had to swim for the opposite bank. Jaco then came to my rescue, jumping into his boat and paddling across from the opposite side. It took him a few minutes to reach me with a rope, but luckily I was in a stabilised position by then. While all this was happening, Hugh and Andrew were taking photos and video footage of the whole episode and in true kayaker style, laughing their arses off. That’s one thing about carnage: if nobody dies, it’s hilarious. Everyone was pretty tired and cold after this close call and we were looking forward to the end of the day. Dark clouds had started to form earlier in the morning and the first drops fell soon after my swim. We were determined to get through the crux section before we made camp that night, as we didn’t want to get caught there with a rising river. We paddled through a few more boxed-in sections of the gorge and to our immense relief, everything was runnable. By this time, we only had one more serious obstacle to overcome. We reached a waterfall that, after a quick scout, looked too dangerous to run. We decided not to take any chances and went for the portage. The portage was no joke though and not necessarily that much safer. We had to crawl past the waterfall on a baboon trail underneath a low rock roof, after which we did a dodgy abseil to reach the base of the waterfall. While we were busy with the abseil we saw, from our more advantageous viewpoint, that there was in fact a much easier line on the waterfall than the one we
had seen when we first scouted it. There was no turning back, so we pushed on. After the portage, we tackled a few more technical rapids before the gorge opened up quite significantly. We found a good site and were all too glad to set up camp and take a wellearned rest. The following four days were a cruise. We ran some fun rapids, pushed hard through some long flat sections and marveled at the amazing scenery. On the third day we saw signs of human life again. By the fourth day we were seeing locals quite regularly and passed a variety of little ferries of different shapes and sizes, all of which were rowed by their owners for a few cents. We also saw a multitude of dagga (marijuana) fields, which were not as tidy or well kept as the ones I’ve seen before. The sheer volume certainly made up for it though. It was also obvious that the people in general were leading a peaceful life, mostly content with their cattle and dagga fields. When we reached the confluence of the Tsitsa and Tina Rivers, where we had put-in on an excursion a few years ago, we knew exactly what to expect for the rest of the trip and could relax on our last day on the water. Arriving at the take-out, I was as happy as can be. This expedition had been on the cards for so long and it was probably the last major gorge in the country that was still waiting for a first descent. There are certainly many smaller rivers in the region that have not been paddled yet, so I’ll be back …
www.doitnow.co.za Adventure >> 31
DO IT NOW | inH2O:
Words by Deon Breytenbach Photos by Deon Breytenbach & AK47 productions
Paddling in the Cold When you go out for a day of paddling in the cold your enjoyment is dependent on more than just warm gear. Warm gear is essentially step one, so let’s have a look at the other steps, in this two-part series, to make sure you maximise your fun on the river when it’s a bit frosty.
Step One: Warm gear
Head: When it’s cold you will need more than just a helmet to keep your head warm. Wear a thin thermal skullcap underneath to avoid brain freeze. Recommended kit: • A skull cap from Neoskin Headcase by Peak UK or Nookie. •
If you paddle with a Gath, Predator, Sweet or WRSI helmet, I would suggest you invest in the ear covers available for your brand, otherwise go for silicone earplugs.
Torso: For your body you will need one, but preferably two thermal
base layers. Polypropylene materials are the best option here and there is a wide variety to choose from. To keep your base layers dry you need to invest in a good dry top or dry suit. A dry top is not a wind cheater shell, but a solid breathable waterproof garment that has been designed specifically for paddling with gaskets that seal your neck, wrists and waist. The neck and wrist should have double gaskets with a thin latex gasket to keep the water out, and a protective neoprene gasket over the latex to protect it and keep the water out. The waist gasket will generally be one that you can adjust. Recommended kit: • The top brands in South Africa are Peak UK, Helly Hansen and First Ascent. • Base layer one: Medium weight polypropylene from Quick Wick Crew by First Ascent. • Base layer two: A heavy weight polypropylene such as a polypropylene long sleeve garment by First Ascent or Thermal Rashy by Peak UK. • Outer layer three: The only wind and waterproof dry top brands that are available in South Africa, and which I would invest my money in, are Creek Top by Peak UK or Assault by Nookie.
Hands: To keep your hands from going numb your best bet is
either some neoprene gloves or pogies, similar to oven mitts. Pogies have a velcro opening that goes over your paddle shaft and the rest of the pogie creates a warm and cosy cocoon around your hands. The advantage of pogies is that the shaft is in direct contact with your hands, whereas with neoprene gloves you don’t make direct contact with the shaft, which can sometimes feel a bit strange and make blade control a little trickier. Recommended kit: • Neoprene pogie paddle mitts by Peak UK. • Neoprene gloves by Peak UK or Amara gloves by Nookie.
Legs: For
your legs you will need some thermals and dry suit pants. If you don’t have dry gear but have a wetsuit that you want to use, then make sure you also wear at least one, but preferably two base layers underneath your wetsuit.
32 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
PART 1
Recommended kit: • Base layer one: Polypropylene long johns from First Ascent, Neoskin pants by Peak UK or Thermalcore pants by Nookie. • Outer layer two: Wind and waterproof dry pants such as Storm pants by Peak UK or 3Ply Xtreme trousers by Nookie.
Feet: There are various options to keep your feet dry, snug and warm. The easiest and most affordable choice would be to get some neoprene ankle-high socks and booties. Most of the diving brands in South Africa have good booties and socks. The ultimate solution to staying warm and dry is to wear a one-piece dry suit underneath. Remember that a dry suit designed for scuba diving is for scuba diving, not paddling. The only dry suits that are available in South Africa, and which I would recommend, are Creek from Peak UK and Assassin from Nookie. There are other brands available internationally, but my top choices remain Peak and UK Creek. Recommended kit: • Neoprene socks: Any neoprene sock will do, as long as it’s thin, from Peak UK, Xtreme Sox by Nookie or Zero. • Booties: Any neoprene booties will do but they must have good traction, such as boots or centre boots by Peak UK.
Battling to get your hands on the kit? Send Deon an email at deon@extremelimpopo.com and he wil point you in the right direction.
Step Two:
Understanding what happens to your body when you are cold I am not talking about mild shivers here. When you get really cold things start to go numb, and when they go numb you lose control. Not an ideal situation to be in when you are battling a rapid, for example. In general, the colder you get the more your body will try to save heat. What this means is that the first thing your body does to conserve heat is to focus the blood circulation to your core, which results in less warm blood travelling to your hands and feet. As your body temperature continues to dip, there is even less blood going to your arms and legs, which will reduce your motor skills such as co-ordination and power. Your body will also start to focus its energy consumption on keeping the important parts warm. Therefore, more energy will be used for heat generation and less will be available for muscle use and control – and you don’t want to lose control in a rapid! So by staying warm, you are allowing your body to continue with its normal energy supply and usage regime.
More
ns more power. a e m energy
Doug Bird kitting up in full length dry pants, 2 thermals and shorti dry top | Photo by Deon Breytenbach
Andrew kellet in longsleeve dry top and full length dry pants | Photo by Deon Breytenbach
Ant Hoard wearing long sleeve dry top and farmer jhon wetsuit bottoms under his board shorts, Clarens on the As river.
In the next issue of DO IT NOW, I will focus on planning your food and liquid intake; making sure you have the correct trip information in terms of distance, put-in, takeout, cell reception, emergency escape routes or possible routes; looking at the weather; keeping an eye on your paddling partners and vice versa; and the telling of fantastic tall stories. For any further advice on anything paddling related, feel free to drop me an email at deon@extremelimpopo.com I look forward to hearing from you.
Until the next time, stay warm! â&#x20AC;˘
Andrew Kellet full dry top in action on the cold Witte River in the Cape - Courtesy AK47 Productions.
www.doitnow.co.za ď&#x201A; Adventure >> 33
DO IT NOW | inH2O:
Words by Perino Hanack Photos courtesy of Liquid Force
wakeskating
Wakeskating is an adaption of wakeboarding that employs a similar design of board manufactured from either wood-based or composite-based materials. Wood-based boards give a better feel, but composite-based boards are slightly lighter. The top surface of the board is covered with either grip tape, in a similar fashion to a skateboard, or a soft, high-traction foam covering, which is a better choice for beginners as it reduces the likelihood of scrapes.
WAKEBOARDS Trip • PS3 • Watson A wakeskate is more than just something you stand on; it is something you interact with. It is only through a combination of poise, balance and finesse that the wakeskate can be mastered. Wakeskates are substantially shorter than wakeboards, as the board needs to be highly manoeuvrable so that you are able to perform the more technical tricks.
Wakeskate shoes are not necessary and while some riders enjoy the freedom of riding barefoot, others opt to ride with shoes. The advantages of wearing wakeskate shoes include high-traction soles, quick-drying materials and holes to allow water to escape through. These features can improve your riding and comfort levels on the water, especially as a beginner. An aspect of wakeskating that draws many aficionados to it, as opposed to wakeboarding, is progression without the need for the large and extremely expensive boats, which are necessary to create the wake for wakeboarders to achieve maximum air time. An alternative to using wakeboard boats to tow riders is the use of Jet Skis or standard outboard boats. These forms of watercraft provide adequate tow, with little or no wake. Another method, which is growing in popularity, is wakeskating behind a winch specifically designed to tow wakeskaters.The use of a winch makes any stretch of water such as rivers, pools, ponds and so on useable for wakeskating. So if the thrill of flying across the wake as you land a new trick is what gets your adrenalin flowing, then you have to give wakeskating a try – it’s a blast! •
WAKE SKATES Faction • Signal • Impulse
Now available from
DO IT NOW | inH20:
Words by Kyle Holtzhauzen Photos courtesy of Liquid Force
If you have mastered the
heelside wake jump, then its time to up
the anti
and work on a slightly more
technical trick, the toeside wake jump. Basically, this is when you
cut toeside up one wake and land on or past the second wake. 36 >> DO IT NOW ď&#x201A; June/July 2010
Jumping wakes toeside is harder than heelside because of the position your body is in before, during and upon landing the trick, which can feel quite awkward at first but gets easier the more you practice the trick. Added to the awkwardness is the huge amount of pressure placed on your back arm, the result of having to stand sideways on the board so that when you edge toeside, your chest is facing away from the boat. What often happens is that as your board leaves the water, the tension from your back arm will pull your chest and hips around, squaring you up with the boat. This is not what you want and could be a good indication that you are not keeping your chest and hips closed or away from the boat, especially if you find yourself slipping out when you land. The toeside also requires a higher level of concentration and better execution of the proper technique. The most important part of this trick is getting your body in the correct position while edging into the wake, so that you achieve the most lift off the wake and maintain control once in the air. A solid progressive edge is key to helping you get your body in the correct position and will therefore make learning this great trick easier and less painful.
heres a step-by-step guide to mastering the toeside wake jump: •
Start by edging out of the wake by 15-20 feet.
•
Turn slowly and cut in towards the wake with a medium edge.
•
Be strong and keep your chest and hips away from the boat; do not open your chest up to the boat.
•
Try to keep your handle as close to your leading hip as possible.
•
Now keep yourself locked into that position.
•
At the base of the wake, start to push with your legs.
•
Rise all the way up the wake to the point when your legs are straight, or as straight as you can get them.
•
Once you are in the air, hold your position and keep your handle as close to your leading hip as possible. This will prevent you from squaring up to the boat.
•
On landing, keep the tip of the board pointing in the direction that you are moving, and use your knees as shock absorbers.
•
Try to land on your toeside rail as this will help to minimise the chance of the board slipping out.
Once you have got this trick styled, you are ready for the next level - 180’s. There are four variations, which I will discuss in the next issue of DO IT NOW.
So go master that toeside jump in style!
Words by Francois Flamengo
DO IT NOW | inH2O: Photos from Dreamstime Stock Photos
Fast Facts
I would guess that almost every scuba diver would agree that they all remember their first encounter with a Whale Shark. When you get into the water for the first time with such a magnificent and huge creature, it can only be described as one of life’s top ‘bucket list’ experiences when you tick off: Diving with Whale Sharks. Type: Diet: Size: Weight: Group name: Lifespan: Protection status:
Fish Carnivore 18 to 32.8 ft (5.5 to 10 m) Average, 20.6 tons School On average 70 years (open sea) Threatened
I would also guess that any diver who has found themselves in the company of a Whale Shark would agree to hearing an alarm bell going off loudly in your head, as you try to remind yourself not to panic; the largest fish in the ocean ONLY eats plankton and small fish, and I’m not plankton, I’m not a fish. And when you consider that the boat you have just jumped off looks like a dinky toy when compared to this giant, the experience can also be a little intimidating. Personally, I can remember many encounters that were awesome and true-life treasures, but there are two specific experiences that are still very clear in my mind and I will probably never forget them. My first encounter was when I was diving in Guinjata, Mozambique, for the first time. My friend Paul and I had decided to end the year off with a 10-day trip to the Inhabane area where we would dive a special reef called Manta Reef; rated one of the top-10 dive sites in the world. This reef is also legendary for its Manta cleaning stations - a place where mantas come to have smaller fish, usually wrasses, pick off parasites and crud from their bodies - and is where divers can experience this phenomenon. But Manta Reef is another story all together. After an incredible dive, we regrouped on the boat and were eager to share our stories of what we had witnessed. Our skipper gave us the traditional Fizz Pop and once everyone had settled down, he started the engines for the trip back to shore. The sky overhanging the ocean was crystal clear and the sun was shining down in all its glory. We must have only gone a few metres when the skipper shouts, “WHALE SHARK.” The next thing, everyone was reaching for their snorkelling gear and kitting up. The skipper was keeping a safe distance from the vast dark shadow in the water below, so as not to startle it. Once we were all ready, the skipper slowly cruised past the Whale Shark and instructed us to be ready for his mark to enter the water. He also reminded us to make sure our entry was clean and silent – we had to be as unobtrusive as possible.
The body is mostly grey with a white belly; three prominent ridges run along each side of the animal and the skin is marked with a ‘checkerboard’ of pale yellow spots and stripes. Some scientists discovered that a pattern-matching algorithm developed by astronomers to locate celestial objects could be used to identify individual Whale Sharks. Their spots are analogous to bright stars in the night sky, allowing the trio of researchers to adapt the star pattern recognition technique to the characteristic markings found on the largest fish in the sea. In Africa, the names for the Whale Shark are very evocative: ‘papa shillingi’ in Kenya came from the myth that God threw shillings upon the shark, which are now its spots. In Madagascar the name is ‘marokintana’ meaning ‘many stars’. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051007093017.htm
38 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
The largest Whale Shark ever measured was 40 feet (12.2 metres) long; however, the species is thought to grow even bigger.
Size relative to a bus:
Reference: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/ fish/whale-shark.html He started to count down: 3, 2, 1… go! At that stage I was sitting on the opposite side of the boat from where the Whale Shark was approaching, and as I rolled off the boat and turned my head towards it, I was in awe of just how enormous this gentle giant really is, and why there was so much excitement in the skipper’s voice. It was much bigger than our dive boat, and as it gracefully moved through the water at an easy pace, minding its own business, it was probably thinking, “Here we go again, more curious humans spotting a Whale Shark for the first time.” We all tried to keep up with its ‘easy pace’ as the massive pelagic fin moved effortlessly from side to side, but I soon discovered that what looked pretty slow was in fact very fast. Just moments after passing us and still keeping up its steady pace, it suddenly disappeared into the great blue yonder and was gone from sight. My second all-time-favourite experience was when a few friends and I decided to take a water-baby break at Ponta Malongane, ‘Place of the Children’, in Mozambique. We took kiteboarding, scuba and surfing kit, as well as Jet Ski’s with us for some serious play time in the surf. As luck would have it, the lodge was empty because it was out of season and in the middle of the week. On this particular day the skipper took us out to a well-know spot in the area called Pinnacles. Situated on the edge of a continental shelf, this is where sharks such as Hammerheads, Zambezi and Dusky, as well as large game fish and manta rays, are known to frequent. This is a true adventure spot for diving but again, that’s another story all together. I was on my Jet Ski exploring this tropical paradise (using polarised sun glasses to take away the glare) and watching some Spinner Dolphins playing in the water next to me and underneath the Jet Ski. The playful and curious nature of these mammals is quite incredible and it is hard to believe that anyone would want to hurt them. I stayed with them for a few minutes when I noticed the skipper signalling that we were about to the head back to shore. On the way back I was totally mesmerised by the flatness of the aqua-blue ocean’s surface as it reflected the brilliant sun rays beating down on us. The setting was perfect. Life was good. It was just another tough day in Africa! As we approached the lodge, I went for a last quick spin in the ‘surf’ or rather the little wave-like water features. I must have been 30-metres from shore when I noticed a ‘reef’ that seemed very shallow, disappearing beneath me as I passed over it. I could not recall seeing this ‘reef’ during the last few days, especially as it was so shallow. Then it struck me. This was no a reef, but rather the shadow from a massive Whale Shark swimming only a few inches away from the surface. As I turned to get a better look at it, the tip of its huge fin broke the water and then I saw the colour of its skin ‘outside’ the water! The Whale Shark’s white spots glimmered magnificently in the bright sunlight. It is believed that when a Whale Shark is seen in the ocean from a distance, it appears to be a school of small fish. I stayed with it for a few moments, marvelling at this placid giant, and then left it in peace to continue its travels down the coast. I think for most new comers to scuba diving, this must be an encounter they would look forward to and one I believe will inspire many non-divers to take up the sport. •
In Awe of the
Majestic
Whale Shark
... ‘papa shillingi’ in Kenya came from wthe myth that God threw shillings upon the shark, which are now its spots ...
As the largest fish in the sea, reaching lengths of 40 feet (12 metres), Whale Sharks have an enormous menu from which to choose. Fortunately for most sea-dwellers - and us! - their favorite meal is plankton. They scoop these tiny plants and animals up, along with any small fish that happen to be around, with their colossal gaping mouths while swimming close to the water’s surface. The Whale Shark is a filter feeder. To feed, it juts out its formidably sized jaws and sucks in everything in the vicinity. It then shuts its mouth, forcing water to filter out of its gills. Everything that remains within becomes the giant shark’s dinner.
Preferring warm waters, Whale Sharks populate tropical seas. They are known to migrate every spring to the continental shelf of the central west coast of Australia. The coral spawning of the area’s Ningaloo Reef provides the Whale Shark with an abundant supply of plankton. Although massive, Whale Sharks are docile fish and sometimes allow swimmers to hitch a ride. Sadly, it’s only known predator is man. They are currently listed as a vulnerable species; however, they continue to be hunted in parts of Asia, such as Taiwan and the Philippines.
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/whale-shark.html
www.doitnow.co.za Adventure >> 39
DO IT NOW | inDEPTH:
Words by Nico Scholtz Photos by Nico & Riana Scholtz
The rusty 60 m long ladder sways back and forth under my weight. I gaze back at the cobalt blue water more than 100 m below, where a beam of sunlight dances across the surface. We are returning from a sneak peak into the bowels of mother earth and it was spectacular. I again strain to get a last glimpse of the water below and feel utterly at peace, suspended in space. Jolted back to reality by the creaks and groans of the ladder, I wonder if this old ramshackle piece of iron will hold my weight all the way to the top. Water droplets below stalactites in Pofadder Hole
Luckily I am also fastened to a jumar (a rope ascending safety device), which easily slides up the safety rope, but still I feel uneasy. How many people have come this way to stare down at Harasib Lake, one of numerous underground lakes in northern Namibia? Those daring first explorers, who gazed down into the black depths, silently excited about what lay below. I try to imagine myself in their position, a terrifying but at the same time inspiring thought. I am ripped back to reality once more by water dripping from above. I look up through the darkness, wavering under a thin sliver of sunlight from above. Water continues to drip on my hands, I get frustrated and try to swing to the left and right, but the dripping continues. I look up and realise that it is my own perspiration dripping down from my forehead. I am drenched in sweat. Deep beneath the earth’s surface, where bats and eyeless fish are king and darkness envelops your every thought, a world exists that few humans dare to visit. Northern Namibia is a cave dweller’s paradise, where previously undescribed troglobites (cave life) seem to lurk around each mysterious corner. Most of the Namibian caves have technical vertical entrances where the use and knowledge of Single Rope Technique (SRT) is essential. Similarly, the use of artificial light such as a headlamp and a good battery-powered spotlight is indispensable. Although many of the caves in northern Namibia have been known and utilised for centuries (guano production during World War 2), a vast majority lies hidden under thick scrub within an inhospitable mountainous terrain. The utilisation of cave resources such as water, bird’s eggs and honey was common with indigenous peoples, but they did not attach the same deep spiritual connotations to caves as recorded in other parts of the world. This indigenous knowledge of caves was later exploited by new arrivals to Namibia. The occupation
40 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
troops of the German colonial administration (1882-1915) had a particular interest in caves, since accessible caves in certain remote areas often contained the only reliable water supplies for transport animals (horses and oxen). Caves with accessible pools were used as watering points by both police patrols and guerrilla bands resisting the occupation, and were recorded on topographical maps of that period. Some accurate cave descriptions, and even cave maps dating from that period, can be found in the local archives in Namibia. The precise locations of many of these caves were subsequently lost as new routes, transport systems and water sources were developed, though the general area can often be deduced from early topographical maps. In some notable cases, caves with water reservoirs remained of interest to local farmers and some are utilised to this day. Scarab recently visited this wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and deep underground lakes in northern Namibia to discover that this world, so different from our own, has many breathtaking secrets to reveal. A world where words fail to describe what only the eyes of the beholder can convey.
Scarab is a Namibian consulting practice that offers specialist environmental and geological consulting and related services, as well as adventure guide training, guided climbing and other adventure expeditions in Africa.
Tiaan descending the approach chain ladder at Harasib Lake
Riana descending alongside Fig Tree Sentinel into Pofadder Hole
Harasib Lake, which hosts a beautiful subsurface lake, was to be our baptism of fire for this expedition. Although Harasib is not a cave in the actual sense of the word but more of a sinkhole, most of the lower reaches are not negotiable without artificial light. Prior to reaching the principal drop and entrance into the lake chamber, the approach is a hair-raisingly steep scramble, aided in places with decades-old steel cables and swing ladders alongside the gaping and ominous entrance hole. Harasib cave, similar to most of the caves in northern Namibia, comprises dolomite and limestone, which have been eroded by millions of years of carbonic acid (carbon dioxide rich ground water) erosion. The cave lake at one stage probably had no entrance hole as all erosion was invisible from the surface. The sinkhole formed when the cave roof could no longer support its own weight and collapsed, enabling speleologists (cave investigators) to locate the cave decades ago and explore the majestic subterranean lake. The abseil into Harasib was long and arduous, but as we neared the bottom of the chamber, the lake began to turn into a translucent blue pool from an inky black mass as the clouds above crept away and allowed for some sunlight to inch through the roof opening. We entered a world so unlike our own and it felt like we are the only people alive. Another 50 m abseil saw us at the edge of the water. Carefully holding onto the end of the rope, we moved a light beam over the surface of the water and the dancing of the light over the eerie blackness sent shivers up our spines. Never before have any of us seen water with visibility of probably more than a 100 m. One by one we silently, so as not to disturb whatever may lurk in the transparent depths, took the plunge into the strange blue waters. Drifting from one end of the chamber to the other, we laid staring down the endlessness of the remarkably still water. We imagined the sounds of silence reaching from far below and creeping upwards, ever curious to what lay beyond the realms of its own inner-earth universe. We were careful not to overstay our welcome and soon found ourselves back at the foot of the 60 m high ascending ladder, to the entrance hole in the roof. One by one we climbed up and out of what was, and will continue to be, an indescribably beautiful memory. Of course no caving expedition to northern Namibia would be complete without a visit to Dragon’s Breath Cave, the largest subsurface lake in the world. The cave is lovingly, but deceitfully, referred to as ‘Draggies’ by her previous investigators, but this is no cave to be approached lightly. The entry to the cave can easily be overlooked as it lies hidden in a small crack amidst a pile of dolomite boulders. Scrambling across these razor-sharp rocks with their grey, leathery look of an elephant’s skin, while carrying heavy packs of ropes and caving gear was quite awkward. Soon we found ourselves descending through the tricky entry hole and shuffling down a narrow corridor toward a massive chock stone that blocks and indicates the first of at least two abseils into the depths of Dragon’s Breath. As I inched over the chock stone for a peak of what lay beyond, an unexpected gush of humid air rose from the depths below; the dragon was awake. After assessing the anchor points and rigging up the first abseil, I edged over the chock stone and lowered myself into the clammy throat of the dragon. With each metre of descent, I had to urge myself onwards. Alone and faced with what appeared
Max walking amidst plant and tree roots penetrating into Pofadder Hole
to be steam rising from below, I got the uncanny feeling that I was dangling in a gush of smoke that was the dragon’s breath. At the bottom of the first abseil, balancing on a narrow ledge, I found myself hovering above a silence filled with bats and mist. However, as much I tried to urge myself onwards, I was not up for the descent of the last 20 m, after which I would land in the middle of a four hectare size lake filling the pitch dark chamber below. With the reverberating sounds of a stone dropped into the water mass, I clipped on my jumars and commenced with the ascent. The warm air from below stroked my spine and I could hear the pounding in my chest growing fainter with the growing distance between myself and the darkness below. My descent and time spent below took its toll on our time schedule and at the entrance hole we all decided to postpone our full onslaught with the dragon to a future date.
Dragon’s Breath Cave was only discovered by South African speleologists in 1986 and is the largest underground (subterranean) lake in the world. It is situated on the farm Harasib, 46 km north west from Grootfontein, off the C42 to Tsumeb. The lake lies about 60 m below ground level. The water is exceptionally clear and pleasantly warm. The visibility in Dragon’s Breath and Harasib has been estimated to be in excess of 150 m. Water depths of well over 100 m can be found.
Our base for all of the activities was the friendly Bush Baby Lodge, situated between Grootfontein and Tsumeb. Apart from offering luxurious chalets, Bush Baby also offers ready-made tents, camping and a hospitable atmosphere, with the friendly hosts Max and Marianne. The lodge was the perfect setting to reminisce, rest and plan for each day. On our last day we were fortunate to be allowed an unforgettable experience into the fantasy world of Pofadder Hole. A 15 m abseil from a lone fig tree sentinel saw us entering a lost world of stalactites, stalagmites and limestone columns. The chandelierfilled entrance chamber has a cathedral-like feel, with fragile organpipe structures stretching to the roof and beyond. We brushed away dangling spider-like plant roots, inching downwards in their search of water. We squeezed through cracks and gashes that led us ever deeper into this mystical wonderland. The air was damp and thick but still we pressed on until after what felt like eons, we decided to turn around and head back to civilisation. We were careful to only leave footprints, take photographs and not to disturb any of the thousands of years of cave and karst formation.
If you long for a technical adventure that is out of the ordinary and downright breathtaking, an abseil into the depths of mother earth with the flutter of bats wings is sure to get your adrenalin racing. Contact Scarab at info@scarab.com.na or visit our website at www.scarab.com.na for more information
www.doitnow.co.za Adventure >> 41
DO IT NOW | inALTITUDE:
Words by Pietré Smit Photos by Pietré Smit & Peter Leith
Once upon a time there was a group of friends who - for various reasons we’ll get to later – decided to climb a mountain. Not just any route on any old mountain, but Fight the Feeling on Mooihoek Mountain in the Eagle Mountain Reserve near Harrismith. They chose this route for its sentimental value as well as its very apt moniker. Let me explain. You will have to search far and wide to find a more unlikely group of misfits wanting to climb a mountain. I can say that because I’m one of them, albeit the only normal one. And the one upon which the burden fell to get them safely to the top. Let me introduce you to the rest of the group and in due time you will begin to understand the significance this climb held for each member of the party. Chemo Boy was a perfectly ordinary student who loved rock climbing and entertaining audiences with his guitar. Every available free period (as well as some not-so-free periods …) was spent at his varsity’s climbing wall. After graduating, he continued to climb all over the country with his then-girlfriend now-wife and narrator of this story, creatively called Chemo Girl. But a couple of years later, at the tender age of 26, tragedy struck and he was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a mastectomy, which did some lasting damage to his left pec, as well as radio and chemo therapy over a period of four years, Chemo Boy found it pretty hard to continue climbing. His specific type of chemo as well as hormone treatment also caused him to gain 20 kg, which understandably made it even more difficult to climb. Despite all of these setbacks, he never gave up on the idea of climbing and yearned for another go at the mountains he so loved. Fusion Boy, an old school friend of Chemo Girl, also started climbing while still at varsity. He adored climbing but did not confine his adrenaline fix to scaling cliffs; he also loved exploring the skies with his paraglider. One day while out flying at Bambi he got caught up in a whirly when coming in to land. Half his shoot collapsed and before he had time to kick out of his seat, he crashed butt first into terra firma. A crushed vertebra put an end to his climbing and flying days. Or so he thought … After three of the vertebrae in his lower back were fused and months of physical therapy later, Fusion Boy decided to take up scuba diving. He went on many scuba adventures and it was fun and all, but it wasn’t climbing. So he started thinking; his back might not be able to withstand a lead fall, but surely he could still top rope? Fusion Boy, Chemo Boy and Chemo Girl knew a wonderful couple who shared their sense of adventure. Fortune had smiled upon them as they had the means and inclination to enjoy many an adrenaline-filled sport like wakeboarding, surfing, mountain biking and extreme 4X4ing. Despite their good fortune they were pitied by the others. They did all these exciting things and yet their fortune was fatally flawed; they had never tasted the ultimate exhilaration of scaling a mountain with only a rope, their bare hands and maybe a draw or two. So, these two became known as ‘The Unfortunates’ (naming them had absolutely nothing to do with their recently stolen and recovered Toyota Fortuner …)
Fight the Feeling is not just your average climb-it-for-breakfast kind of route. Oh no! It is 132 meters of sheer rock face with an even higher sense of exposure due to the steep walk-in. The walk-in along the scree slope takes you about 15 to 20 minutes and already takes you a fair way up the mountain that has a magnificent view over the reserve. And then you still have to start the climb! To give you a little more background on the route itself I will regale you with the tale of my first experience of it. I was young and had only been climbing for a year or so when a friend – let’s call him Captain Amazing - suggested we climb Fight the Feeling. I will be eternally grateful to him for introducing me to the concept of ‘big wall’ climbing. I know many a veteran climber will crucify me because I dare call Fight the Feeling a ‘big wall’, but bear with me. I had done many shorter and more technical routes than Fight the Feeling and got really comfortable (you can even say cocky) with them. The route on Fight the Feeling consists of six pitches. For those non-climbers out there, a pitch is the stretch of mountain you climb before you stop, tie yourself in and belay your partner up to where you stand, only to repeat the whole process again. The length of a pitch is usually dictated by the length of rope you are using, but in the case of sport climbs where the routes are already bolted, a pitch is as long as the next set of chains. The first pitch was 20 metres high with a difficulty rating of 12, no more than a scramble to the first belay stance. Easy-peasy and no match for my formidable climbing skills! The next pitch was a mere 12 metres and only slightly more difficult at a rating of 16. Captain Amazing magnanimously allowed me to lead and with huge sandstone jugs as my grips, I aced the second pitch. For the third pitch we swapped the lead again and Captain Amazing took us up the next 25 metres. A route is graded on the most difficult move – in the case of Fight the Feeling it is a 21 – of the climb. The third pitch is apparently the crux of the route and I finished it confidently. By the time I looked down we were almost 60 metres up, but due to the steep walk-in it felt higher. There are no trees or other mountains close by, so the exposure felt extreme. We were almost half way and as I stood on the narrow ledge that
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was our belay stance, I realised that this climb was different to any other climbs I had done up until then. My turn to lead again. By then I’d figured out that Captain Amazing had carefully planned the climb to give me all the easy pitches. Not because my skills weren’t up to it, just because the exposure added a whole new dimension to the climb. I was silently grateful as I tackled the next 25 metres, a very easy 13 and much to my surprise the pitch ended in what is affectionately called ‘the Rave Cave’. It is not so much a cave but rather a massive overhang that offered respite from the sheer drop below. There we met up with other climbers from our party and enjoyed a hearty picnic lunch with the most amazing view over the flat rolling landscape far below. Too soon the picnic came to an end and I had to face the terrifying drop again. The climbing gurus rate the fourth pitch, as well as the second-last pitch, as an 18, but it most definitely didn’t feel like it! Maybe it was the vast emptiness beneath me, maybe it was because I’m shorter than the average Jane or maybe I’m just a woos, but climbing out from underneath the roof of the cave with all that nothingness beneath me scared me spitless. Literally. Dry mouthed and with shaky legs – luckily with Captain Amazing in the lead - I finished the second-last pitch. We were now so high we eyeballed a couple of eagles as they lazily glided past, probably pitying us for the effort it took us to get there. I shared their sentiment. Captain Amazing had no sympathy for my new-found fear of heights and made me lead the last pitch. The last move before you top-out takes you over a slight bulge, which is extremely difficult to do with a leg that simply would not stop shaking, but I made it! The only reason I didn’t fall was because I was simply too scared to … So now you know the characters, their handicaps, the route and the challenge they’ve set themselves. The misfits have started training, each in their own special way … By general consensus D-day has been set for ‘somewhere in 2010’, so watch this space for the story of the friends who will Fight the Feeling and battle their demons to (hopefully) come out tops once again. Even if you skip the read, the pics should still be fun!•
DO IT
NOW
Photo by Adrian Tregoning Description: Catamaran
// [inTRODUCING] Track Cycling – Fast, Fun and Safe! • Polo. My Game. My Life. • Why we Pole Vault // [inACTION] 2010 Blyde Xfest Rewrites Record Books • Dubai Skies, The Dubai Parachuting Championship and Gulf Cup 2010 • Single Handed Round the Island Race • Fairbairn Capital joBerg2c – the new Amazing Race // [inPREPARATION] The HANSA Hout Bay Trail Challenge and the Old Fisherman’s Trail Challenge • The Bite of the Otter // [inSHAPE] My ITB Diary - Arran Brown • Hydrating your way to peak performance • Recovery Methods that Work • Building upper body strength
Sport
DO IT NOW | inTRODUCING:
Words by Yvette Victor Photos by Daniel Botha Photography, Genee Steyn & Yvette Victor-Van den Berg
Upon hearing the words track cycling, most people would give a shrug and say it is for loonies. The track is an intimidating affair for a lot of cyclists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I say this because I was one of them! but if you allow yourself the opportunity to give it a go, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be pleasantly surprised to find how rewarding this sport is!
Joanne van der Westhuizen & Yvette Victor-Van den Berg te Bellville Velodrome Event: S.A. Track Champs 2009, Match Sprint Semi-Final Photo by Daniel Botha Photography.
Ruan Geers te Hector Norris Park in JHB. Photo by Yvette Victor-Van den Berg
Johan van den Berg, Bellville Velodrome. Photo by Daniel Botha Photography
Jac-Johann Steyn (red), Cyril Geoghegan Track in Durban | Photo by Genee Steyn.
Foto deur Genee Steyn
Track cycling has not enjoyed the same attention road and mountain biking have received in recent years, but it is a growing sport in South Africa – not just because of the adrenaline-loaded fun it offers, but also because our roads are becoming increasingly dangerous and the track offers a safe haven away from impatient, reckless drivers. No brakes! That’s right, track bicycles don’t have brakes and for most people this is a major concern in the beginning. You’ll soon realise, though, that this is one of the main reasons why track cycling is actually a lot safer than you may think! How many crashes in a bunch have been caused by unnecessary braking or the concertina effect it causes, especially at the back of the bunch? No brakes mean no sudden decrease in speed in the bunch, thus making it safer. It also teaches you the important skills of observation and anticipation as you don’t have the emergency measure of brakes. You soon learn to think ahead and place yourself in better positions for countering attacks and the like. Master this technique and it will also help you when you’re on the road or mountain biking – especially in the sprint for the line! You’ll also learn to handle your bike a lot better. Just one gear! Track cycling only uses fixed-gear bikes, so you’re stuck with one gear for the whole race and you can’t stop pedalling. The lazy habits you pick up with road and or mountain biking, such as free wheeling for a second between changing your sitting and standing position, will soon disappear. Yikes – it’s steep! Yes, most tracks are 250 m long with a more-orless 42 degree banking. If you want to ride on the banking, on a track like this, your speed would have to remain at approximately 30 km/h to keep enough rubber on the track so that you don’t slip down. It’s really easy to reach that speed on a fixed-gear bike, and you’ll soon realise that ‘faster’ is ‘safer’, because it keeps you on the banking. Another benefit to track cycling is that it suits a wide selection of riders. Whether you are a sprinter, pursuiter or endurance rider, the track offers a lot of different events that will suit your physiological make-up. Furthermore, spectators can watch the whole actionpacked event without moving from their seats. The racing is really exciting and they are sure to love it! It is also a fantastic way for young children to start their cycling careers. They’ll learn great bike-handling skills in a safe evironment,
and mom and dad can keep an eye on them from their bikes or the stands. To venture into this exciting sport, you will need a single-speed bike with no brakes and fixed gears. The bottom brackets are also a bit higher from the ground than a road bike, so that you can ride on the banking without having to worry about hitting your pedal. Most tracks in South Africa have bikes that new riders or cyclists, who want to give it a go, can hire or borrow. Tracks like Pilditch in Pretoria also offer Learn to Ride days, where newcomers can learn the rules and get a chance to experience the track for themselves. All you need is your helmet, shoes and pedals. •
For more information about training sessions, events and the Learn to Ride days:
Visit Pilditch Cycling Track, Pretoria on www.facebook.com/pilditchcycling Visit the Hector Norris Park Track Racing, Johannesburg on http://www.sgcycling.co.za/ Contact Sheldon Bole at 082 900 8824 and he will also be able to help you out if you are in another province.
League racing, in most provinces, takes place during the winter and summer months. So look out for the following major events that are coming up:
Gauteng North Track Provincials - Bunch Events (31 July, 2010) Durban Grand Prix – Durban (August 2010) Gauteng North Track Provincials – Timed Events (18 September 2010) The S.A. Track Cycling Championships – Bellville (1-3 October 2010)
Don’t miss out on the fun, grab your helmet, shoes and pedals, and come and attend a Learn to Ride day at the track. Who knows – you might love it!
www.doitnow.co.za
Sport >> 49
DO IT NOW | inTRODUCING:
Words by Craig James, professional polo player Photos by Mike Hansen
Thundering across the polo field, the size of four rugby fields, I can feel the adrenalin coursing through my veins, giving me the courage to go harder, faster, to get there first. I spur on Thandiwe and just ahead, the fast-moving ball. Out of the corner of my eye, I see my opponent, equally determined to block my attempt to hit the ball down the field in the direction of the goal posts. As our ponies race neck and neck, it is a battle of man, horse and skill – my body tenses in anticipation, a thousand thoughts flash through my mind in a blur. Head down, Thandiwe pushes hard and manages to ease forward and slowly makes ground, the ball now only metres ahead. Totally focused, poised and ready to swing the mallet with everything I have got, Thandiwe and I are suddenly thrust aside as my opposition cuts in and rides us off the line of the ball. My hard-earned advantage is briefly lost, but my determination is heightened as I renew my efforts to reclaim the ball … victory shall be mine.
The BMW Tournament, a highlight on the calendar Craig James and Sbu Duma competing for the ball
BMW Polo Tournament 2009 - in hot contention for the ball Inanda Africa Cup PoloTournament 2009
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BMW Polo Tournament 2009 If you have watched a polo game, you may have wondered what all the fuss is about - how difficult can it be to ride a horse and hit a ball; you just hang on tight and swing, right? In reality it is one of the toughest and most demanding of all sports. The skills required by a top polo player are a combination of the hand-eye coordination of a cricketer, agility of a gymnast, fitness of a footballer and strength and courage of a rugby player - and on top of this, excellent horseman.
Sylvester Stallone said: “Playing polo is like playing golf during an earthquake.” I’ve been playing polo for most of my life and started my first training programme in Plett after matriculating. I now own 10 ponies, play professionally, hold the position of Polo Manager at the Inanda Club in Sandton, and manage the club’s on-site Youth and Novice School. What I especially like about polo is that the discipline, team work and commitment required to play the game, also has such a positive impact on our every day life. My passion for this incredibly rewarding sport has never waivered and even the number of injuries picked up along the way, has not deterred me from playing the game I love. It’s my life. Polo, known as the ‘sport of kings’, is a fantastic team sport involving speed, quick thinking, even faster reactions and a healthy dose of courage: it’s everything you could hope for in a sport and more. So it comes as no surprise that it is the chosen sport of royalty including Britain’s Princes Harry and William. However, what was once an elitist’s game is changing. Today, access to the game by all classes has made huge strides in Africa with a number of exciting and progressive developmental initiatives on the go. There are already a number of development players including Sbu Duma, Meshake Tshidiso and Tisetso Makenethe, to name a few, making headlines and becoming local heroes in the polo world. Through the success of these individuals, the rise of young talent from our disadvantaged communities is significantly shifting the outlook of polo and bodes well for the continued growth of this exciting sport into the future. What is interesting to note is that in Sub-Saharan African countries such as Ghana and Nigeria, polo is extremely well supported, but more so by the lower and middle classes who look upon it as a sport and lifestyle to aspire to. Ladies polo is also gaining in popularity and the number of lady players in South Africa is steadily climbing. Major tournaments, such as the SA Inter-Provincial, now have a ladies division and various tournaments held throughout the year continue to grow in stature and are well supported.
The Origins of Polo The origins of polo, its exotic ancestry and storied past have contributed to a heritage rich in colourful expressions such as a Chukka, the term used to describe the basic period of play, with each chukka lasting seven and a half minutes long and there are six chukkas in each match. Understanding the language adds yet another dimension to a fascinating sport. Polo was introduced to South Africa by British cavalry regiments garrisoned in the Eastern Cape area of South Africa in the late 19th century. The first recorded tournament took place at King
Williamstown in 1885. The British troops had, in turn, learnt the game in India not very long before this. There is a mistaken impression that polo started with British royalty whereas in fact its origins lie somewhere in Persia or China. The word ‘polo’ comes from the Gugerati word ‘pulu’ meaning ‘ball’ and there are tapestries depicting the sport dating back to the fourth century. The game swept across the Asian continent and it is a well known fact that the infamous Mongol leader, Genghis Khan, took to it with alacrity - even using enemies’ heads as practice balls! Far from being the exclusive preserve of white westerners, polo is still very popular in India, Pakistan, Brunei and some more remote regions reaching into Nepal (where it is played on elephants). Many African countries, particularly Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe, play polo and there are annual social tours against many of them. The curtain raisers before each game include players from the Junior Coaching Clinic, where a number of development players learn the game. The South African Polo Association (SAPA), the controlling body of polo in South Africa, was formed in 1905 and ensures that the rules and regulations are safely upheld and the good name of polo is in no way tarnished. Five polo provinces are affiliated - Highveld, East Griqualand, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and the Cape. SAPA is, in turn, affiliated to the Hurlingham Polo Association, which is the generally-recognised world body of polo. There are about 38 clubs in South Africa and about 400 players. So if you are looking for a new hobby that is fast, exciting and skillful, why not give polo a go. •
The Inanda Club, with its strong equestrian heritage, is firmly behind the development of polo and its growth throughout Africa. In addition to the Youth and Novice Polo School, the club hosts the annual Inanda Africa Cup with invitation sides from Africa taking part in the tournament. It’s a real highlight on the African polo calendar! Polo Africa, a South African development side, takes part in this event and were the winners of the Africa Cup in 2008 – a fantastic achievement. Other prestigious events held at the club include the BMW Polo Tournament, Avis Ladies Cup and the Hilton/ Michaelhouse Old Boy’s Tournament to name a few. With the club’s central location in the heart of a vibey Sandton, access to polo tournaments is easy and convenient, and this too is helping to boost the profile of the sport amongst all South Africans. The Inanda Novice and Youth school is open to all riders and non riders, pre-teens and upwards, and takes place in a safe and controlled environment. Private and group lessons are available and include both practical and theoretical. The ponies used are well schooled and suitable for riders of all abilities. The aim of the school is to raise the awareness of polo and develop a pipeline of future players for the Inanda Club. For more information about the school visit: www.inandaclub.co.za
www.doitnow.co.za
Sport >> 51
by Honorata Saar DO IT NOW | inTRODUCING: Words Photos from Shutterstock Stock Photos
Why we
Pole Vault
It all starts when you launch yourself down the runway, the pole you are carrying feels heavy but you keep going regardless. You skilfully plant the pole into a small box and catapult yourself upwards into the sky. Now you need to work hard, arms pushing, stomach contracting and legs swinging. You throw your head back, your body upside-down and rising, wait, wait, and extend. Once all the work is done, you let go of the pole and for a split second you are no longer grounded, no longer relying on the pole to lift you up, defying gravity. You are flying, soaring like an eagle, you are over the crossbar and for a few seconds, suspended in mid air and there is nothing around you but the beautiful blue sky; you are free!
Interesting Numbers: 3: The number of attempts you get on each height. 5.06: The women’s outdoor world record in metres, held by Yelena Isinbayeva. 6 Metre Club: Consists of pole vaulters who have vaulted over six metres. It’s a prestigious club and our very own Okkert Brits is a proud member.
6.14: The outdoor world record in metres, set by Sergey Bubka in 1994. This record is still in place more than 16 years later and no one has come close to it!
200: The rate your heart beats at when standing on the runway before each jump. 2000: The first time women were allowed to compete in this event at the Olympics.
52 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
This moment is what it is all about, and what keeps us coming back for more. Pole vaulting started many years ago when poles were used as a practical means of passing over water or natural obstacles in the Netherlands. Today, pole vaulting is a fully-fledged athletic field event in which you use a long, flexible fibreglass pole to launch yourself over a bar many metres above the ground. It has been said that pole vault is the glamour event of any track and field competition. It combines the grace of a gymnast with the strength of a body builder. It also has an element of flight and requires high levels of concentration and mental strength. Pole vaulters are always raising the bar, literally, as we strive to go higher and higher. You can never be in a comfort zone as this means you are playing it safe and as such, need to use a bigger pole. And as in life, many times we fall and break our bones; many times we fail and break our spirits, but when it all comes together and you fly over that crossbar and exceed your personal best, all the effort and pain is worth it.
Some interesting slogans we put on our t-shirts: • • • • • • • • • • • •
“WARNING ... High Vaultage.” “Don’t break your pole, it hurts.” “Go high or go home!” “Penetration is the key to success!” “Will vault for food.” “Any girl can dance on a pole, I can fly on mine.” “Clearance Sale!” “Darth Vaulter!” “E.T. Vault Home.” “It takes a good plant to get high.” “The stiffer the pole, the better the ride.” “Bend it like Bubka.”
On a more serious note, ‘Altitude with Attitude’ and ‘No Fear’ are the mottos that have been used on our t-shirts for many years, and since reading DO IT NOW, I realised that pole vaulters are not the only ones to have adopted these sayings. I was surprised to see that these slogans are universal amongst mountain climbers, sky divers, rock climbers and other adventure seekers. These athletes are just as disciplined, dedicated and passionate as we are, and I am proud to think that we are kindred spirits with this aspirational group too. •
“Often you need to take some risk, but it must be a realistic risk, you can’t take a crazy risk.”
Pole Vault Quotes from Sergey Bubka, World Record holder:
• “The strategy of my coach and I was that we looked at pictures of all the best pole vaulters from around the world, and took the best parts from them, and created a person that had never existed. We then started to work toward being such a person.” • “What is nice about this sport is that I am responsible for most everything.” • “You need to work very hard, you have to spend a lot of time practicing your sport six to seven hours daily.” • “I think that, generally, you need to live with your sport 24-hours a day.” • “The pole vault is a very complicated event, there are many things involved.”
www.doitnow.co.za
Sport >> 53
DO IT NOW | inH20:
Words by Deon Breytenbach Photos by Lourina Fourie, Luke Longridge & Andrew Kellet
Pro Race paddlers ready for the day | Photo by Andrew Kellet
The fourth annual Blyde Xfest, held from 26 – 28 February 2010 on the upper/lower Blyde River, was one for the record books with more than 100 competitors taking part in the various paddling events. All the categories were filled to capacity and the number of entries doubled that of previous years. It has been said that this event may have set a new record for the largest amount of kayaking competitors at a festival in South Africa. The festival kicked off early Friday morning with the French and Gravity crews, as well as people from all over the world arriving for registration. In no time, the Blyde Adventure Camp was transformed into a hub of excitement and a fair amount of nerves. Later that evening, and new to the event, a whitewater film festival was held and showcased some of the local film and paddling talent. This was a big hit with all the festival goers, especially the international paddlers as it gave them the chance to see places and rivers that they might not get an opportunity to paddle on their travels. Top honours went to Andrew Kellet for his film ‘Life and Kayaking in Uganda’, which highlighted the famous and massive rapids of the White Nile, together with the friendly and vibrant way of life in Uganda. It was an early start on Saturday morning for the pro kayakers, who left camp at 05h30 on a cattle truck for the journey into the Blyde Canyon. Reaching the put-in at the Mariepskop picnic site, it became evident that the rain gods must have been paying attention to our rain dances, as the river had doubled in volume overnight. The day was set for some great action, with a number of the biggest names (male and female) in the South African and the international kayaking community ready to push the limits and lend a helping hand to the less-experienced participants. There were three categories in the Pro Race; Male, Female and Hand Paddle. The Hand Paddle section was a first for the festival in 2009, and I was the only hand paddler to take part. This year, there were three others who joined the fun. This discipline requires that we race the same rapids, but without a paddle. Back up the canyon, the Pro race paddlers had some time to settle in as their first race rapid, the famous Alley’s Staircase, was halfway down the paddling section of the Blyde Canyon. The
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competitors kept pushing the boundaries and just two seconds separated the top 10 paddlers – it was nail-biting stuff! This narrow margin ensured that everyone remained totally focused on the next race rapid, as the title was way out in the open. When we arrived at the second race rapid, Gutter and Curtain Falls, a decision was made to close the main line on Curtains as it was too intimidating to paddle, let alone race down. This meant that the competitors would have to work extra hard to get good times at this rapid, as the line was technical and shallow, and if you went a bit too far on either side, the shallow rocks could slow you down and cost you precious milliseconds. However, the Hand Paddlers decided to race the main line down Curtain Falls, just to keep things interesting. But in the end, it was only Luke Longridge and myself who braved the main line; the other two participants changing their minds halfway and opting for the longer yet safer route taken by the other racers. After Curtains, the times were checked once again and still there was only two seconds separating the top six paddlers. All in all, the first half of the day went rather smoothly, with the only really big scare being when Paul Prinsloo disappeared into the undercut of the notorious Log Waterfall rapid. Luckily he managed to claw his way out of the undercut after disappearing completely for what seemed like an eternity. This resulted in most of the paddlers walking around the rapid and saving their strength (and nerves) for the race rapids ahead. Back at the camp grounds, the Beginner and Intermediate Kayak races were underway and action packed. Competitors soon realised that the rapids are named for a reason and the final rapid on their section, Big Deal, provided some interesting swims and upside-down runs during the races. After the Beginners, it was time
e ke Longridg
Photo by Lu
Croc & Tube race Photo by Lurina Fourie
Photo by Luke Longridge
Photo by Luke Longridge
Photo by Luke Longridge
Wouter van der Merwe Lower Bl yde at Croc & Tube race | Photo by Lurina Fourie
Pro Racers checking the out Alley’s Staircase | Photo by Luke Longridge Arriving at the first race rapid Alleys Stairc ase | Photo graph by A ndrew Kelle t Croc & Tu be race, L o w Photo by e r B ly d e Lurina Fo urie
for the Intermediate group to battle it out in the rapids. MJ Kuhn, a Blyde River local, made it clear early in the race that he was there for the win and powered his way to first place, by stretching his lead after every heat. The Beginner Men’s category was won by Martin Heydenreich after swimming over the finish line, and the Intermediate Female title belonged to Claire McGovern. That afternoon, the Croc Raft and Gecko Tube races for individuals and corporate teams were in full swing, with a record number of entries for these events. The river continued to rise all day, so when the time came for the inflatable races to start, everyone knew they were in for a real treat as there would be loads of entertainment. The marshals decided that paddler’s times would be taken as they crossed the finish line, regardless of whether they were inside or outside their raft or tube as most participants battled to stay upright through Big Deal. Local Blyde boys Bruce and MJ dominated the individual races, and the corporate race was won by a local team from Laeveld Bou, thus keeping all the titles on home soil. By late afternoon, the Pro race had progressed to the last race rapid, Camels Humps, and with the times so close everyone was giving it their all in a fight to the finish line. In the end, the title was successfully defended by reigning champion Shane Raw from Swaziland, with Andrew Kellet from Cape Town just .23 seconds behind him. The Pro Female title was taken by another Cape Town paddler, Peanut aka Kate Walton. The racing over, it was now time to relax with an ice cold beer and enjoy a scenic boat ride over Blyde Dam before returning to camp. The final event of the festival was the Kayak Ramp, which took place under floodlights. It is an open event and hugely popular with both the spectators and competitors. The aim of this event is for the competitors to slide down a massive ramp and as they are flung high into the air, they need to perform a maneuver that is scored by the judges. After several attempts by all the participants,
56 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
Luke Longridge walked away with a high-flying first place, as well as first place in the Pro Race Hand Paddle section. The last event was the announcement of the results of the photographic competition that was held online. After the voting closed in March, South African Adrian Tregoning had received the most votes for his stunning photograph from a kayaking trip to Sumatra. With all the events over and the music pumping, it was time for the legendary party and fire show. This lasted into the wee hours of the morning with new friends, old friends and just everyone having a fantastic time under the African sky For those that had managed to avoid a hangover or still had some energy left on Sunday morning, there was a fun paddle down the Olifants gorge. This was open to all kayakers and their friends, and the non-kayakers were able to join in and have some fun on the Croc Rafts too. It was also a chance for the less experienced to paddle with the big boys. By midday Sunday, all the paddlers had returned to camp and it was time for us to say our goodbyes. The weekend had been everything I had hoped for and more. A big thank you to our sponsors: DO IT NOW, Fluid Kayaks, Whitewater Training, Ark Inflatable’s, Bondi Blu, Vibram 5 Fingers, Werner Paddles, Paddle Zone, Le Bamba, Laeveld Bou, Spar, Extreme Equipment and Kruger 2 Canyon. Without your support, we would not have been able to make the festival the huge success it was. Thanks to all the competitors and supporters who came through, and we hope to see you all again next year on the last weekend of February. For full race results and other links to albums and information, check out www.extremelimpopo.com and Extreme Limpopo on Facebook.
Photographer: Adrian Tregoning Photo: Paddler is Andrew Kellett. Location: Waterfall is known as the Tangsi Empat on the Sungai Lambai river in the Solok Selatan regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The competition was hosted on the Mohlatsi Adventures Facebook page where members voted for their favourite kayaking or related Xtreme sport photograph.
www.doitnow.co.za ď&#x201A;
Sport >> 57
by Claire King DO IT NOW | inACTION: Words Photos by Claire King, Naomi Koetzee & Dirk Venter
58 >> DO IT NOW ď&#x201A; June/July 2010
The Palm Jumeirah is the largest man-made island ever created using land-reclamation and increasing Dubai’s shoreline by a whopping 520 km. It is in the shape of a palm tree and consists of a trunk, a crown with 16 fronds and a surrounding crescent island that forms an 11 km long breakwater. Like much of Dubai, it is man-made, enormous, and well, both fascinating and absurd. The view is spectacular; a flat blue ocean morphing to jade as it feeds into the harbour and snakes its way to become a creek between the high-rise architectural playground of Dubai. As we climb, circling the ocean, city and desert, the bigger Palm Jebel Ali and the World Islands come into sight and we get a bird’s eye view of Dubai; magnificent in its ostentatiousness. Through the haze, the Burj Khalifa pierces an already high-rise skyline like a needle, dwarfing the city around it. This is now the world’s tallest building, launched just before we arrived. The opening ceremony belied none of the apparent financial crisis in Dubai. It was ‘go big or go home’. The weather is perfect, the view mesmerising. There is only one thing left to do ... exit. After all, the door is open and we’re not here for the view! Ok, so we’re admittedly partly here for the view, but the real task at hand is the competition.
We tear ourselves from the magnificent panorama to do our final checks and preparations, each person with their own routine. The chopper runs in over the ocean and James signals our climb-out. Outside the aircraft, ready on the step, I feel the air rhythmically pumping from the rotors above my head and I take in a last sneak peak at the view. I give the call and the five of us leave as a single unit, focusing on the task at hand. The air is soft and slow compared to our home drop zone on the South African Highveld. The longer freefall and high-rise buildings below present unfamiliar signals to our built-in clocks and at 5,000 ft above the ground, our rhythm starts breaking and we are all distracted. We’ve been falling too long and the buildings look too close. Although our altimetres contradict our instincts and thoughts flying through our minds, at 4,500 ft I chicken out first (we’ve all lost our concentration anyway), turn and track away for deployment. This was our first jump at the inaugural Dubai Parachuting Championships, an international skydiving competition held over the Palm Jumeirah and sponsored primarily by the crown prince of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, besides being a poet and well known horse rider, is an avid extreme sports enthusiast too.
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We had idly talked about entering international meets for experience and exposure, and the Dubai Parachuting Championships seemed just the thing. The prospect of ‘the money shot’ of us skydiving with the Palm Jumeirah in the background was hardly off-putting! We confirmed that the first and second SA teams had no plans to participate, got the ok from the SSA and with two substitutes, we were on our way. The organisers spared no expense or effort and ideas raised during the event would often be delivered the following day. With prize money up for grabs, the event quickly turned from a great sight-seeing trip to a viable opportunity. Even though Formation Skydiving was the least focused on event for the organisers, entries soon started rolling in from the top teams around the world. We found ourselves faced with the opportunity to compete against and learn from the likes of Arizona Airspeed (the current US and World Champions), France Aerodyne, Belgium’s Hyabusa Defence, Canada’s Team Evolution (comprising three brothers and their father) and Russia Black Cat. And learn we did! Our event was only eight rounds and secondary in schedule to the Canopy Piloting and Classic Accuracy. Being very wind-dependent events, they were scheduled to jump while we waited on standby in case the wind came up. With only one jump a day, teams were super relaxed and always available to give us advice, help us engineer or just chill out together. In a sport with a reputation for laid-back hippies or A-type personalities, the professionalism of the Arizona Airspeed skydiving team provided a valuable insight into the comprehensive approach and extent of commitment that goes into creating, running and maintaining a team of this calibre. The team’s continued success goes far beyond their incredible skydiving skill, team work and commitment. They are on duty all the time, marketing themselves as a brand in everything they do. This is professional sportsmanship
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in a sport where sponsorship and finance is scarce and you truly do it for the joy and glory. After some heat from team Hyabusa, Airspeed decided to put some back into it and from that moment on, soared into first place, their experience and professionalism separating them once more from the rest of the pack. Hyabusa took second place and France third. We were happy to come sixth out of 15 teams, below all the professional teams, but securely at the top of our class of ‘weekend warriors’. We had a blast, learnt a lot and certainly didn’t suffer from 14 days of skydiving and sunny beaches in balmy Dubai. We were treated to the most spectacular air shows imaginable, traditional fare and cultural displays. The opening ceremony left nothing wanting – pyrotechnics, stilts, dancing, tradition, costume, pomp and splendour all rolled into an evening that typifies Emirate hospitality. It seems that we weren’t the only ones who considered it a hit. The organisers and sponsors considered it so successful that they have not only decided to continue with the event as an annual fixture, but it seems that the site has now been converted into a permanent drop zone. This is welcome news for the local jumpers who have wind tunnels but no drop zone in Dubai, and certainly not this close to the city. Be sure to swing past this spectacularlylocated drop zone on your next Dubai stop over – it is well worth it.
Skydive Dubai details: Tandem bookings: +971 50 153 3222 Facebook group: Skydive Dubai
DO IT NOW | inACTION:
Narrated by Johan Slaghuis Words and Photos by Rocco le Roux
Motoring ‘The Noble Steed’ out into the open water of the Vaal Dam, I thought briefly of the opponents I would face in the LDYC Single Handed Round the Island Race, who lay between me and the finish line. Hoisting my main sail, I pushed the rudder and gently pointed the 26 ft keelboat towards the bay in front of Lake Deneys Yacht Club (LDYC), the hosts of this popular annual race. To fully appreciate the challenge that lay ahead of me, you have to understand a couple of things: First of all, to race a couple of tons of wind-powered fibreglass, a skipper needs a crew of at least three experienced sailors. Secondly, a keelboat needs a certain amount of wind power before it becomes manoeuvrable. And thirdly, to add some spice to the race, it is held on the 1st of January, hence the nickname ‘Babbelas Race’.
yacht, this will eventually become problematic. So, as long as you are flying that kite in front of the yacht and steering with the rudder between your legs, all is well! But how do you safely drop a 30 m² sail single-handedly, while steering the yacht? Worrying thoughts of beaching my 26 ft baby flashed through my mind.
It’s time to start the race. More than 20 keelboats and a host of smaller sail boats are jockeying for the best starting position. Being wind powered, we have a rolling start and the trick is to cross the start line at full speed moments after the gun shot goes off. Normally this would not be a problem for an experienced yachty such as myself, but in only two knots of wind, The Noble Steed is sluggish to react. The lack of crew doesn’t make it easier either.
Fortunately for me there was a lull in the wind, which gave me an opportunity to drop the kite and regain my composure. In control once again, I jibed to avoid running aground and steered towards the safety of deeper water. As I glanced back, I could see my closest rival fighting nature’s forces in his spinnaker to remain in control of his J27. In an effort to catch me, he did not drop his spinnaker during the lull and was now in a serious predicament. This gave me the upper hand to put just enough water between us and cross the finish line in first position.
A very light easterly prevailed until 10h00 and then, nothing. However, I was lucky enough to have reached the back of the island where a northern breeze had picked up. This is any Vaal Dam sailor’s dream because it is a constant, persistent breeze, which enabled me to beat the rest of the way up the island. As I rounded the northern end of the island, now running with the wind, I deployed the spinnaker in a steady five knots breeze. So far so good!
A jibe or gybe is a sailing maneuver where a sailing vessel turns its stern through the wind, such that the wind direction changes from one side of the boat to the other. Source: Wikipedia
Behind me, I could see a storm brewing and the wind started to pick up, eventually reaching a gusting 20 knots. In normal circumstance, this would be great as the big keelboats are built to race in strong wind. However, when you are alone on a 26 ft
Winning my class outright was a great honour and provided sufficient bragging rights in the clubhouse. However, the real victory came from within, as personal victory is the sweetest of all!
by Rhys Foster DO IT NOW | inACTION: Words Photos by Kelvin Trautman
Here is my day-by-day account of this amazing race: Heidelberg to Frankfort (121 km) Cold conditions prevailed as 640 athletes gathered at 7am for the start of this epic race, no doubt wondering what they had committed to for the next nine days. Day 1 consisted of 121 km of challenging terrain, testing our skills in the cold and wet conditions. The route followed jeep tracks and district roads to the Vaal Dam. The crossing was one of the more novel aspects of the race as competitors had to paddle across a short section of the dam in Dragon boats. For this reason, the organisers decided to make Day 1 a pro-am where all riders received the same time. Onwards to the Wilge Sports ground, and an enthusiastic welcome from the students.
Frankfort to Reitz (95.4 km) This was supposed to be one of the easier days, but it turned out to be tougher than expected. Waking to the sound of rain and a chilly 8° C, riding conditions were not easy – especially when you are wearing every piece of clothing you have in an attempt to keep warm.
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The route worked its way through the Free State, along mielie farms, meandering rivers and past breathtaking views, which helped see us through this tough section and keep spirits high.
Reitz to Sterkfontein Dam (125 km) Faced with 125 km of testing mountain biking, riders soon realised that the Free State is not as flat as they might have thought. For some of the tail enders, this section took 10 long and energysapping hours in the saddle. However, the spectacular view of the 7,000 ha Sterkfontein Dam and warm reception from everyone at the local Harriston School, from Harrismith, who gave us five-star treatment including much needed bike washes and massages, helped to restore body, mind and soul.
Sterkfontein Dam to Winterton (124 km) I’ve found mountain biking heaven! We were challenged with loads of technical climbs, but once you got to the top, the fast and furious
In the words of Farmer Glen, one of the organisers of the inaugural Fairbairn Capital joBerg2c mountain bike race, “Anyone who is considering immigrating should try the joBerg2c and chances are you will never leave.” Departing from Heidelberg on Friday the 23rd April, 310 teams (620 riders) made their way over 923 km of varied terrain and 100 farms to the finish line at Scottburgh in nine gruelling days. Many of the field underestimated the toughness of the route, especially the farmland stages that exceeded the 125km mark. It’s clear this event, like Africa, is not for sissies! “The Fairbairn Capital joBerg2c is about riding the off-roads less travelled and trails never travelled. It is racing, riding and touring across this magnificent country. It is sharing a passion for mountain biking with those who love riding. Our aim is to provide a journey where the destination is less important than the experience along the way,” is how the race organisers describe the race.
descents made it all worthwhile. We entered KwaZulu-Natal and the climb up Spionkop was extremely difficult. Once over, we flew down the mountain on a technical single track that was pure exhilaration. We entered the aptly named Garden of Eden and followed a fantastic single track that ran beside the Tugela River for several kilometres. A quick stop at the last watering table for the day, and fittingly the half-way point of the Fairbairn Capital joBerg2c, then it was up Puff Adder Pass and down to Winterton.
Winterton to Kamberg (102 km) The previous four days had taken its toll and with rubbery legs, I wearily left the town of Winterton into more farmlands. From here, the southern Berg beckoned and we bid farewell to the bushveld of the Free State. Some big climbs lay ahead and I had to dig deep to maintain momentum to the finish at Glen Garry Resort in Kamberg.
That evening we witnessed a live broadcast of Super Cycling, with Phil Liggett as the guest. This was a great opportunity to chill out on the banks of a finishing shute, whilst sipping on complimentary beverages.
Kamberg to Underberg Polo Grounds (93.7 km) Leaving Kamberg, we were soon met with more demanding climbs. Some of the riders decided to walk, while others bravely battled their way to the highest point of the route, Snow Top Farm, 1,864 metres above sea level. The rapid decent down the other side was nerve wracking, as riders tore down a 12 km district road reaching speeds of well over 60 km/h. At the bottom we waded across a crystal clear river that was freezing, and some of the riders joked about bringing their fly fishing rods to next year’s event. Remounting our bikes, we braced
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ourselves for the Valley of Death, an 8 km climb that had riders maxing their heart rates as it became technical towards the top. This caused some riders to fall off their bikes as they were just too exhausted to unclip. Those who had prepared properly for this event enjoyed the climb and still found the time and energy to encourage struggling riders. Leaving the mountain, the fast-rolling pine plantation roads gave us a chance to recover. As we approached Himeville, we weaved our way through farms and over the local golf course before arriving at the Underberg Polo Grounds. During dinner, Phil Liggett gave a fascinating talk about his experiences as a commentator of the Tour de France over the past 37 years. It was a real privilege to listen to this highlyrespected man, who has become the ‘Voice of Cycling’.
Underberg Polo Grounds to MacKenzie Club (86 km) Day 7 was like a ‘rest’ day with minimal climbing. The first 18km were fantastic as riders casually rode down the undulating road, saving themselves for the mighty Umkomaas the next day. Passing the scenic Oak Dual Track we headed towards View Climb, a challenge that pushed our heart rates into overdrive. Swooping down more single tracks, we arrived at the PG Bison Floating bridge, which was firmly entrenched in mud. As we descended through the Nxumene Forest, the home of the Cape Parrot, we were tested once more at Tiny’s Climb, a long straight climb to the finish that left riders wondering if they had actually saved any energy for the big day that lay ahead.
MacKenzie Club to Jolivet (96.7 km) This was a day that mountain bikers normally only dream of, with almost 35% of the day’s ride on an excellent dry single track, and the rest of the route challenging our skills and endurance. It was a test that mountain bikers love attempting and leaves riders pumped, despite the pain, and keeps them coming back for more. We followed 7 km of district road before disappearing into the pines, along more single tracks that took us down Ants Single Track into Yankee Doodle. The views of the Umkomaas were awesome and the shear drops had many of the riders very
nervous. After passing Murrays Meander, a 3 km river section that flows faster than the mighty Umkomaas, we dropped into the switchbacks of Nicks Pass, another fast section that had breaks screaming as riders attempted to slow down. From there we entered into the Sosibas section, School Single Track, Long Ones Path, Husky Highway, Mchunus Pride and Heaven and Hell, to the finish at Tamikas Detour. This 30-odd kilometre section would have blown the mind of any mountain biker; it’s a pure adrenaline rush.
Jolivet to Scottburgh (75 km) Excitement filled the air as riders anticipated being reunited with their loved ones and having a swim in the sea, signifying the end of this amazing race. Through sugar cane fields and across magnificent game farms, the pace was fast and riders seemed to have forgotten they had completed a daunting 900 km. Riding the last few kilometers, I reflected on how far we had come, the thrills and spills, agony and enjoyment, and the nine memorable days spent with new and old friends. As I rode onto the main beach of Scottburgh, the feeling was akin to winning the race; the sense of accomplishment indescribable. Then everyone was hugging their loved ones and thanking the wonderful sponsors for making this event possible. And then, the last dash into the sea for a long-awaited swim. Well done to all riders who took part in the inaugural Fairbairn Capital joBerg2c. May 2011 be your year to challenge the status quo, and live big! •
DO IT NOW | inACTION:
Words by Claire Ashworth Photos by Paul Wassung, Actionography, Trevor Ball, Barry Staark, John Yeld
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For more information about these challenges, visit the website www.sports4u.co.za and be a part of a great day out on the mountain.
Ryan Sandes, winner of the 2009 HANSA Hout Bay Trail Challenge in a record time of 4:17:17 and the current winner of the Atacama Desert, Gobi Desert and Amazon Jungle multi stage races, said: “I rate the Hout Bay Challenge, kilometre-for-kilometre, the toughest trail race in South Africa and if I could have chosen one race to have won in this country, this would have been it. There was no other trail race I wanted to win more than this one!” It all began when two adventure-seeking Hout Bay locals, Richard Sutton and Mark Preen, decided over a beer at the Hout Bay Yacht Club that road running had lost its appeal in one way or another, and so the idea to circumnavigate the mountains of Hout Bay, in winter and the rainy season, came about! The first Hout Bay Trail Challenge started off with a mere 25 mountain goats, who braved the pouring rain and bitterly cold weather conditions to conquer the peaks of Hout Bay. The treacherous Cape storms did not deter them and now nine years later, the handful of die hards has grown to a full race card of 250 trail runners, and a waiting list double that. The race is limited for safety and environmental reasons by the organisers and Table Mountain National Parks. Trail running for the majority of runners is not particularly competitive; it is more about getting out and enjoying the majestic beauty of the mountains. It’s also about persevering up rugged mountains and relishing in the brutal descents. Trail running was a relatively new sport in South Africa when the Hout Bay Trail Challenge was first introduced. Since then, the growth has been phenomenal, welcoming more and more road runners who have rejected the miles of munching tar in favour of getting out and about in the Cape’s mountains and more recently, further a field. The event starts at the Hout Bay Yacht Club and is broken up into three legs that may be run either as a relay team of three or as an
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individual. The first leg begins with a sprint through the harbour at dawn to the first of many climbs. Trail runners head up the steep, windy track to the Radar Station at the top of Karbonkelberg. The incredible sunrise trail runners are greeted with is well worth the hard slog. From the Radar Station, runners navigate their way through a Yellow Wood forest and down Suther Peak to the top of Suikerbossie, aided by ropes to get them safely down. This is definitely not a race for the faint hearted! The first leg finishes at Suikerbossie Restaurant, where runners and spectators are treated to hot scones, coffee and a roaring fire to warm one self. In preparation for the next big climb, Hammer Nutrition is there to provide the necessary hydration to runners. The second leg begins with a steep and exhausting climb up to Hout Bay Corner, then up Llandudno Ravine and along the back of Table Mountain, ending at Constantia Nek. It is here that participants realise that Table Mountain is NOT flat! Once at the top of Llandudno Ravine, the views of the surrounds are beautiful but there are still a number of ravines and koppies to face before reaching the dams and descent to Constantia Nek’s car park. Constantia Nek is always abuzz with cheering spectators who are a welcome sight to the competitors – the majority of whom have been going for well over four hours by this stage. The last leg that faces the runners, and the easiest of the three, legs is a climb up and over Vlakkenburg, before making a final descent along Chapman’s Peak and across Hout Bay Beach to the finish line at the Hout Bay Yacht Club.
Two years after the inaugural HBTC and with the interest in trail running growing, Richard Sutton and Ken Findlay founded the Old Fisherman’s Trail Challenge. This 22 km race follows the route taken by the fishermen in years gone by, to cross the mountains that separate the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This race is somewhat easier than the gruelling Hout Bay Trail Challenge and is a fantastic race for novices to get their teeth into. The start and finish points alternate each year between Fish Hoek and Hout Bay and as such, there are advantages and disadvantages to the different route profiles. When starting from Hout Bay, you begin with a relentless climb to the top of Blackburn Ravine, a climb of over 620 m, but then the rest of the route is a gradual descent into Fish Hoek. The descent into Kalk Bay is particularly special as you run from Echo Valley along a spectacular single track. While the start from Fish Hoek is an easier run and the climb more gradual, you climb for the majority of the race. However, the view at the summit of Blackburn is awesome and the descent wild! This year, the race will be from Fish Hoek to Hout Bay and has become known as the Up Run! The race distance is 22 km, but don’t be fooled by this relatively shortsounding distance. Distances in the mountains are deceptive. While top road runners tend to finish 21 km road races in approximately 65 minutes, the top finishers in the HANSA Old Fisherman’s Trail Challenge are pleased to break two hours – a considerable difference. The current men’s records are held by Nicolas Rupanga in 1:44:20 for the distance from Hout Bay to Fish Hoek, and Warren Petterson in 1:43:16 for the race from Fish Hoek to Hout Bay. Michelle Lombardi holds the ladies record for both directions; Hout Bay to Fish Hoek in a time of 2:00:40 and Fish Hoek to Hout Bay in a time of 1:59:39. This event is made up of two legs with a transition point at Silvermine Dam, in the Silvermine National Park. The first leg of this year’s challenge leaves Fish Hoek beach towards Kalk Bay, the start of a gradual ascent through Silvermine North, passing Ridge Peak and across Ou Kaapse Weg to Silvermine Dam along a breathtaking river trail. The second leg starts with the last climb of the event to the top of Blackburn Ravine, and then a nail-biting descent down to Hout Bay beach, finishing at the Hout Bay Yacht Club. The final obstacle of the day is crossing the not-sopopular Disa River mouth on Hout Bay Beach, which can be waist high if the tide is not in your favour, but is mostly only ankle deep. Event Requirements These events are called trail challenges for a reason, as you have to be able to look after yourself out there on the mountain. Although the Cape’s mountains are an integral part of the city, very quickly you can find yourself at least an hour away from any help and you must be able to take care of yourself if you get into trouble. Safety is paramount on the mountains and all runners are required to carry essential items to ensure their well being. As the races take place in the middle of winter, the weather is normally pretty inclement and rain and wind are standard features of the race. The weather at the top of the mountain is usually very different to that at the bottom, so runners need to be prepared for all weather conditions. The compulsory kit required is at least two litres of water, a waterproof jacket for protection against the wind and rain, space blanket, medical kit with basic supplies such as strapping and compression bandages, food to last at least five to six hours, whistle, thermal base layer to run in and a fully-charged cell phone with the Mountain Rescue’s numbers on it. Giving back to the Environment As an environmentally-conscious organisation, we encourage the participants of both events to give back to the environment by making a donation to the path maintenance of Table Mountain National Park. So far we have rehabilitated Llandudno Ravine, helped with signage within the Silvermine area and this year, we are hoping to raise enough money to upgrade the Karbonkelberg path.
Both events are not just races. They are about getting out there, and experiencing and enjoying one’s environment come rain or shine.
DO IT NOW | inPREPERATION:
Words by Mark Collins Photos by Steve Dielbroux, Kelvin Trautman & Jacques Marais
For many trail runners the Otter stands out as the ultimate trail run and proof of its popularity was seen in the entries for this year’s event being sold out as soon as they became available. Whilst most runners are attracted to this event because of the indescribably beautiful coastline the route traverses, only a few of the participants are aware of the magnitude of the challenge they have let themselves in for. The Otter has a ‘bite’ that is becoming legendary. Only 75% of those who attempted the inaugural Otter Run in 2009 made it to the finish line within the nine-hour cut off time, and conditions for trail running were perfect. Of those runners, 85% reported finding the Otter harder than expected. In fact, eight out of the top ten finishers admitted that the Otter was more of a challenge than they had anticipated, with many rating it as the hardest event of its kind that they had ever competed in. The most common complaint was that of severe symptoms of what has become infamously known as ‘the Otter Bite’, a chronic case of all-over cramping accompanied by deep muscle fatigue. With the event organisers threatening to enforce various cut off’s along the route more strictly this year, here’s how to avoid becoming a victim of ‘the Otter bite’. The first step in preparing yourself to face any challenge is to understand the nature of what you are about to tackle. In this regard, the Otter is no different. Where it does differ from other challenges is the event is often underestimated. Don’t make this mistake. It is generally unwise to consider trail runs in terms of distances, although it is very tempting to do so with this particular one. At just over 42 km the Otter is, by fluke, a classic marathon distance and perhaps, in a small way, what gives the Otter its appeal. What really makes it special though, according to founding runner John Collins, is that it is such a balanced test of true trail running ability on a trail traversing one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. Therein lies the key words defining this challenge; a balanced test of true trail running ability. If you know anything about John Collins then you will understand in what context he uses the words ‘balanced’ and ‘true test’. If the distance itself is not too daunting for most accomplished runners and if you’ve entered this event, it shouldn’t be. The route, following the coastline, climbs no apparent mountain ranges, so then what is it that makes the Otter such a ‘true test of trail running ability and what eventually provokes the ‘Otter bite’? Quite simply, it’s because the Otter is totally relentless! The trail challenges you every step of the way. These challenges come in two varieties: vertical and technical. The result is a nasty surprise to many athletes who find themselves suffering from severe symptoms of ‘the bite’ at around the 35 km mark. The Otter involves a total vertical ascent of more than 2,300 m and is likened to some of the more severe mountain runs. Although all of the climbs, of which there are 11 the event organisers term ‘significant’, are relatively short, runners are often surprised to learn the extent of their accumulated ascent. The accrued vertical metres are inescapably there and the climbs are steep. A runner will need to power his body up those vertical 2.3 km and then back down again, and for that he will need to be well prepared. The second physical challenge the trail poses is that it is a technical run with plenty of boulder hopping, slippery root-woven paths and
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jagged rock sections to be negated. A fall at any of these sections could easily lead to injury. Whilst some runners make light work of the rock hoping, many other athletes’ technical ability is limited, resulting in them loosing crucial time and expending unnecessary energy over these stretches. Although most of the course is runnable, it is very seldom that you can put one foot down in front of the other without thought, and this takes its toll mentally and on muscles not familiar to the wide variety of movement and flexibility required. Another aspect you will need to be prepared for is keeping yourself well nourished and hydrated along the route. Unlike other conventional road races where there are regular water points, participants in the Otter are required to be nutritionally self sufficient. Although the severe drought of 2009 necessitated the organisers creating one artificial water point and feed station for that event, they have warned that this should be considered merely a bonus in this year’s event. Furthermore, whilst the organisers endeavour to supply current and accurate information about the location and state of the natural water sources on the day of the run, they have advised that you can expect to go up to 14 km between water replenishment sources. Once you have understood these challenges, you will able to prepare for them. John himself, who finished second in 2009, trains for the duration rather than the distance. “By including some long runs, in excess of five hours, I find I am better prepared for the time that I will be spending out there.” He also incorporates weekly technical and vertical sessions. Adds John, “By including lots of hills and lots and lots of technical rockwork in my training, I find conditions that will help me to conquer the relentless Otter. From experience I can tell you that technical running over uneven ground can be quickly and greatly improved by training on similar terrain.” He recommends that you carry at least 1.5 litres of water as well as some real food to supplement the GU and energy bars. “You can expect to be out there for at least double your best marathon time and burn twice as many calories. Don’t expect to find anything you don’t bring with you out there,” warns John.
This year’s event is taking place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 September and entries are limited to 150 participants (Please note that 20 entries have been reserved for overseas participants, SANParks staff, event organisers and invited event sponsor’s athletes). For more details on the entry process and to enter online, visit www.southernstorm.co.za.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remain convinced that for me, and I guess many others, the Otter will prove to be the pinnacle of the active lifestyle that we all enjoy so much,â&#x20AC;? sub six-hour finisher Ian Morshead said of his experience at the inaugural event.
DO IT NOW | inSHAPE: Words & Photos Courtesy of Arran Brown
My ITB Diary
- Arran Brown -
After a long, hard 2009 season, I took three weeks off to rest and recover. On the 20th of December, I started my training programme and made the mistake of being super motivated for the year ahead and did a hard four-hour ride on my first day back. Over the next few days, I did between three to four hours and on the fifth day of training, towards the end of the ride, I felt a sudden weakening and loss of power in my left leg from the hip down. This weak feeling was not associated with any type of pain while riding and I thought nothing of it until I stopped to have a drink. When I stood up, I experienced an excruciatingly painful ‘stabbing’ sensation on the outside of my left knee. I called my girlfriend to pick me up in her car, as I did not want to do any further damage by riding home. I took two days off and iced my knee hoping this would sort it out. Two days later I decided to get back on the bike and see how it went. I was on the bike for 45 minutes of pain-free riding when I was suddenly struck by a severe pain and found myself stranded on the side of the road, once again. This time I could hardly walk or bend my knee without pain. Two days before I began my training for the season I was chatting to one of our team sponsors, Anthony Nash, and he had asked me if I had ever suffered from ITB Syndrome. I thought to myself he was just another guy moaning about nothing. One week later there I was limping around with the same knee pain! I found myself in a huge panic as I had a big year planned ahead with my team (Medscheme) and the opportunity to race abroad with the SA National Team in Langkawi. So the pressure was on to get this problem fixed in a hurry!
TENS, Acupuncture and Bemer
The first thing I did was email Dr Jeroen Swart at the Sports Science Institute in Newlands. Burry Stander had pulled out of the ABSA Cape Epic in 2008 with severe ITB Syndrome and it was Dr Jeroen Swart who had sorted him out with some conservative treatment and a corticosteroid injection. I needed his professional advice immediately. His questions to me were, is your bike set-up correct? Have you changed shoes? Have you fitted new cleats? Have you changed your saddle? I made a few changes to my cleats, ankle in slightly, and put my old saddle back on as I had changed my saddle to a newer one. However, after a week or two I still couldn’t ride for longer than 15 minutes without experiencing terrible pain. Dr Jeroen Swart suggested I come and see him for a bike set-up and full individual anatomy analysis. In the end I did not go to Jeroen and instead decided to fly back home to Johannesburg and see my massage therapist, Hannes Van Der Walt, hoping to sort the problem out by simply loosening my gluteus muscles and lower-back muscles. Often ITB knee pain is caused by a tightening in these muscles, which then creates added friction and greater pressure on the femoral condoyle, the
boney prominence on the outside of the knee. I also had intensive physiotherapy everyday with my physiotherapist, Anna Theron. We did acupuncture, interferential current, TENS, ultrasound, BEMER (Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation) and basically threw the textbook at it. After one solid month of rehab I was back on my bike riding 20 hours per week with very little pain, but it would still occasionally come and go, and this is when I started panicking. I decided, without my physiotherapist or massage therapist’s consent, to see another health care professional close to where I live, to see if he could sort me out even though I was well on my way to being fixed. This was the worst thing I could have done. He ended up doing aggressive cross friction on the ITB, where it rubs over the bone, to break down the scar tissue he felt had developed. I ended up limping out of his rooms and was told to train three to four hours per day, and if I had pain not to worry as it was good to get the blood circulation going. I continued to ride every day with the pain and would call him daily to ask if he was sure about me riding through the pain, and he would say, “Trust me!” Anyway, I ended up doing a race that weekend and finished the race in such bad pain that I was unable to drive home, as I couldn’t push the clutch in! This particular ‘Doctor’ ended up putting me totally out of action for another two months! This same ‘Doctor’ would book patients every 15 minutes, did absolutely no background checkups and asked no questions on the history of my injury; he just ploughed straight into my knee and damaged it further. I was just another patient swiping my card, and it seems that this guy was more interested in making money and not interested in helping people! I was furious about how this particular Doctor handled and treated my injury; it was totally unprofessional. There are so many specialists out there who would rather make a quick buck than help cure your problem with patience; so who do we trust to help us when we are desperate? The valuable lesson I learnt was, don’t panic and go looking for someone else to fix the problem when the people who are already helping you, are doing a great job. It is really easy to become desperate but injuries require patience and time to heal, otherwise you are going nowhere. By this stage I really felt like I was living in my own world, with people telling me what ‘could’ have started the injury’, but were unable to pin point what caused my sudden problems. I did not know when I would be able to race again with my team and win races. It just shows you how quickly things can go wrong. However, I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, even when you can’t see it immediately. The next step was to fly back down to Cape Town and visit the professional Dr Jeroen Swart, as my injury had now worsened as a result of the incorrect therapy I had received, and now required a corticosteroid injection. I needed to get right to the bottom of this once and for all! The following is a list of what Dr Jeroen went through with me. • Full ergo fit bike set-up including cleats. • Measurements to see if I have a leg length discrepancy in either leg (femur and tibia). • Flexibility test of hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps. • Confirmation of my having the ITB Syndrome.
Cleat set-up
Everything looked good and there were no obvious problems in my bike set-up. Leg lengths were equal, but we did find a slight difference in the length of my left and right femur left by one centimetre. However, the overall length of both my legs were equal and balanced out by the lower part of the leg on each side. This caused my hips to rotate on the saddle, adding tightness to my left ITB. We sorted this problem out by moving the cleat one centimetre forward on my right shoe to compensate. The corticosteroid injection was used to reduce the inflammation under and around the ITB. This helped for two weeks and then the pain returned. Dr Jeroen then sent me to Dr Gavin Shang at the Centre for Sports Medicine & Orthopedics, as I was back in Johannesburg and needed immediate attention. Gavin gave me a second corticosteroid injection to try and further reduce the inflammation, but two weeks later I was back to square one with lateral knee pain. I chose to have an MRI scan done to rule out any possible structural damage to the knee. The scan showed a very healthy knee joint and confirmed there was chronic inflammation around the ITB. It was at this stage that we decided conservative treatment was no longer an option, as I am a professional cyclist, and so I decided, together with Jeroen, Anna and Hannes, to go for surgery (lateral release of the ITB). My operation took place on 12th of March in Cape Town at the Life Sport Science Orthopaedic Surgical Day Centre and was performed by Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Brendan Dower. Surgery is the last option but if performed by the right doctor, the operation has a 95% success rate. I am writing this article eight days post op and starting my rehab with my physiotherapist, Anna Theron. I hope to be back on my bike in six days time, doing easy rides on a stationary trainer for the first week and then building up from there according to postoperative pain and recovery. The people mentioned in this article who helped me are very professional and fantastic at what they do and I am exceptionally impressed and thankful for what they have done to get me back on my bike again.
Conservative Treatment Tips for an ITB Injury:
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RESTING an injured area reduces the stress, which reduces the chance of further injury. When an injury occurs, immediately stop using the injured area. Don’t ‘work through the pain’!
•
ICE applied to an injured area reduces swelling and bleeding within the first 48 hours.
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COMPRESSION by wrapping the injured area helps to reduce swelling and gives extra support to the injured tissues. Compression applies primarily to the extremities.
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ELEVATION of the injured body part above the level of the heart slows blood flow to the area by forcing the heart to pump ‘uphill’ and reduces swelling.
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MASSAGE the gluteus muscles, hamstring, lower back and quadriceps.
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PHYSIOTHERAPY such as acupuncture, TENS, BEMER, laser therapy, interferential therapy and ultrasound.
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BIKE SET-UP check including correct cleat setup, saddle position, etc.
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STRETCHING AND STRENGTHENING
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ANTI INFLAMATORY MEDICATION
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Sport >> 71
More on ITB Release Surgery By: Dr Jonathan Cluett, M.D.
In rare cases where conservative treatment fails and surgery is necessary, the most common procedure for ITBFS is the resection of the posterior portion of the iliotibial band (ITB) and, if desired, the adventitial bursa deep to the band. Surgery is performed with the knee held at 30 degrees of flexion and consists of a limited resection of a small triangular or elliptical piece of the posterior part of the ITB covering the lateral femoral epicondyle. The bursa may be removed in certain cases as well. What is the Iliotibial Band?
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is due to inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outside of the leg. The iliotibial band begins at the hip and extends to the outer side of the shin bone (tibia) just below the knee joint. The band functions in co-ordination with several of the thigh muscles, to provide stability to the outside of the knee joint.
What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) occurs when there is irritation to this band of fibrous tissue. The irritation usually occurs over the outside of the knee joint, at the lateral epicondyle, the end of the femur (thigh) bone. The iliotibial band crosses bone and muscle at this point; between these structures is a bursa, which should facilitate a smooth gliding motion. However, when inflamed, the iliotibial band does not glide easily and pain associated with movement is the result.
What are the symptoms?
As stated previously, the function of the iliotibial band is both to provide stability to the knee and assist in flexion of the knee joint. When irritated, movement of the knee joint becomes painful. Usually the pain worsens with continued movement and is resolved with relative rest.
Why did I get it?
People who suddenly increase their level of activity often develop Iliotibial Band Syndrome. Others who are prone to ITBS include individuals with mechanical problems of their gait such as people who over pronate, have leg length discrepancies or are bow-legged.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of ITBS begins with proper footwear, icing the area of pain and a stretching routine. Limiting excessive training, resting for a period of time and incorporating low-impact cross-training activities may also help. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by your Doctor to help decrease the inflammatory response around the area of irritation. If these treatments do not solve the problem, working with a physical therapist to develop a more focused stretching and strengthening routine may also help. A cortisone injection into the area of inflammation may be attempted, usually after these other treatments fail. If all else fails, surgery is an option.
ď&#x201A;&#x201A; Ultrasound treatment
ď&#x201A;&#x201A; Interferencial current and acupuncture
Acupuncture or Dry Needling Bemer treatment TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) Laser and electro therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation - post operative
Treatment of an ITB injury - Arran Brown By: Anna Van Der Hoff (Physiotherapist)
After suffering from a severe and debilitating pain in his knee for some weeks, Arran came limping in to see me looking exhausted as the unrelenting pain was also preventing him from getting a good night’s sleep. We know that constant pain has a ripple effect on many of the body’s systems. This affects our body’s ability to heal for example, our chemistry and release natural substances that enable us to sleep well, feel good, reduce pain and inflammation and deal with everyday stresses etc. As a result, we become unbalanced and continue on a downward spiral causing anxiety and other negative emotions, which then cause more pain! To start with, it was necessary to restore that balance by blocking the local pain, relieving general muscle spasm and correct postural changes. We did this by using therapeutic modalities such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation known as TENS, electro-magnetic therapy, ultrasound, acupuncture or dry needling, other muscle and nerve stimulating currents and mobilisation techniques. This treatment is very comfortable and promotes relaxation. The last thing we wanted was to aggravate the pain or add insult to injury. We worked not only on the area of pain, but also on the unaffected leg, upper limbs and back incorporating deep breathing and relaxation techniques. After the first treatment there was a significant improvement. The pain in the knee was less severe, the muscles more relaxed and a good night’s sleep was achieved. This was progress towards restoring balance in the systems of the body. A few more treatments and Arran was able to walk without limping, correct his posture and start a specific stretching and strengthening programme. He was then able to get back to training on the road with very little pain. Unfortunately, Arran’s condition required surgery but fortunately, due to his enthusiasm, motivation, need for knowledge and understanding of the injury, the body and treatment options, this was a smooth ride. The day after Arran returned from Cape Town (five days post-op) he was comfortably able to bend his knee to 100 degrees. After 10 days, he started mobilising on the stationary bike as well as his core strengthening and stabilising exercises. And just two weeks after surgery he was back training on the road and training with NO pain. •
DO IT NOW | inSHAPE: Words by Christa North
For athletes and recreational exercisers to achieve peak performance during training, proper hydration is vital. The mantra ‘drink, drink, drink’ has since led to a new disorder called hypoatremia or ‘water intoxication’ being diagnosed! As a result, new guidelines on nutrient recommendations have been published by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies in which it states that the vast majority of healthy people can adequately meet their daily hydration needs by letting thirst be their guide. There are, however, special recommendations for athletes regarding their water, sodium and potassium intake. So what is the right amount of fluid to drink? Well, it stands to reason that the longer and more intensely you exercise, the more important it is to replace lost fluids. For an athlete, a loss of two percent of body weight in fluid is linked to a drop in blood volume, which means that the heart has to work harder to move blood through the bloodstream. If hydration is inadequate, it will lead to dehydration and the possible symptoms of fatigue, poor performance, decreased co-ordination and muscle cramping. Hydration Guidelines To remain hydrated during training or exercising, drink no more than one cup of water every 20 minutes. You can also weigh yourself before and after exercising to get a sense of how much fluid you typically lose. A loss of 450 g is equivalent to approximately 600 ml of fluid. Sports Drinks Sports drinks can be helpful to athletes who exercise at a high intensity for 60 minutes or more, to replace the loss of sodium, potassium and other electrolytes. But keep in mind that in normal conditions, most people are unlikely to deplete these minerals during regular training. If, however, you find yourself exercising in extreme conditions or for long periods, like the Ironman or an ultra marathon, drinking a sports drink with electrolytes is essential.
Dietary intake levels for Water, Salt, and Potassium Water The total water intake at the reference level of 3.7 litres for adult men and 2.7 litres for adult women per day covers the expected needs of healthy, sedentary people in temperate climates. However, those who are very physically active or live in hot climates may need to consume more water. About 80% of our total water intake comes from drinking water and beverages, and the remaining 20% is derived from food. While drinking water is the best choice for hydration and quenching thirst, we also get water from fruit juice, milk, coffee, tea, cold drinks, fruits and vegetables. Although caffeine has a diuretic effect, evidence indicates that this may be transient in nature, and there is no convincing evidence that caffeine leads to cumulative total body water deficits.
Potassium To lower blood pressure, blunt the effects of salt and reduce the risk of kidney stones and bone loss, adults should consume 4.7 grams of potassium per day. The typical Western diet is high in salt and low in potassium; the opposite of what evidence shows is optimal for good health. Most people get the majority of their salt, up to 70%, from pre-prepared and processed foods. Fruits and vegetables are both low in sodium and high in potassium. Foods with the highest levels of potassium per kilojoule include spinach, cantaloupes, almonds, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, bananas, oranges, grapefruits and potatoes. Hypotonic, Isotonic and Hypertonic drinks. Isotonic drinks quickly replace fluids lost through sweating and supply a boost of carbohydrate. This drink is the best choice for most middle and long distance running or team sport athletes. Glucose is the body’s preferred source of energy; therefore, it may be appropriate to consume isotonic drinks where the carbohydrate source is glucose in a concentration of 6% to 8%, for example, Lucozade Sport or USN Epic Pro All-in-One. Hypotonic drinks rapidly replace fluids lost through sweating and are suitable for athletes such as jockeys and gymnasts, who need fluid without the boost of carbohydrate. For example, 80% water and 20% juice mix such as USN Cytopower. Hypertonic drinks are used to supplement daily carbohydrate intake, normally after exercising to top-up muscle glycogen stores. In ultra distance events, high levels of energy are required and hypertonic drinks can be taken during exercise to meet these energy requirements. If used during exercise, a hypertonic drink needs to be taken in conjunction with an isotonic drink to replace lost fluids. Drink
Amount
Total Daily Requirements
Sodium (mg)
Potassium (mg)
1,500
4,700
Energade
500 ml
184
23
Fresh orange fruit juice
250 ml
8
500
Salt
Low-fat milk
250 ml
120
380
Healthy adults should consume 1.5 grams of sodium and 2.3 grams of chloride each day (3.8 grams of salt) to replace the average amount lost daily through perspiration. Endurance athletes and other very active individuals may need more sodium because they lose more in sweat from intense and prolonged physical activity. Elevated blood pressure, which may lead to a stroke, coronary heart disease and kidney disease, is often associated with a high sodium intake.
Apple juice (Ceres/Liquifruit)
250 ml
6
226
USN Active Sports Drink
500 ml
200
100
USN Cytogel
30 g
117
33
Did you know?
The recommended ratio of sodium to potassium is 1: 3, the same ratio found in milk.
DO IT NOW | inSHAPE:
Words by Garth Oliver
This month I’d like to focus on recovery. There are a lot of fancy new techniques and clothes that have hit the market recently, but the idea behind recovery is often misunderstood. Ice Baths
stiffness, a faster recovery and you are back in training sooner.
Ice baths seem to be the latest technique, and of late I have seen a lot of athletes bravely immerse themselves into an ice bath for a couple of minutes after training. This is thought to help with muscle recovery and the science behind this method is actually quite simple. Intense training causes micro tears in the muscle fibres, which result in a micro inflammatory response in that muscle (bear in mind that this is on a microscopic level). This results in what is known as DOMS, the delayed onset of muscle soreness.
Compression Garments
An ice bath is thought to constrict the blood vessels and flush out any waste products such as lactic acid, thereby reducing any swelling. With rewarming, increased blood flow occurs, improving the circulation and thus aiding the healing process. The end result is less
Compression garments are also doing the rounds and are based on the same principle of reducing lactic acids, thereby decreasing muscle fatigue and damage. It allows for an increase in venous return and oxygenation of the muscles, which facilitates muscle recovery. When using compression garments, the correct sizing is really important. Too tight and you actually cut off circulaution. Too loose and you lose the effect of the above mentioned effects. In addition to these techniques to assist muscle recovery, you still have to stretch before and after training (dynamic before and static afterwards) as well as follow the correct training regimes.
“Remember, if you are going to run Comrades without the proper training, no amount of ice bathing and compression garments will help you!”
by Samuel Sithole DO IT NOW | inSHAPE: Words Illustrations by Hayley Cameron
Bicep Curls
& Bicep Curls on a Bosu Ball Muscles targeted Biceps | Core (lower back and stomach) Preparation Two dumbbells and a Bosu ball for the alternative exercise. Movement Stand with a dumbbell in each hand and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Keeping your arms next to your body, bend your arms while lifting the dumb-bell towards your shoulders. Then lower them back down.
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For a more advanced exercise, perform the same bicep curl exercise as above whilst standing on a Bosu ball. Remember to keep your body straight and tummy tight. This exercise will also help to strengthen your core. Workout | Sets: 3 | Reps: 8-12
One Arm Row and a Dumbbell Row Muscles targeted Upper back (Latissimus Dorsi) Biceps | Shoulders
Preparation Use one dumbbell that is of a comfortable weight, but not too light, and a steady bench.
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Movement Stand on the left side of a bench and place your right hand and knee on it for support, whilst your left leg stabilises you. Hold the dumbbell in your left hand, keep your back straight and pull the dumbbell upwards as far as possible with your arm gliding past and the bench to the side of your body, stopping right next to your chest. Workout Sets: 3 | Reps: 8-12
76 >> DO IT NOW ď&#x201A; June/July 2010
2
Seated Row Machine 1
2
Muscles targeted Upper back (Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids and Teres Minor) Lower back | Biceps Position Take a seat on the rowing machine. Bend your knees slightly to ensure you don’t ‘lock’ them. Pull your stomach in and push your chest out and try to keep this posture throughout the whole exercise. Movement Stretch your arms and grab the handle by bending forward slightly. Return to the upright sitting position as you pull the bar towards your chest, using your back muscles. Remember to keep your back straight. Workout Sets: 3 | Reps: 8-12
Lateral Pulldown Machine 1
2
Muscles targeted Upper back (Latissimus Dorsi) Biceps Preparation Sit down on the Lateral Pulldown Machine with your legs secured under the leg supports. Ensure a wide bar is attached to the machine. Movement Hold the wide bar at its widest grip. While leaning back slightly, pull the bar towards your chest, as close as you can, and then slowly release it back up. Keep your back straight and stomach pulled in at all times. Workout Sets: 3 | Reps: 8-12
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Sport >> 77
DO IT
NOW
Photo by Elri Flamengo Description: Inhambane, Holiday Life
// [in THE HOLE] 21 Questions with Michael Naicker • Son of a Pitch • The 40 Year-old Rookie: The Dogleg Billionaire // [inNATURE] Look at the Grass • A Journey through Africa – PictureAfrica.org, where it all started // [inDULGE] Hide the Good Stuff! • Cold Octopus Salad // [inSURE] Don’t be caught empty handed // [inFOCUS] Reader Photo Competition // [inTERTAINMENT] CD, Movie and Gaming Reviews
Lifestyle
DO IT NOW | inTHE HOLE: Words by Michael Scholz
1)
You originate from the capital of India … Durban? Where do you currently live? Johannesburg.
2)
swinging. Even a shot in da rough is still a good shot. You feeling my meaning? 13)
We hear that you’re a great driver! What are you currently driving and how many fairways do you average per round?
I’ll get more punda den him – his record-setting days are over.
280 metres ... any direction. 3)
14)
What is your handicap, where did you buy it and how much did you pay?
4)
Where are you a member?
15)
Teazers. 5)
What has been your toughest game, who was it with and why was it so tough?
6)
Halfway house. Bunny chow or fruit salad?
16)
7)
You’re a mountain biker. What made you choose a vehicle without free-flow?
8)
17)
Your biggest gig. Where was it, how many people attended and did you get any offers for throwing the performance? Durban ICC. Sold out with 3000 people. I never throw a performance ... I’m a knock-out every time!
9)
18)
19)
Type, location and strategy for the challenge?
20)
Who would make up your perfect fourball? Me, Rachel Hunter, Jennifer Aniston and Deborah Caprioglio – who cares if they 3-putt!
Mrs Naidoo lives three doors down. But Mrs Naicker, my vrou, is very tolerant. No, nothing’s offensive when you’ve been married 12 years. 12)
Amsterdam Skunk: one deep pull at the T-box, then puff and pass so the whole fourball is on an equal footing. Let the caddy drive while da four of you hang out da side of da cart screaming, “I can fly.”
In your shows, you tend to use some offensive banter. Does Mrs. Naidoo beat the daylights out of you if you use it at home?
You are a grass connoisseur and specialist ‘greenkeeper’. Yes, I like grass.
Jet, PEP, Ackerman’s and House of Subramoney. 11)
You’re a bit of a style monger. Labels please?
The Naicker name has been traced back to the origins of the game in the 1700s when Dessie Naicker (a waiter at McMacker Country Club) outplayed Hamish McTweedy to hoist the renowned Goat’s Knee Trophy. A distant relative of yours?
Par 3, Bryanston Country Club. The second shot left me so close to the hole I could have stamped my foot and sunk it ... But no, I played the lamest putt ever and knocked it even further away from the hole than it was lying on the second shot. Things got worse because I lost my temper ... it ended up a ringer! 10)
No.
Describe your worst shot ever!
Have you ever done anything illegal on the golf course?
I got paid an obscene amount of money to do it. I am physiologically unable to turn down a good deal.
I rolled a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol ... well it was more than just an influence, I was possessed. I wasn’t actually playing, I was carrying drinks to all the players. Dere was ice and dop everywhere.
Bunny Chow of course ... fruit salad is for softies and ladies with fat behinds.
Who is the best golfer you have ever played with? Some little Japanese dude ... can’t remember his name but it ended in ‘son’. How did the game work out? He was annoyingly good ... If he didn’t know karate I would have klapped him.
Chess with my 10-year-old son – he’s a genius.
If you were to change one of the game’s timeless traditions, what would it be? Dress code for aunties on da golf course. Dose shorts dat get sucked up the aunties bottom on every backswing have got to go! Stekkies should go topless, with flat sandals and G-strings only. If you got too much of da hail damage on your thighs, then you can go play Adventure Golf.
21,5. I got it at the Oriental Plaza free with a pair of socks. Great deal!
Rumour has it that you want to join the PGA Tour in the next two years. Why should Tiger be worried?
You spend countless hours at the range ‘klapping pearls’. What motivates you to be so committed to this great game? Same reason I’m still married after 12 years. Just cos you’re not getting great shots doesn’t mean you should quit
21)
What is in stall for Michael Naicker for the remainder of 2010? More big shows, two overseas tours and making time for R&R.
When you are tired of putting from da rough, why not get some real relaxation and pull in to one of my comedy shows. Check out the dates and venues below. Barnyard Broadacres – 16 August – www.barnyardtheatres.co.za The Lyric Theatre Gold Reef Casino – 17 & 18 September – www.computicket.com •
www.doitnow.co.za Lifestyle >> 81
DO IT NOW | in THE HOLE:
Words by Michael Scholz Photos by Sascha Köster
In my last instructional column on driving the golf ball, I mentioned that 85% of all golf shots are played from 85 metres and closer to the hole. This means that 85% of your practice time should be spent practicing from within this distance. Most professional golfers have mastered the art of pitching, which comprises shots from 85 metres to 30 metres from the hole. This is the area of the game that separates the winners from the mediocre. If you take a player like Tim Clark and analyse the aspects of his game, you will come to the conclusion that he is a great wedge player. He converts pitches into ‘up and downs’ more often than most other golfers on the US PGA Tour, thus making him a great player! The one unfortunate fact about the pitch shot is that it requires the most practice time to become a wedge wizard, as it is not a full swing and demands that you develop the ‘touch’ - the ability to gauge and execute the shot with the correct amount of finesse and power. 1
2
Before you attempt to wedge your way to lower scores, here are a few helpful tips.
Tip 1 One of the biggest causes of the ‘duff’ shot, when attempting a pitch shot, is when a golfer tries to ‘help’ the ball into the air. This is not necessary as your wedges (gap wedge through to lob wedge) are equipped with ample ‘loft’ and are very capable of fulfilling this duty without your assistance. The picture below shows the loft path that a ball will take when using a lob wedge with 60 degrees of loft.
3
4
5
6
82 >> DO IT NOW June/July 2010
2) Look Mom … no hands! Very important! Most amateur golfers have the nasty habit of trying to scoop the ball up with the club using their hands. In all of the photos in the series above, notice how the wrists remain firm, not stiff, throughout the swing. Try to work towards keeping the left wrist straight and not cupping in as you make contact with the ball. The loft of the club will lift the ball into the air.
3) Don’t hit at the ball!
Most golfers make the fatal mistake of hitting at the ball with both their full swings, as well as their shortened ‘pitching’ swing.
Tip 2 As with every golf shot, the follow-through position is imperative! Even though you are making a softer, shorter swing, it is vital to finish your follow through and hold the position. This will ensure that you don’t decelerate on the shot, which is the apocalypse of any pitch or chip shot.
In a nutshell, this means that they make the golf ball the objective and not the stroke, which is what actually influences the golf ball’s performance. Thus swinging directly at the ball, rather than swinging ‘through the ball’ (with the ball getting in the way of the stroke) will result in one ugly capsizing blow into mother earth or an emergency dentist appointment for your Titleist Pro V1. Try to finish your follow through with your hands ending up on or over your left shoulder (as a right hander) to complete a positive, accelerating swing and watch your pitches improve instantly.
1) Set up When pitching, it is important that you allow your arms and body to move freely to create a smooth, rhythmic swing with no deceleration. The best way to ensure this is to open your stance slightly (aiming your feet about 20 degrees open to the target). Depending on your requirement, the clubface can also be turned open to promote more loft if there are any hazards or other golfers in the way.
Pitching is an aspect that is relatively simple, but demands that you practice it often to create ‘feel’ and consistency. Sharpen this area of your game and you WILL drop shots off your handicap! •
www.doitnow.co.za Lifestyle >> 83
DO IT NOW | in THE HOLE:
Words by Michael Scholz Photos from Various Contributors
The tournament sponsors, Africom, had also confirmed the use of my services for a trick shot show at the event, so this eased the financial burden a little. After weeks of crappy weather, my new ‘miracle’ swing moves were ‘almost’ ready and my spirits were as high as the count of Tiger’s infidelity flings, although my expectations of what lay ahead in Zimbabwe were a little sketchy. I wondered if I might have needed a 4x4 to tackle the roads, which had no doubt been reduced to a smattering of tar in amongst the veld grass? I wondered if the Beitbridge Border would present a few ‘African’ challenges and how much it would cost to pass into Bob’s land of milk and honey?
Stickers for your Vehicle
For some reason (known only to “ZiPS” - Zimbawean ‘highway patrol’) you have to have strips of reflective tape under your front and rear lights (if you have lights). Failure to have these sees you US $20 poorer at every police roadblock (I experienced 12 from the border to Harare).
The Journey
My TomTom indicated that I had a butt-crippling 1,245 km drive ahead of me, from which I would have to avoid traffic cops hiding in inventive places such as in storm drains, behind ‘self-made’ bushes or cunningly disguised as construction workers on our many ‘under repair’ highways.
I wondered if I would be able to get fuel for both my vehicle as well as my chiseled, godlike body that houses all this fantastic literary genius?
Destination … Royal Harare Golf Club for the 2010 Zimbabwe Open. To keep the eyelids open on long drives, I find that SloMag capsules work best. Liquid energy drinks tend to break the trip up too much with roadside stops to empty the tanks every 50 kilometres.
I wondered if I could wonder anymore than I wonder … I wonder?
After a 12-hour journey (including one hour and R 950 ‘greasy palm’ cash at the border post), I arrived in Harare … How wrong my expectations were!
Preparation
Harare … Still Standing
With too much equipment to transport on any of the commercial airlines (my trick shot equipment includes soccer balls, skateboards, ladders, potjie pot holders, beer bottles, garden hoses, cell phones, dowel sticks, bar stools and many other vital props), the journey was to be taken overland.
I stopped off at the local Spar and bought my usual Jungle Oats Nuts bars, a sandwich and some toiletries (the ‘stinky’ 40 Year-Old Rookie had forgotten his toiletry bag at home again) and paid at the friendly cashier point in US Dollars. The cashier even reminded me to go back to aisle five to get toothpaste!
The Past
The last time I was in Harare to play the Zimbabwe Open was when the Dead Sea wasn’t even sick yet! That was in 1996 when the Zimbabwe Dollar was stronger than the South African Rand, Bob hadn’t yet started his ‘land reform’ programme and life was generally ‘mooshi’ for all Zimbabweans.
Down the road, passing the line of heavily-armed soldiers giving me the ‘Bob’s not your uncle’ stares, I arrived at Royal Harare Golf Club. Not only was the clubhouse still standing, but it had even been renovated! The course was magnificent too! Bent grass greens had replaced the old ‘wire brush’ greens that made McNulty so great on any putting surface. Wow! What a pleasant surprise!
Currency
Trick Shot Show
With the Zimbabwe Dollar notes being loaded with more zeros than a Joburg telephone directory, the currency has basically been abandoned, thus South African Rands, US Dollars and British Pounds are the order of the day. The US Dollar being the norm. The Z$100 000 000 000 (one hundred billion dollars) note will ‘almost’ by you a box of matches! Dr. Evil eat your heart out!
Accommodation
Even with ‘car bottom’ still affecting my usual upright posture, the trick shot show was a blast and captured the interest of a couple of hundred spectators who had not seen anything like this since Dr. David Livingstone arrived in the 1800s with his latest model Rolux Magnum lawnmower. The show was such a success that Africom insisted on another show for the Friday afternoon. More financial relief and I could now afford the trip back home.
Most of the professional golfers playing in the event were kindly hosted by club members, golfers and generous Harare residents at no cost. The 40 Year-Old Rookie took another route, opting instead for a B&B offer from a friend of a friend of a friend of another person at a whopping US $30 a night! This included a ‘Weigh-Less’ approved breakfast of muesli (off to a good start), bacon, eggs, pork sausage, mushrooms, onions, grilled tomato, cheese, baked beans (that’ll keep you lonely in a fourball), toast, kippers and a few other vital fuel types, washed down with three cups of Zimbabwe’s finest export, tea.
GPS
A GPS is a must if you are travelling in a foreign land with hostile SIM card salesmen at every traffic light (none of which work). TomTom’s GPS maps were very up-to-date, but I could suggest a new feature called ‘pothole alert’ be incorporated into the service (but who wants to work 24/7, 365 days a year?).
Vehicle Registration Papers
To add some unnecessary delay to your border post experience, the red tape on the Zimbabwean side is RED indeed. You are required to produce your vehicle registration papers, the proof of ownership (to my dismay, the bank still owns mine!) and whatever documents they might conjure up. I was missing some or other document that had never been gazetted! There is a road tax payable, for which I am not sure of the correct amount? My BMW seems to have been reclassified as a heavy duty truck as I paid R 550, with a handwritten receipt. This is popular in Zim!
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The Tournament
The first round saw me hitting the golf ball slightly offline with the approach shots and a set of walking sticks (77) was the result with much blasphemy being directed at the bunkers that surrounded the beautiful greens. I have seen sinkholes shallower than some of the plugged lies that punished the slightly stray approach shot! Still, the attitude was positive as I pegged it up on the second day. A 69 with a few more plugged lies in the bunkers, I was one shy of the cut and my lip dragged its sorry self through to the 19th hole. Still not drinking, I washed the disappointment down with an evil tasting concoction of tonic water, sparkling lemon, bitters and a tot of Tabasco. Punishment duly administered!
unorthodox swing and held off a star-studded field that followed closely behind.
Farewell till Next Year
I was sorry to leave Zim and look forward to next year’s event and seeing some of my old and new Zim buddies again. I’ll even miss the border post guy who fleeced me for my ’recategorised BMW 325i pantechnicon truck’. The Sunshine Tour professionals enjoyed the event, the hospitality and the spirit in which Africon and the other Zimbabwean sponsors and spectators welcomed them. •
Despite my pitiful moans, the leaders were certainly not struggling as the scores were ‘deep’ and the event was hotting up to be a tough contest with Marc Cayeux, Anthony Michael, Trevor Fischer, Eugene Marugi, Jaco van Zyl and Jbe Kruger all in the mix!
Trick Shot Show … Again
Back in my own bubble, I set up for the Friday afternoon trick shot show. Word had spread throughout Harare and into the darkest parts of the continent about this ‘golfing clown’ who hit golf balls off people’s heads, cross-dressed and generally hit the ball with anything and everything. Around 500 people arrived and I felt like Tiger Woods about to tee off at the Masters!
Finally fame and …. and … well, fame anyway! Another awesome show and I had a great time with a fantastic crowd who looked upon me as a golfing god with superhero powers! Exaggeration perhaps, but I measured the success of the show by the number of pairs of knickers that lay about my stage and the unlimited cold drinks that I was offered back in the clubhouse!
Winners
The tournament was a HUGE success with the players, sponsors and spectators all enjoying a superb week! An exciting finish culminated in the final round as Jbe Kruger swashbuckled his way to victory with his well versed, yet
For more 40 Year-Old Rookie fun, competitions and antics, visit the 40 Year-Old Rookie on Facebook or you can email 40yearoldrookie@gmail.com to subscribe and receive the regular email blogs.
DO IT NOW | inNATURE:
Words by Lee Dormer Photos from Shutterstock
The trail group had walked through the Wilderness for most of the day. Stopping to rest, I took the opportunity to focus their attention on the grasses around us. All day we had talked about the benefits of exploring the space or information that surrounds a subject prior to making decisions. This was a perfect opportunity to put this theory into practice. “What would you say to the idea that we are all grass?” With deep furrows on their brows they resisted the response on the tips of their tongues and launched into an exploration of my comment.
“What do we know about grass?” “Where does it grow?” “Who of us has any experience of it?” The flow of questions was encouraging. Grass could be regarded as one of the least respected plants on our planet. Indeed, people living in cities often have no direct experience of the value of the grasses. Yet it is hard to think of life without them. Their contribution to soil management and food immediately comes to mind. Meat, bread, cereals, sugar, milk, biscuits and butter are some of the foods that are the products of grass. It occurs everywhere. It binds the top soil that is vital to the health and well being of our planet. Loss of our precious top soil would leave the earth virtually sterile, making food production very difficult if not impossible. Those grasses found throughout the world that have the most economic value, such as wheat, barley and sugar, have been introduced to our shores and cultivated to feed our growing population, the indigenous grasses being removed to make way for them. The demand for these plants sees increasing tracts of land falling to cultivation - altering the landscape and its natural inhabitants, and disconnecting people from the natural ways of our planet. Southern Africa is home to a mighty 10% of the world’s grass species, each one fulfilling a specific role and purpose. What is the cost of this constant eradication of indigenous grass? “Look around you, how many different grasses can you see?” The energy flowing through the trail group was tangible as they gasped in amazement. They had walked all day among these life-giving plants without giving them a moment’s notice, failing to see any differences. One person remarked, “The grass is ever present and so you stop seeing it!” So! Who is the grass in your life? “Who are the least respected people in your life?” “Who are the people that are ever present but you do not know them and their value to you?” “What are the dreams and aspirations of these people?” “What about your family, your children?” Grass has the remarkable ability to continue functioning even when burnt, torn or cut. There are people who are similar: they get up every day and despite the challenges, continue to fulfill their role in your ecosystem. As we did with the grass, go out and look for these people and get to know them and respect the value they bring to your life. •
To find out more about the Wilderness Leadership School or to enquire about trails please contact: Tel: 031 462 8642 • Fax: 031 462 8675 E: info@wildernessleadershipschool.co.za • www.wildernesstrails.org.za
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DO IT NOW | inNATURE:
Words & Photos by Dawie du Plessis
It’s 08h45 on an idle Sunday evening in the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and the third night we are spending away from what we used to call home; a cosy three-bedroom, two bathroom house in Pretoria. Last week we sold up, moved out, packed our trusty Land Cruiser (Magurudumu) and set off on a 12-month journey of discovery. Our aim: to reach Catt’s native land, England, by April 2011 using a four-wheel drive as transport, shelter and home.
My name is Dawie du Plessis. My wife, Catt, and I have known each other for 10 years and been married for three. We have travelled southern Africa extensively and even written a Self Drive Guide to Botswana and Namibia. I’m a freelance photographer and writer, Catt is a dietician and we both have an unsatiable desire to explore the rest of the continent of Africa; its landscapes, people and cultures.
where you are going to sleep and how you are going to get there is something you need to work out on a daily basis. There is a certain and definite primal delight to the concept of food and shelter being the most prominent part of daily life. This however, can easily be spoilt by the ‘rat race’ paperwork needed to reach the destinations where such a primal delight can be sought after.
Crossing the continent was by no means an impulsive decision! It started as a simple idea in 2005 when we travelled 6,500 km in six weeks in a Suzuki SJ410 Jeep we had borrowed. In the years to come, we acquired our own vehicle and undertook more trips, and more adventurous expeditions. We explored Botswana every chance we had and ventured into the very north of Namibia to see what the Kaokoland and Van Zyl’s Pass was about. We both took to the lifestyle seamlessly and over the course of many an adventure, the simple idea of crossing the continent transformed into a dream. About two years ago that dream turned into a plan and a few months ago into a reality.
A simple example is an international driver’s licence or a yellow fever vaccination. A more complex example is called a Carnet de Passage, a passport for your car. This is a document you can obtain from the AA of South Africa. You need to pay them a deposit, a percentage of the value of your vehicle, upon which they issue you with a Carnet. The Carnet is a guarantee to every country listed on it that the AA will pay the import duty of your car should you fail to export it at the end of your stay there. You can also get the Carnet by providing the AA with a bank guarantee, rather than a cash deposit. This way you can at least earn some interest on your money instead of simply handing it over to the AA (not a widely advertised practice). This may all sound a little insignificant, but if you keep in mind that the required deposit for a Carnet to enter Egypt is 200% of the value of your vehicle, the 7% or so interest you may be able to earn suddenly becomes a meaningful amount at the end of your trip.
It took over a year’s planning to get here though! Most of that time has been to try and find out what needs to be done before you embark on such a journey. Simple questions like cooking methods or water supply becomes intensely important and warrants hours and hours of research. Contrary to what you may believe, the actual route, or day-to-day travel is the thing that is least important of all. Sure, you need to know which countries you intend to visit and know what the visa and vehicle importation requirements are, but knowing
Magurudumu, meaning ‘wheels’ in Swahili, is a 1996 model Toyota Land Cruiser 80 series. It has a 4.2l 6 cylinder diesel engine, manual gearbox and nothing electronic or fancy to it. With our limited knowledge
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of all things mechanical and electrical, we believe that we have chosen wisely! It took a year of searching to find the right vehicle at the right price, but once it was found we knew we had reached the point of no return. Kitting out a vehicle for independent overland travel is an incredibly complex and astonishingly expensive task. We were fortunate in the fact that we had already equipped one vehicle to our absolute satisfaction, so with a little tetris we knew that Magurudumu would be no significant challenge to transform. Our plan started with making a simple wish list, finding out the costs and then setting a time table to it. We had 14 months and around R75 000 to look forward to. I can not express how pleased I am that we stuck to that plan instead of trying to get everything done, and paid for, last minute! The list of improvements included: bullbar with winch, upgraded suspension with air helper springs in the rear, double spare wheel carrier on the replacement rear bumper, a 165l long-range fuel tank imported from Australia, duel battery system, roof rack, roof top tent (our third one), aluminium chest on the roof rack, solar panel, drawer system in the back, 60l fridge on fridge slide, wardrobe drawers, 55l fresh water tank, a self-built packing system in place of the back seat, 800 W inverter, pelican case for camera gear, and a built-in compressor and stereo that we can plug an iPod into. It took many evenings of planning, drawing and mocking up to achieve all this, but with our previous packing and kitting out experience, we believe that we have finally achieved perfection! Everything from the coffee mugs and water bottles to a thermos flask has its designated place. More importantly, there is no space to be messy or untidy, so we are forced to have a certain discipline in our daily life. The net result is that we now have a comfortable, practical, unbelievably agile and capable home for the next year! Another very important decision regarding the vehicle was the tyres of choice. I remember meeting someone in Kaokoland who was busy repairing his seventh puncture for the day. This was something I was desperately trying to avoid and believed that the
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right tyre for the job would be the key. I’d concede that most of the distance of our journey will be on good roads, however, when the going gets rough, the roads are monstrous tyre-eating obstacles where sub-standard rubber could get you into a very real pickle! I did a mass of reading on the subject and browsed forums and websites to learn different opinions. This brought to me to possible three contenders. The first and most obvious was the much loved BF Goodridge Mud Terrain. At the time I was in the market, they were hellishly expensive and on a six-week waiting list, which in my mind disqualified them. They are imported by Michelin, so no manufacturer representation there. Make no mistake, you should spare no expense on the tyres of choice, but availability was a great concern! You simply can’t afford to get stranded in Africa without being able to replace a tyre if you need to. The second contender was the Cooper STT tyres. Like the BFG’s, they are pricey! Also an aggressive thread, but I dismissed them on the strength of the amount of complaints I read about them, as well as the fact that Cooper is represented in Africa only by Dunlop. Again, availability was a great concern for me. Keeping in mind that you would probably be able to find a truck load of complaints about anything in the world of off-road driving, there were very specific complaints to this brand. The third and final contender was Bridgestone’s Mud tyres, the mighty D673. This is a tyre with an aggressive thread, but is advertised as something that has decent road holding, even in the wet, and is comfortable and quiet unlike many other brands of mud terrains. They are a little less pricey than the other contenders and are readily available in Africa as far as I could gather. It is also the only contender that I could find with no complaints about ‘chipping’. Chipping is when chunks of rubber gets dislodged or lost off the thread of the tyre, which, as you can imagine, is not so great. I have to say, that after about 15 000 km on these, I am wildly impressed and pleased with my decision! Even more so after a day or two in the Richtersveld, where the roads are notoriously rubber hungry!
Something as simple as cooking methods took a lot of our attention and time too. The obvious idea of cooking on an open fire sounds simple enough, but then again, finding suitable fire wood may not be as simple! We came up with three ways of preparing anything culinary. The first is the obvious open fire. I have been ridiculed for this statement before, but I’ll say it again: My father used to say, “Big fire, small talk, small fire, big talk.” Although big talk may not be for everyone, fire wood should be and by using as little as you can get away with, you can do your small bit for the environment and save some fire wood for the generations who would love to follow where we explored. I use one normal bag of decent braai wood over about four days. I don’t make a fire on the ground as I use a small stainless steel ‘Pack a Braai’ and it works wonders. Be aware though, I paid R450 for ours six-years ago and they now ask R999 for the same one. Hopefully someone will market something similar soon, without trying to rip off Jo Public. Our second method of cooking is a Cobb. I’m sure every redblooded South African forefather will turn in his grave at the sight of one, but let me tell you … this thing is incredible! We have used it to roast full chickens, make fajita’s, fry up a storm and even produce a chocolate cake! All this with no more than seven or eight pieces of coal at a time. So suddenly, without even trying, we came up with an efficient and money-saving way to cook up a feast! The third and perhaps less obvious thing to think about is an instant and controllable flame. Cadac gas is the immediate picture you may form. However, we have had a few experiences in southern Africa where a refill was either unrealistically expensive or simply not available. All our research pointed us in the direction of a multifuel stove. This is not something that is very popular in South Africa and it was a little challenging to find information on them. Mountain Safety Research (MSR) is the only brand available here. With the sea of information I found from my good friend, Google, we eventually settled on a product from Optimus, a Swedish company that has been in the business for many decades of high-altitude mountaineering. Their Hiker + model folds up neatly into a little case and seemed perfect for our needs. The information indicated that it would run on any petroleum-based liquid fuel including paraffin, unleaded petrol and even diesel. It also boasted that it would be able to boil a litre of water in less than four minutes. The price tag was just under R2 000, which sounds heavy. However, for a year’s reliable cooking with fuel readily available, we decided to invest. I have to unfortunately say that after an initial impressive performance when it was brand new, I am now totally unimpressed. It has not worked properly since the third time we used it and an MSR version that will also burn alcohol-based fuel will replace this one as soon as we reach Cape Town! It would be naive and foolish to think that our adventure would be without problems or obstacles, but then again, so is ‘normal’ life. We do however, believe that we have researched well and with the knowledge we had at the time, we chose the best equipment for our style and application!
Lying here, on a cloudless night in one of the great conservation areas of Africa, I can’t help but feel significantly small in comparison to the task that we have set ourselves. However, it is with great excitement and anticipation that I look forward to the next year in the life of Dawie and Catt, explorers of the African continent and our own destinies! • www.doitnow.co.za Lifestyle >> 91
DO IT NOW | inDULGE:
Words by Steve Adams Photos courtesy of Wild About Whiskey
“Do you enjoy it? ” is my standard retort. If you enjoy it, it’s a good whisky for you. There are so many whisky brands and expressions available worldwide that if you tried a new whisky every night it would take around 15 years to taste them all, by which time there would be many more available on the shelves. Genuine whisky connoisseurs obviously have their preferences, which vary from person to person, depending on their taste. Very seldom would you hear a genuine whisky aficionado running down a whisky, unless
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they tried my home-blended concoction. In our whisky bar we have over 500 whiskies, and only a handful spring to mind as not being particularly good, but hey, that’s my opinion – you may think my favourite whiskies taste like creosote (distilled wood tar)! “It costs less than R80 a bottle, but my friends scoff at me and say I should drink what they drink.”
Cost is often a consideration, especially if you knock back half a bottle a day (No, no, no - we promote responsible drinking here!) or share your favourite single malts with your best, unappreciative, beer-swigging mates. At this juncture I would suggest that anything costing less than R50 per 750 ml bottle is best left for cleaning purposes, or at a push, for drowning your overcooked porridge. Proprietary blends (such as Bells, Famous Grouse and Johnnie Walker) currently cost in the vicinity of R100 – R140 per bottle, give or take. Do your mates have expense accounts or company credit cards? If yes, then graciously let them buy you the expensive malts they so claim to enjoy.
I can buy a really good whisky for R300. For that I get around 30 drinks, at R10 each. For a super-premium whisky I would pay around R1500 per bottle, or R50 per tot. If I open it, I can leave it on the shelf for well over a year with a negligible effect on the quality. If I leave it sealed, it can last many years with no deterioration in quality. Furthermore, I have never purchased a bottle of whisky and been disappointed with the quality, compared to the previous bottle of the same.
“When I have friends around they pooh-pooh my whisky selection, but I can’t afford to buy expensive single malts.”
B@**#^%T! Sorry, unprintable. Alcohol in any form will cause a hangover in sufficient quantities. Drinking good whisky cut with water or ice is way less likely to cause headaches and hangover symptoms than shooters, cocktails, beer or wine. Whisky is a pure spirit – water, barley (or other grain), yeast and no preservatives. Before bottling, spirit caramel may be added to a whisky for consistency of colour (you would like your whisky to be the same colour each time you bought one?). Stick to the rule - anything in moderation.
Decant a bottle of your Glenarmpit* into an empty bottle of expensive single malt you recovered from your rich neighbour’s trash can, and impress your mates with your new-found interest in the expensive stuff. Four out of five will not know the difference, and it’s guaranteed to give you a good laugh. One caveat – if one of your mates is the type who holds his glass up to the light and waxes lyrical about amber hues and slow, wide legs, keep a miniature of the expensive stuff aside for him. “I like a good single malt on the odd occasion, but my mates come over after golf and flatten it in one sitting.” As above, leave your decanted-into-an-expensive-whisky-bottle Glenarmpit* in full view of friends. Alternatively, decant your good stuff into an empty bottle of Glenarmpit*, then you can enjoy your drink at ease, knowing your friends won’t touch it. “I couldn’t justify spending R600 on a bottle of whisky.” This statement is sometimes uttered before a whisky tasting, never after. “Seriously – R600?” (Usually from a non-convert or wine-lover) My standard question in response is, “How much would you spend on a good wine?” This usually elicits answers ranging from R60 to R300. “Really? ” I say. “And for that you get four drinks, at R15 to R75 each. And once opened you’d better finish it. And if you store it, don’t forget it matures in the bottle and will only be good for how many years?”
“I like whisky, but it gives me a hangover. ”
“Does price determine quality in whisky? ” Yes. And no. With whisky you get what you pay for – a 30 yearold whisky will, for obvious reasons, costs substantially more than its 12 year-old stable mate. Marketing, packaging, shipping and duties will also push up the price. There are some excellent single malts available, aged 21 years and over, at a fraction of the price of the well known whiskies, but very few folks here have heard of them. These whiskies are catching on in a big way with those that appreciate the good things in life. However, you won’t see many advertisements for single malt whiskies other than those belonging to the larger companies that happen to own the popular blends. “I like my whisky, but would like to try something new. How can I learn about the different whisky types and styles? ” On a serious note, there are plenty of whisky books available and a wealth of information on the internet. For a crash course in whisky appreciation and knowledge, contact Wild about Whisky for a tasting and chat. Or for those keen on learning more about whisky and keeping abreast with trends, why not subscribe to the Whisky magazine? •
Recommended publications:
Some excellent whisky sites:
• • • •
• • • •
Helen Arthur’s “Whisky: The Water of Life” David Wishart’s “Whisky Classified” Don Paul’s “My Whisky Companion” “Malt Whisky Yearbook 2010”
*Name changed to protect the guilty.
www.whiskymag.com www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com www.wildaboutwhisky.co.za www.maltadvocate.com
DO IT NOW | inDULGE:
Words by Francois Wessels Photos from shutterstock
Why not turn that slippery octopus you always see on your snorkel expeditions into a healthy lunch. But before you start licking your lips in anticipation of this wonderfully different seafood dish, make sure you have your bait permit! Portions: 4 Preparation: + 3 hours
1 Tomato 1 Onion 1 Carrot 1 Celery stick 1 Twig of fresh parsley 3 Teaspoons chopped parsley 1 Teaspoon salt
250ml Spirit vinegar 1 Big Octopus 1kg, cleaned 125ml Olive oil 1 Crushed clove of garlic 1 Teaspoon chopped chilli Juice of a lemon Salt and pepper
Fill a deep pot with water and add the tomato, celery, carrot, onion, fresh parsley twig, vinegar, salt and last but not least, the octopus. Partly cover the pot and bring to the boil on a mild heat. Then turn the heat down and simmer for 55 minutes or until the tentacles begin to break apart. The octopus is now cooked. Let the whole mixture cool down to ensure that the meat stays tender. Drain and rinse the meat under cold running water. Cut out the eyes and beak, rub off the skin and remove the tentacles. Cut the meat in pieces and tenderise the tentacles. Lay the meat out in a flat salad bowl. Mix the oil, chopped parsley, garlic, chilli, lemon juice, salt and pepper Pour this mixture over the meat and leave it to stand for a couple of hours, so that all the flavors blend.
DO IT NOW | inSURE:
Words by Peter Fairbanks
In the next couple of issues I would like to discuss savings, or as in many of our cases, the lack of savings. In keeping with the purpose of these articles, and explaining things as simply as possible, I may oversee some details or fundamentals regarding this topic. Firstly, I want to ponder the fact that we as South Africans DON’T save. Over the years I have come to the realisation that this dismal situation has something to do with the fact that we tend to buy before we earn, which has lead to the crippling credit crunch of the past two years. The simple truth is, the moment you live above your means, and use your credit card to pay for it, you are bound for life. You are enriching an establishment with the high monthly interest payments; a death sentence to many of your dreams and savings. To detangle yourself from this type of habitual and destructive lifestyle, you need to be extremely focused and disciplined. In contrast, the Asian cultures first save and then buy – a very wise practice. Savings, in today’s terms, amount to any financial instrument we can lay our hands on, but this too could be detrimental and contribute to the current gloomy statistics. Real savings mean available cash in hand that you can put on the table instantly, regardless if you are 25, 40 or 65. Therefore, the type of instrument becomes very important when you do want to save. This said, savings should be looked at in terms of short and long term, something many of us tend to confuse and which often results in our choosing the wrong option for our specific needs. So, let’s have a look at short-term savings. The financial definition for short term savings is: Anything from one month to about five years. Because of the short term, the RIY (reduction in yield) becomes extremely important. When you want to save for a short term, may it be for an emergency fund or a deposit on a new car, you should definitely consider the following points regarding the instrument:
1.How accessible is my money? The purpose of saving is not to be able to get hold of it on a Saturday morning while shopping for a new lounge suite, nor should it take you 30 days to access the cash. 2.What is the risk of the investment i.e. is it all in cash or equities? The general guideline for short term is to keep the monies as safe as possible since you don’t know when you want to withdraw it; and if the equities markets are down, you might find yourself worse off. 3.Look at the actual cost of the instrument, such as the monthly deductions as well as the cost to withdraw and deposit monies. This relates back to the reduction in yield on your investment. The type of instruments that can be used for short term savings are vast. There are bank deposits, collective investments, term policies, etc, etc. With so many options available, always consult your advisor before taking action to ensure that you are making the right choice. One of the biggest enemies of saving is procrastination. For some or other reason we find the time in our busy day to spend money, but never to sit down and plan for the future of our money. You won’t notice the R200 debit order that went through your account, but if you don’t take action today, you will never save. In the words of Bertrand Russell: “Nothing is as exhausting as indecision, and nothing is so futile.” So in true Do It Now fashion, start saving today, and you will never look back.
Next month we will look at the real juicy stuff of long-term savings. Till then, save, save, save!
DO IT NOW | inFOCUS
This is your opportunity to showcase your photographic skills and stand a chance to WIN R500 for the best image in DO IT NOW’s inFOCUS competition, which features in every issue of the magazine. So get clicking and send us your photographs – you never know, you could just be our next WINNER! When submitting your images, please also include the following information: Name of photographer. Name of photograph. Camera type. Camera settings. Place where the photograph was taken. Which category you are submitting your photo under – Adventure, Sport or Lifestyle. What tip/s you used from previous inFOCUS articles that helped you take the photo.
The closing date for the next competition is 1st July 2010 and the winning photo will be featured and credited in the August/ September issue of DO IT NOW. The image entered must include the information requested above and any entry received without the requested information, will not be considered. Digitally manipulated images will not be accepted. Only amateur photographers may enter. Email your 1-3mb compressed .jpg image to infocus@doitnow.co.za There is a maximum of one entry per person, per issue. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Please note that your images may be published in the DO IT NOW magazine and on the DO IT NOW website. By entering the competition, you agree to abide by these rules.
The Winner of our First DO IT NOW Reader Photographic Competition is the very talented Lee Viljoen (photo right).
CONGRATULATIONS Lee! Your photograph of the motorcyclist in action is an excellent shot! Other interesting entries featured on these pages were submitted by Steve Yates, Rudi Strydom, Lurina Eykelenboom-Fourie and Wynand Smit - all are excellent photos. Please do enter again!
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Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action photograph of a motorcycle rider was taken at a crucial moment during the action. The timing was of the essence in achieving this powerful composition. Well done Lee, you have presented the action superbly. Photographer: Lee Viljoen; Title: Pin it to win it; Camera: Canon EOS 450D; Settings: ISO 200 / Exposure time 1/800sec / Aperture f/6.3 This photograph was taken at our local motocross track Zone7 in Cape Town on one of our weekend rides.
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TOP: Photographer: Steve Yates; Title: Sunning Kingfisher; Camera: Cannon EOS 400D with EF 75-300 ultrasonic lense f-stop =f/9 / Exposure = 1/200 sec / ISO = 400 / Focal length = 300mm Photograph was taken at Sodwana Lodge
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ABOVE: Photographer: Rudi Strydom; Title: A photo of a grape leaf; Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC-S930; Settings: Auto settings with macro enabled; Category: Lifestyle. While at Fairview Estate for a Christmas lunch I took loads of pic on my then new camera. I prefer this photo, the shadow of the leaf and brightness of the background.
TOP: Photographer: Lurina Eykelenboom-Fourie; Title: The Guys having fun on the ramp; Camera: Nikon D70; Settings: f/3.5 /18mm focal length / Exposure time = 1/60 sec Photo was taken during the XFest at the Blyde Adeventure Camp, at the Blyde River in Hoedspruit.
ABOVE: Photographer: Wynand Smit; Title: Elephant taking a mud bath; Camera: Sony DSLR-A-200; Settings: f/5.6 / Exposure: 1/125 sec / 135mm Focal Length / ISO 200 This is one of a whole series of photos Wynand took of the elephant taking a mud bath.
www.doitnow.co.za ď&#x201A; Lifestyle >> 99
DO IT NOW | inTERTAINMENT:
Album: Genre:
Words by Richard Flamengo
Sun In My Pocket Electro Dance
The highly anticipated debut album from the 19-year old Chaplin twin brothers aka Locnville proves that South Africa’s musical talent base is growing bigger and better each day. Born in the USA and raised in South Africa qualifies this talented duo as local, however their sound has been labelled as international with some of the music industry’s gurus labelling them as the South African version of international superstar Timbaland. Locnville were the ‘buzz act’ at the Midem International Music Conference in Cannes in January, which sparked international interest from major and independent labels around the world. By now, you should have heard the smash hit ‘Sun In My Pocket’ either on the radio, in a club or at a party. The burning question is, how is the rest of the album or do I buy a CD for just one track? ‘6 Second Poison’ also reached the same level of popularity as the title track, so if the electro dance genre tickles your fancy, then absolutely, the CD is most definitely good enough to spend R140 of your hard earned money on. The deluxe edition includes a bonus disc with various remixes of the two smash hits ‘Sun In My Pocket’ (seven versions) and ‘6 Second Poison’ (five versions). Some brilliant remixes top the originals and some remixes seem to be there just to fill up the gaps left on disc 2. All and all, the remixes on the deluxe edition are well worth the extra R20-odd Rand more than the standard album. In closing, the chart-topping duo is destined to be around for a long time to come having just signed a worldwide deal with Sony Music International. Locnville’s debut single and album, both entitled ‘Sun In My Pocket’, will be released around the world on Sony’s Jive Records imprint over the coming months, except in the United Kingdom where it will be released on Sony’s Epic Records imprint. Rumour has it that a second album is coming out soon.
Platform: Genre:
PS3 Action Adventure
‘God of War III’ finds the Spartan, known as Kratos, raining carnage and destruction upon the Greek gods who have betrayed him and the entire Ancient Greek world. Armed with his deadly doublechained blades, Kratos will take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles on his merciless quest to destroy Olympus and the mighty Zeus himself. After three years of development and three very long years of waiting after ‘God Of War I’ (2005/6) and ‘God Of War II’ (2007) were released, the end is finally upon us. ‘God of War III’ marks the finale to Kratos’ search for revenge and properly caps off a trilogy that ranks near the very top of the best action games ever listed. The third instalment of the franchise continues to build and surpass the successful foundation laid down by the first two. The game blends an awesome story line based on the ever popular Greek mythology and larger than life enemies that you can’t wait to destroy. It is brutally violent, explaining the age restriction of 18, and is filled with full-on action and not a dull moment from start to finish. This game had me glued to my PS3 non-stop for days, unable to tear myself away from it until all was conquered. This game is worth every cent if you have a PS3, and worth buying a PS3 for if you don’t already have one just to play ‘God Of War III’. In simple terms, this game kicks @ss, SERIOUSLY, and is a must have for any gaming enthusiast. Also available is the collector’s edition, which includes Pandora’s Box plus lots more goodies. Most notable is the High Definition re-mastered edition of the first two instalments on one Blu Ray disc for about R1500, which is not cheap by any means. The re-mastered edition is also available to buy separately, and is the option I went for at about R400. It’s another winner and worth purchasing even if you had them on PS2.
• ‘Sun In My Pocket’, ‘6 Second Poison’. • Remixes of the hits on the second disc of the deluxe edition.
• Story line and game play is unmatched. • Lasting appeal of the trilogy is unrivalled.
Recommended for:
Recommended for:
• SA music fans. • Anybody looking to start a party.
DIN verdict:
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• Everyone! Hmm, maybe not the ladies.
DIN verdict:
Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson and Mickey Rourke
Director: Starring:
Louis Leterrier Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes
Greek mythology receives a big budget, big screen remake of the 1981 fantasy adventure ‘Clash of the Titans’. Directed by Louis Leterrier, also the director of Incredible Hulk, the modern, slick visual effects of this remake makes for an entertaining prospect for all. The second instalment in the ‘Iron Man’ franchise continues to build on the successes of the first. The movie continues six months after billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) unveils himself as Iron Man and must contend with deadly issues involving the government, his own friends, as well as new enemies due to his superhero alter ego Iron Man. The movie introduces us to a few more characters in the big build up to the Avengers movie, from the comic entertainment leaders Marvel. Robert Downey Jr. continues his excellent portrayal of the brilliant and somewhat unique billionaire character, and the chemistry with Mickey Rourke, as the bad guy, is simply brilliant. Don Cheadle replaces Terrence Howard from the first ‘Iron Man’ as Rhodey and becomes the War Machine. Jon Favreau manages to perfectly blend the story line and action sequences with great humour to create an awesome movie. His job made all the easier by the brilliant cast. The special effects used in the movie will leave your jaw on the ground in many instances and the only negative point, that I can come up with is that the epic final battle sequence doesn’t feel epic or BIG enough. That being said, this is a great movie for all to see. PS. After watching the movie, be sure to stay until after the credits are done for a sneak peak of what’s to come …
‘The Clash of the Titans’ is set in the ancient Greek city of Argos where impending war is about to explode between man and the gods. Perseus (Sam Worthington), raised as a simple fisherman but unknowingly a demi-god, is the son of Zeus (Liam Neeson) and is about to take on the gods after the death of his family. Zeus' brother Hades (Ralph Fiennes) is responsible for killing his family, and Perseus is seeking revenge. However, it is Perseus's destiny to rescue the city of Argos from the ruthless rage of Hades and his Kraken monster. With nothing to lose, Perseus leads a group of soldiers on a quest to defeat the Kraken. In doing this, Perseus will prevent Hades from overthrowing Zeus and in turn save mankind. Sam Worthington (Avatar, Terminator and Salvation) is fast becoming one of the new generation action movie heroes and delivers a solid performance as Perseus. The chemistry between Neeson and Fienes is great, but somehow the movie lacks that special something to elevate it from a good action movie to brilliant movie status. One gets the feeling that the story is too rushed and would have benefited if it was slowed down and split into two parts. Overall, this movie is a classic case of the trailers giving away all the good bits before you enter the theatre, leaving you feeling disappointed and wanting more. I watched the movie in 3D and can’t say I was impressed by the 3D adaptation of the story. Unlike Avatar and most animated stories that were brilliant in 3D, one almost feels like the 2D movie was quickly converted into 3D for the simple reason that 3D is the new hip format that will sell more tickets. •
• Awesome special affects. • Mickey Rourke as the bad guy.
• Special effects on all creatures and battle/fight scenes are awesome.
Recommended for:
Recommended for:
• Superhero movie fans.
DIN verdict:
• Action adventure movie junkies.
DIN verdict:
www.doitnow.co.za Lifestyle >> 101
DO IT NOW | inVOLVED:
Words by Sister Melanie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Connor Photos from shutterstock
Human trafficking is an underground industry so driven by greed and profitability that not an ounce of respect for the dignity of the person is tolerated within its ranks. It is a sad fact that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast becoming the most lucrative business in the world, along with that of drugs and arms, as it generates billions. Even small operators make big money. Today, there is virtually no country in the world that remains untouched by this scourge of our time. Although human trafficking is not new, it is, however, a newly-recognised crime; the signs of it appearing in the 1970s when women from South East Asia were taken and exploited for the sex industry.
People constantly ask what really constitutes human trafficking. Perhaps one of the best ways to understand it is to think of it as ‘Modern Day Slavery’ or ‘New Slavery’. Slaves, as we know, firstly have little or no freedom and secondly their labour is exploited. In a number of ways the slavery of today is even more obnoxious than the slavery of the past. Whereas in the past slaves were a valuable possession, today’s slaves are cheap and disposable. Another variable we could add to this new slavery is the acute sense of betrayal experienced by many who fall prey to this hideous crime. In South Africa, human trafficking is both a trans-national crime as well as a crime that takes place within our borders. It has become a source, destination and transit country for trafficking in persons as it is perceived in and outside the continent as the economic giant in Africa, offering many opportunities. Hearing the stories of some young children and women who were trafficked either for the sex industry, domestic labour or as drug mules, one hears of the appalling conditions under which they worked; coupled with rape, beatings, threats and a constant flow of strangers having their way with their bodies. Their emotional pain is worsened when it comes to the point of how someone close to them lured them into the industry; people they trusted. There is a case of a woman who had taken her 16-year old niece on a holiday to Johannesburg along with her niece’s cousin and friend. On arrival, the girls, all virgins, were placed in different rooms and experienced the horror of being raped and subsequently forced into prostitution. One of the survivors said of her first ordeal: “... My aunt then came into the room. I was crying and bleeding. She just said, “This is how life is here in Johannesburg, you better get used to it.” After a few months, the niece managed to escape, but she was pregnant. The friend died of meningitis and the cousin, also finding herself pregnant, was eventually rescued by a client. More and more research indicates that in the process of trafficking, women recruiters are becoming more prominent. We must realise, however, that often it is women who are or have been victims of trafficking themselves, who are sent out to do this work. When asked, the young lady recalled that on occasions she had seen her aunt being beaten. Trafficking of human beings takes place behind closed doors; the front often being some legal business. Traffickers also constantly change their tactics to try and keep ahead of the curve. As police step up their raids in the CBDs to curb prostitution trafficking, the villains merely spread their operations out into the suburbs and small towns. Other forms of trafficking are usually for domestic work and farm labour. Statistics on trafficking are not easily available as information reported to the police is captured under alternative charges such as racketeering, abduction or organised crime.
2010 and the World Cup While it is a great honour for South Africa to have been chosen to host the World Cup, and as we enthusiastically join in the great excitement building up towards the final count down, we know that any major event can have its downside. As South Africa is recognised as an international ‘hot spot’ for human trafficking, there is fear that trafficking of women and children will increase significantly during the World Cup. Children are especially at risk of being trafficked within or outside of South Africa, while others may be trafficked into or via the country. There is also a suspicion that some girls in our schools, who will turn 18 before 11 June, are being secretly groomed for the World Cup. According to the International Organisation for Migration, the number of boys under 18 being lured into sexual exploitation and used for pornography is on the increase. Children who are ‘unattended’ during the event are likely to flock to the Fan Fests (Fan Parks) where an estimated 20-million fans are expected. At some of these Fan Fests, there will be child-friendly sections where care and protection will be provided by Social Services. However, there will also be many unofficial viewing areas around the country and the onus is on the particular community and guardians to watch over and protect their children.
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We remind ourselves once again of the urgent message from the Catholic Bishops in their Pastoral letter of December 2008: “Traffickers both defy the dignity of the human person and reject the International Charter of Fundamental Human Rights. … The consequences of trafficking – individual as well as social – are grave. Co-operation at all levels is of the utmost importance. One of the best defences against trafficking is for you, as a community, to become conversant with the reality of trafficking. You can do this by: •
Educating yourselves on what human trafficking is.
•
Making yourself familiar with how traffickers operate, for example, luring young people into accepting false job offers.
•
Checking out the genuineness of job offers, be they local or overseas.
•
Making sure children are registered.
•
Not letting children out of sight, especially at shopping malls.
•
Being alert to what is happening in the environment.
•
Reporting suspicious cases of trafficking.
The Counter Trafficking in Persons Desk of the LCCL (SA) and SACBC have held a number of workshops locally and in some of the neighbouring countries, to raise awareness of this horrific trend spreading across our lands and protect potential victims. It is so sad to think that after so much struggle to end apartheid and gain freedom from oppression, 16-years down the line we are faced with this phenomenon of people, especially the vulnerable, being dragged back into a worse kind of slavery.
The SACBC has reported that although there are no official records of trafficked persons, and estimates vary widely, some estimate that there are 27 million in slavery worldwide; and approximately 800 000 people are trafficked across national borders. This does not include the millions trafficked within their own country. Child trafficking is said to be on the increase and the United Nations estimates that child trafficking alone generates 7 to 10 billion US dollars annually for traffickers. 30% of trafficking victims are below the age of 18.
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DO IT
NOW
inCLOSING
Words by Francois Flamengo
Don’t miss the next issue of DO IT NOW because it’s jam-packed with even more great reads on adventure, sports and lifestyle activities. Here are some snippets of what you can look forward to.
Paddling in the Cold ~ Part 2
Deon’s final and in-depth article on how to prepare yourself properly when paddling in the cold, to get the maximum enjoyment when you are out on the water!
It was a long way round to get to Namibia, but we decided to stopover at Drotsky’s Cabins in northern Botswana (only a few kilometres from Shakawe) for three days and try our luck at catching ourselves some Tigers. Although our crew was not really geared up for this adventure, there was no way we were going to pass up this great opportunity to visit the Okavango River and go fishing. Did we manage to catch this prized game fish or did the Tiger get the better of us? All will be revealed in our August issue.
Known as the world’s most gruelling endurance race, the distance alone makes Comrades intimidating and the infamous climbs make it torturous. This year’s event will see runners from all over the world making their way from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on 30 May, as they fiercely vie for the prestigious Comrades Marathon title. This ultra marathon has become a South African institution and legends such as Bruce Fordyce and Nick Bester have competed with the best in the world to claim many local victories. But what does it take to prepare yourself physically and mentally for an ultra marathon like this? Find out more in our Beginner’s Take on the Comrades Marathon 2010!
While sport fishing off the Florida coast, a tourist capsized his boat. He could swim but his fear of alligators kept him clinging to the overturned craft. Spotting an old man standing on the shore, the tourist shouted, “Are there any gators around here?” “Naw”, the man hollered back, “they ain’t been around for years!” Feeling safe, the tourist started swimming leisurely toward the shore. About halfway there he asked the guy, “How’d you get rid of the gators?” “We didn’t do nothin’,” the old timer said. “The sharks got ‘em.”
Running over trail terrain is not easy as it requires skill, co-ordination and concentration. When competing, a whole new dimension is added to the mix. Trail running events continue to gain in popularity and the African X Trail Challenge is one of those great events on the calendar to get your Salomon’s dirty! Team Gijima’s Landie Visser and Winia Janse Van Rensburg (TUKS Girls DO IT NOW) took part in this year’s Pronutro African X challenge to finish second overall – an excellent achievement! Find out what happened during the race as they share their experiences with us.
In the next few issues Francois Steyn, an avid adventure seeker with a passion for anything with wheels, will enlighten us with his informative reviews on motorcycles and 4x4’s, the ‘larney’ vehicles he is test driving, as well as what to consider when buying your new toys.
While every effort is made by the DIN Team to ensure that the content of the DO IT NOW magazine is accurate at the time of going to press, the Founder and Team cannot except responsibility for any errors that may appear, or for any consequence of using the information contained herein. Statements by contributors are not always representative of the Founder’s opinion. Copyright 2009 DO IT NOW (Pty) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retrieval system without the prior permission of the Founder. DO IT NOW supports and encourages responsible practices with regards to all Adventure, Sport and Lifestyle activities. We also believe in the conservation and protection of all fauna and flora.
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