Durban Skateboarder Khule Ngubane Wins Ult.X Skate Event Khule Ngubane with the spoils of victory. © Grant McLachlan. Sun City – After a short break in the action, Ultimate X came back with a vengeance this year. Sun City was the host to one of the most prestigious and progressive skate events around, and the contestants did not disappoint. The last time the event took place was in 2019. The event was ready to go last year, COVID halted everything, and the event was unfortunately called off for the year. Top skater and Monster Energy athlete Khule Ngubane was obviously dispondent when the event was called off in 2020. He had been training hard and was ready to beat his second place of 2019, but there wasn’t much one could do against the situation. When it was announced that Ultimate X 2021 was a go this year, everyone was excited about the upcoming event and the fact that they would get a chance to see friends and compete again. Khule Ngubane front blunt big flip during Ult.X © Eric Palmer This year, however, Ngubane redeemed himself with a victory in the skate event. For the Durban skater, it was a big deal on many levels. “For me, this event was a huge blessing, said Ngubane. “The last time this event happened was in 2019, so it’s good to be back and seeing all the familiar faces. “ “This has been a goal of mine, continued Ngubane. “I got a third before, and in 2019 I got second, so now that Ultimate is back in 2021, I get to walk away with a win. Super stoked!” Ngubane showed excellent form throughout the contest and was throwing caution to the proverbial wind in his runs, taking some chances but coming out on top. “I was so happy in the way that I was skating. I took risks, and the risk has rewards,’ said Ngubane, continuing, “when you roll that dice sometimes it pulls your number.” Khule, front blunt © Grant McLachlan The Durban skater from humble beginnings also felt a sense of relief in vindicating …
Surfing: Dale Staples Wins The Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge, presented by Billabong Adventure Division
Surfing: Dale Staples Wins The Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge, presented by Billabong Adventure Division Dale Staples © Van Gysen St Francis Bay surfer Staples emerges victorious at the inaugural Namakwa Challenge The Namakwa Challenge was based on the old Billabong Challenge events that ran in Australia in the Nineties. The concept was taking top competitive surfers, along with some hard-charging free surfers and a few young rising stars, to a remote and wild destination, with very testing but perfect waves. The First South African Pro Surfing event since Covid began undoubtedly ticked all these boxes. After a Covid Outbreak, the organizers were forced to move the event two weeks before the waiting period began to the remote and isolated Namakwaland Beachbreak. The event ran Round 1 on the first day of the waiting period in some large and testing conditions. After that, the surfers and crew had to wait till the last two days of the week-long waiting period before getting to finish the semi-finals and finals in absolutely epic 6-8ft conditions. Contest venue © Van Gysen Northern Cape Tourism and the Department of Arts, Culture and Sports brought 6 youngsters from Hondeklip Bay to check out the free surfing and meet the surfers. After a morning with their host, Angelo Faulkner, they were all very enthused with surfing. However, they could not wait for the Amandla Surf Foundation team to return to Hondeklip Bay later this year to do surf clinics with them. "My anxiety levels were growing every day as we watched the ocean going mental, and the charts kept changing. At one point on the second last day, we even tried to test another slab point. Adin Masencamp and Joshe Faulkner, the two surfers, who paddled out to test it, told us it was way too big and crazy. They thought that they might get into serious trouble out there. That afternoon we got a slim chance of epic conditions for the final …
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Surfing: Matt Bromley and Joshe Faulkner Top Performers At Namakwa Challenge Day One
Surfing: Matt Bromley and Joshe Faulkner Top Performers At Namakwa Challenge Day One The Day One Line-up © Van Gysen The Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge pres by Billabong Adventure Division ran round 1 yesterday (24th August) in challenging conditions up the remote west coast of South Africa in the Northern Cape. Solid and heavy 4-6ft waves greeted surfers in the morning in the dark. Unzipping tents in the cold west coast dawn, the 20 invitees rushed to get suited up, and from the very first wave by Slade Prestwich, the event was on. It's a specialty event with a specialty format. Top wave score from the first heat, top wave score from the second heat and the second overall best score from both heats equaling a combined total score. This format will reveal eight surfers for the semi-final. Barrels day 1 © Van Gysen Monster Energy surfer Matt Bromley (Kommetjie) was one of the top performers on day 1, winning heat one and narrowly beating Adin Masencamp into second place. Another standout performer was Amandla Foundation member Joshe Faulkner (JBay) who was awarded the highest wave score of the day - an 8.17 for a big, long tube from which he emerged in a cloud of spray. Jordy Maree (Cape Town), Chad Du Toit (Durban) and Luke Slijpen (Cape Town) all surfed well to win their respective heats. Joshe Faulkner © Van Gysen Day 2 is looking like a repeat, with big and perfect waves on the cards. Everyone is excited to surf round 2 ahead of a big storm and system that hits Thursday. The Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge pres by Billabong Adventure Division is a World Surf League (WSL) Specialty Event, the first one in the Northern Cape. Heat results round 1 For more visit: Experience Northern Cape The WSL event site - https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2021/spec/3715/namakwa-challenge Video: Surfing: Matt Bromley and …
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Llandudno Surfer Luke Slijpen Signs Multi-Year Deal With Quiksilver International
Llandudno Surfer Luke Slijpen Signs Multi-Year Deal With Quiksilver International Luke Slijpen takes to the skies © Ian Thurtell Cape Town: Llandudno surfer Luke Slijpen is embarking on his rookie year on the World Surf League's (WSL) World Qualifying Series (WQS) with the strong backing of Quiksilver International. Luke, a powerful 20-year-old natural footer, blew minds in Hawaii last winter. As a direct result, he found his signature needed on a recent Quiksilver International contract. This initial offering will see him competing for the next two years with a mountain and wave sticker on the nose of his board. The initial contract is a two-year deal for renewal. The accomplished surfer is determined to vindicate the global surf brand's vision of signing him up. Slijpen can often be found on the podium, with a string of successes to his name. These include a series of first-place finishes in the Pro Juniors, including contests at Lambert's Bay, Durban and Victoria Bay, and a third-place at the ISA World Juniors in the U18 division. A victorious Slijpen © Thurtell When not competing, Luke loves to hunt down heavy barrels and big waves. His gutsy and powerful performances at Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu drew the attention of the Quiksilver International team manager Miky Picon. "In Hawaii, I got to stay at the Quiksilver house for a month. It was a good opportunity to surf all day, meet the Quiksilver crew and push my surfing with them," said Slijpen. "I stayed with Mikey Wright and Kauli Vaast, Leo Fioravanti, Zeke Lau, Koa Rothman and a couple of other Quik guys. Thanks to Reef Macintosh for letting me stay at the house. I'm super amped to go back this year and push my surfing even harder!" Luke's recent highlights reel, with some of those heaving waves from Pipeline. Hailing from a surfing family, Luke has clear cut goals for the upcoming competitive year. "I want to make the …
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Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge pres by Billabong Adventure Division
The countdown starts now for the Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge pres. by Billabong Adventure Division. The #namakwachallenge is a @wsl.qs specialty event by @amandlasurffoundation , featuring 20 invited surfers in one of the most rugged locations in South Africa. With a R45k first prize on offer and the chance to push themselves in heavy conditions, the event has seen surfers eager to compete, led by current SA Open Champion @joshefaulkner and big wave legend @mattbromleysurf . Headline Sponsor @northerncapetourism want more surfers to come and explore the Namakwa coastline and the event is working with @protectthewestcoast to ensure their footprint is light and they shed light on the mission to save the coastline from mining. Presenting partner @billabong inspired the event through their Challenge events in the 90’s. #experiencenortherncape #travelnortherncape #holidayherethisyear #travellocallythisyear #protectthewestcoast @billabong_sa @captainkaisworld @dutchiesurfdesigns @luq_bru@alanvangysen @ianthurtell @jonty.andrews @simomkhize97 @troywells_creative Music supplied by Monster Energy @epidemicsound Video: Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge pres by Billabong Adventure Division https://youtu.be/2ih3e1AhUX0 More Info on Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge pres by Billabong Adventure Division here: https://gangbusters.co.za/experience-northern-cape-namakwa-challenge-pres-by-billabong-adventure-division/ Twitter: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gangbustersmagazine CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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Surfing: Monster Energy’s Matt Bromley Prepares For The Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge
Monster Energy's Matt Bromley Prepares For The Namakwa Challenge Northern Cape - the inaugural WSL Specialty Event for the Northern Cape region, the Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge presented by Billabong Adventure Division, will occur in the Hondeklip Bay later this month. The waiting period for the event is August 23-31, and August is historically one of the most consistent months for surf in that part of the world. The event, presented by Amandla Surfing Foundation, has a 9-day window period. On top of this, only 20 surfers have been invited to compete. However, one of South Africa's best big wave surfers and free surfers, Monster Energy athlete Matt Bromley from Kommetjie in the Cape, is on the prestigious invitee list. Bromley has visited the Namakwa area before and is a massive fan of the area and the West Coast for many reasons. "The West Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world," said Bromley. "It is raw, isolated, and just exudes this Atlantic power, rarely matched in other places in South Africa and even the world. The waves are strong and unpredictable, but when everything comes together, it is quite incredible." The event is based around Hondeklip Bay, an area of the Northern Cape that Bromley is fond of. "The area where we're having the contest is an extraordinary place," said Bromley on the event location. "It is in the middle of nowhere and so far away from civilization. You're just totally surrounded by nature, and there is a selection of world-class waves in the area." Matt Bromley, in the barrel. © Van Gysen With several waves in the area, Bromley will need to figure out his equipment to deal with any conditions that the place might deliver during the waiting period. "It gets pretty solid up there, sometimes up to 12-foot, and there are always strong currents in the area and loads of water moving when it gets big," said Bromley. "So, we're going to need a good …
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Gangbusters Surf Mag Issue 6 Out Now
Gangbusters Surf Mag Issue 6 Out Now In the midst of all the recent drama in our country, we pumped out another issue of Gangbusters. It's a bit quirky, a fun read, epic photos, a cool bunch of advertisers. We like to think it is a cool reflection of our little ocean-based sport here in sunny SA. Nothing too serious, nothing too ponderous, and perfect for those of us from the sunburnt segment with short attention spans and reduced capacity for cerebral thinking. In issue 6 we have an exclusive interview with those two surfers, Dom and Dave, who make the crazy Goldfish sound and vibe, as they head on out for a massive tour of the States. They tell us what’s good about their lives in The States, and what they miss about South Africa. Talking about the U S of A, little old Gangbusters Magazine has attracted some attention from some VIPs in the US surf scene, and something interesting might be lining up. Or maybe not. Either way, we are being noticed. Goldfish dropping in on Goldfish, always. Comes from learning to surf in Cape Town. Morne Laubscher provides us with the classic images for this month’s showcase, with Overberg and Boland waves mixed in with some overseas imagery. Known as @morbophoto, he showcases some of his favourite shots. It's always a bonus when the photogs are cool ous with no airs and graces and are totally focused on their art. Phil Nel slotted, somewhere over the rainbow... © Morbophoto Bilt Surfboards took their team and a pile of boards down to the Transkei to celebrate 25 years of surfboard making. Some of the best surfers in the country ride Bilt and they scored some waves and good times, far from the madding crowd. Then we have our Olympics Silver Medal winner Bianca Buitendag on the cover. We managed to snag some photos from the larnies at ISA and we can all celebrate her silver medal for the country. She did us so …
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Gangbusters Digital Surfing Magazine Newsletter
Gangbusters Digital Surfing Magazine Newsletter Eastern Cape - the surf has been firing for weeks, and the whole country has moved to the coast, but for the moment, nothing can steal our vibe. Our latest offering - Gangbusters Magazine Issue 5 - has been getting some great reception worldwide. As a result, there have been a few queries coming in about what the future might hold for this fledgling little magazine and business. Right now, we're sticking to our original plan and publishing the magazine in a digital format every month. We have had enough readers and advertisers query us doing a print magazine. There might very well be a print option in the future, but for now, we are focusing on the digital offering. The contemporary work of Cape Town photographer John Wilkinson has been getting a great reception from readers. We might need to do a follow-up story on this surf photographer due to all the feedback. His action images are world-class. Dave Lindemann has poured out the A-Grades from KZN over the last few months. He continued this program in issue 5. His action photos are primarily of Town waves like New Pier and North and all the usual suspects getting piped on the sandbanks. Let's not forget our kneeling brethren as the South African kneeboarding tribe came and hung out in Kneel Point for a long weekend. They scored waves and didn't really interfere with the locals at all, with everyone getting along handsomely. Organised by Gigs Cilliers, the kneeboarding meet every year somewhere and drink beers, surf relentlessly, and solve the world's problems every evening. Enjoy the magazine on your phone, tablet, or laptop, and remember that all adverts are clickable. There are some big sales behind those clicks, as well as a few very surprising giveaways. The next issue, Issue 6, will have a few surprises in it. It already looks like it will be an absolute bumper issue, with much interest around it. Our readership continues to …
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Spinning: Get To Know The Sport and Stand A Chance To Win An E30 ‘Gusheshe’ Box Car with DJ Maphorisa and Monster Energy!
Spinning: Get To Know The Sport and Stand A Chance To Win An E30 'Gusheshe' Box Car with DJ Maphorisa and Monster Energy! Monster Energy recently teamed up with DJ Maphorisa and Stacey-Lee May to customise a one-of-a-kind E30 Box Shape to give away to one lucky Monster fan! This iconic car needs no introduction in South Africa. It has earned its reputation as a legend on the streets and is a highly sought-after weapon of choice in the world of Spinning. What Is The Box Shape? For decades, the rear-wheel-drive "box shape" BMW 325is – dubbed as the Gusheshe in South Africa's townships – continues to be the vehicle of choice for skilled spinning drivers. They execute heart-stopping twists and unbelievable stunts while spinning. What Is Spinning? Spinning is a South African motorsport that involves driving cars at speed in circles and performing stunts in and out of the vehicle. It originated in Soweto in the late 1980s. It was performed as a funeral ritual in which a stolen car was spun around to honour the deceased. It is now a recognised motorsport. Spinning Terminology Spinning: The car must perform a continuous spinning motion at high revs for a certain amount of time. This could be a circular, sideways, forward or backward motion. Tyre Bounce: Spinning the car as close as possible to the tyre barriers situated on the track. Of course, no part of the vehicle can touch these barriers, but the closer the driver gets the car to the barrier, the more points they are given. Doughnut: The driver must show a lot more control when performing a doughnut. Drivers must try and keep the car as steady as possible while creating the most compact and perfect circle. Power Slide: Also known as a drift motion, the driver sending the car in a sideways slide along the edge of the spinning circuit. Judges take into account the vehicle's angle, speed, the number of revolutions and how smoothly the move is performed. Stand-still …
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Get To Know Stacey-Lee May and Stand A Chance To Win An E30 Box Shape Car Valued at R500k!
Get To Know Stacey-Lee May and Stand A Chance To Win An E30 Box Shape Car Valued at R500k! The legendary DJ Maphorisa customised a one-of-a-kind E30 box shape recently to give away to one lucky Monster fan! This iconic car needs no introduction in South Africa and has earned its reputation as a legend on the streets. It is also a highly sought-after weapon of choice in the world of Spinning, of which Maphorisa is a huge fan. Speaking of slaying tires - check out Stacey-Lee May, aka the 'Queen of Smoke', to show you more about the world of Spinning! Check out the webisode below featuring Stacey-Lee, and keep reading on to find out how you can win the awesome one-of-a-kind ride, designed by Maphorisa himself. Get a closer look at the life of the 'Queen of Smoke' Stacey-Lee May. Coming from humble beginnings, Stacey overcame all odds to end up as one of the most successful females in South African motorsport history. Don't let her calm demeanour fool you. When she gets behind the wheel (or hanging outside of the car), there's no stopping her. Want to know how you can win your own iconic Monster Box shape customised by DJ Maphorisa? Grab any 500ml Monster Energy, SMS the unique code under the tab to 45075. SMS's charged at R1. Free SMS's do not apply. The campaign ends 31 July, which is the end of the week. Learn more by checking out all the promotion details HERE. Video: Get To Know Stacey-Lee May and Stand A Chance To Win An E30 Box Shape Car Valued at R500k! More Info on Get To Know Stacey-Lee May and Stand A Chance To Win An E30 Box Shape Car Valued at R500k! here: https://www.monsterenergy.com/za/en/promotions Twitter: Facebook: CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …