There will be three bodyboarding events during the Port Alfred Easter festival in 2025.

The three Bodyboarding events will take place at West Beach over the weekend of 19th - 20th April. The events include the Kowie Granny Grommets Expression Session, the Royal St Andrews Bodyboarding Classic, and the Multi-Security Bodyboarding Challenge. 

Bodyboarding Part I

The Kowie Granny Grommets Expression Session

This year, we will see the bodyboarding tournaments kick off, with the Kowie Granny Grommets having an Expression Session at West Beach. 

The Kowie Granny Grommets are part of a national boogieboarding movement that was started by Julie Schroeter in East London in 2023. Jennifer Hodgskiss launched the Kowie Granny Grommets on 5 April 2024 with six ladies at Kelly's Beach, and they have since grown to a group of 80. To qualify, members must be female and 50 years or older.

Time: Saturday 19th, from 09:00 am to 11:00 am at West Beach.

Bodyboarding Part II

Royal St Andrews Bodyboard Classic

Then, it's time for the South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) event, the Royal St Andrews Bodyboard Classic at West Beach.

There are eight divisions: Boys, Juniors, Men's, Pro, Masters, Ladies, Grandmasters, and Drop Knee.

This will run as heats per division, with four riders in a heat from round one, followed by the quarters, semis, and finals.

Time: Saturday 19th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at West Beach.

Bodyboarding Part III

Multi Security Challenge. 

Sunday will be the Multi Security Challenge event at West Beach. 

This is a man-on-man event. The first round will be non-elimination, and the event will continue in the same format as the world tour. There is R5,000 prize money for this event, with all four finalists getting prizes. 

The Royal St Andrews Bodyboard Classic and the Multi-Security Challenge are Surfing South Africa-sanctioned events. 

Entry details here: Bodyboarding Port Alfred 

Contact Details:                         

Clinton Millard

Email: clinton@multisecurity.co.za

Mobile:  082 494 1680

Contest Director:                     

Pat Harris

Email: pat.h@polka.co.za

Mobile: 082 973 2096

In other news...

Albany Vintage and Classic Motor Club Museum.

Coincidentally, the Albany Vintage and Classic Motor Club Museum will be open from 9 - 12 on Saturday the 19th, so if you want to continue the 'vintage' theme from the Granny Grommets, then head on over to 91 Alfred Road anytime between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.

The museum, filled with English classics like MGs, Singers and a Rolls-Royce, is open by appointment anytime. Admission is just R25.00 per person, and kids are free.

Web: www.avcmc.co.za/Museum.html 

E-mail: club@avcmc.co.za

Contact: Dave Hawkins – 082 453 2618

Port Alfred Easter Festival contact details.

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Easter Festival website 

info@easterfestival.co.za email 

About The Royal St Andrews Hotel

The historic Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre In Port Alfred has an outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art conference centre and offers free high-speed WiFi. The elegant rooms and suites at the hotel are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, private bathroom and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. 

The Thistle Restaurant is ideal for intimate dinners or special occasions, serving fine cuisine and a good selection of South African wines. Locally crafted beer and traditional pub cuisine can be enjoyed at The Highlander Pub. Overlooking a courtyard and a garden, the casual Paper Nautilus Deli serves coffee and breakfasts.

Contact:

T. +27(0)46 604 5400  

E. reservations2@rsah.co.za 

Facebook – www.facebook.com/RoyalStAndrewsHotel

Instagram – @royalstandrewshotelandspa/

Surfing South Africa is the official National Federation for Surfing in South Africa. SSA is a member of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). It is recognised as the governing body by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Surfing South Africa is responsible for developing the sport. Also for hosting National tournaments, sanctioning International events, and selecting National teams in all SSA disciplines. SSA is a member of the African Surfing Confederation (ASC). It is a member of the International Surfing Association (ISA), the World governing body of the sport.