Snow in Africa? Dam Straight

"Kai, why the hell are you talking about snow, when we are clearly heading into the middle of summer?", I hear you ask. Well, put quite simply, we have an indoor snow event happening in December - top secret, but details will follow shortly - and before we get there, I thought it would be a great idea to introduce you to the snow scene in South Africa, which is definately bigger than you think!

Marcin Jekot at Quiksnow Sa Champs

First off, we have our own snowboarding club, Snowboarder.co.za, which puts together both our major competitions, The Kings Cup and our SA Champs, Quiksnow. Both events are now held in the majestic mountain kingdom of Lesotho - admit it, that last bit really caught your attention, it's the word "majestic", does it every time. Every winter, around 300 intrepid and fanatical lunatics head up to Lesotho for 2 long weekends of mayhem and charging and definitely a lot more mayhem. The guys from Afriski ensure we have a world class park and Oliver Schwankheart and his intrepid team of do gooders - That would be me as well - make sure the contest is run both according to international standards and fairly. Not sure you believe me? Check this out then:


Secondly, we have a bunch of extremely talented riders, who not only charge at home, but also have been known to take on overseas contests. At the head of this line must be Marta "Mawa" Jekot. She has dominated woman's snowboarding in SA as long as there has been snowboarding. This year she took a crack at the Euro Cup and ended up winning the tour. She is currently in training for the LG World Cup event in Bardonecchia, Italy, for February 2011. In 2009, we went to the World Cup and Marta finished 10th with no international experience and after only completing one of her two runs. I tell you, watch this space, as she will probably go and win the whole dam thing. Marta is backed up by a dedicated crew of guys with her brother and multiple SA Champ, Marcin Jekot at the head of the list.These guys travel together, ride together and definitely jol together!

Afriski Park being built - lookin good!

Thirdly, we have the DON, Peter Pyper, and his store Gone Skiing, based in Fourways, JHB. This does not mean you have to fly to Johannesburg to buy gear, just check the website out and they will deliver. Pete also has a store on the mountain at Afriski. So if you pull in for some park riding in Lesotho, it's real easy to buy and rent gear.

OK, so now you guys have the down low on South African snowboarding. Get ready for the "Rail Jam" in December, close to xmas, and at Canal Walk, Cape Town. Remember - WE HAVE SNOW