It was was a full day of action sports today, 12 July, as the JBay Winterfest kicked into gear. Skating, surfing, swimming and fishing and others took place.
Windy conditions and icy 11 degree Celsius water greeted some of South Africa’s most extreme swimmers who gathered at Marina Martinique to take on the JBay Cold Water Classic.
Seven swimmers, all adhering to Channel rules, which meant that they could only wear a speedo, goggles and a swim cap started the 7.5 K swim. However only three managed to finish!
“It was cold out there but I settled down and actually enjoyed the chilly water,” said eventual winner Rebecca Newman, who completed her first cold water swim in just over two hours. The tough conditions got the better of four of the starters in the 7.5 K, who all voluntarily withdrew from the race at either the 2.5 K or the 5 K mark.
“We are happy to have established the Marina Martinique as a legitimate cold water swim venue and are stoked that swimmers from all over South Africa made the trip to Jeffreys Bay for the event,” said organiser Brenton Williams.
The National Kite Festival took place at Kabeljous Beach with a giant shark, teddy bears and a huge octopus kite in the skies. The Kite Festival will continue tomorrow.
(edited)
St Francis Chronicle 