Rookie pilot Nikki du Bois made his debut in the Trans Agulhas Challenge at the end of December – a quest he took on in honour of his father Nico, who died in 2017.
When the novice 33-year-old won the Stock Class just four days later, despite stuttering starts and several setbacks, it was not just fanatic racing that got him there, but a burning desire to never give up or give in.
The Trans Agulhas Challenge, commonly known as the world’s toughest inflatable boat challenge, starts in Plettenberg Bay on 28 December annually. It is a fast-paced, action-packed water sports event with over 40 inflatable boats battling it out in the waves over four days. The race visits beaches along the coast between Nature’s Valley and Gordon’s Bay.
“We knew we were going up against guys with 20 years’ experience in this race, so our plan was to be fitter than them. We trained four to five days a week, in all kinds of weather. We pushed hard and learnt everything within months, and in the end it paid off,” said Du Bois, who is still ecstatic about his win four weeks later. “It was just lekker.”
He trained alongside former professional rugby player Robbie Louw, who shared crucial information, tricks and tips with Du Bois that would ultimately serve invaluable. Louw is a boat owner and pilot.
“It was never about winning,” said Du Bois, adding that his path to the race was doubtful at times. “It was just about pursuing my father’s dream. I just wanted to go out in the deep ocean and sort of ‘find’ him there.”
The most important lessons Du Bois took away from the experience is that the sport must be exposed to avid water racing enthusiasts in the Helderberg, among values of sportsmanship and camaraderie, and just “having fun”.
The Gordon’s Bay resident recalled that five years ago, just months before his father’s passing, they were in Stilbaai cheering on participants in that year’s Trans Agulhas Challenge.
“We were big fans and loved watching the race. My dad told me that the day he retires he’ll get us an inflatable boat to practise, but months later he passed away. It was a very difficult time, but I held on to that dream.”
Some time later, when Du Bois came across a “pencil boat” for sale, he saw it as his chance to do something in memory of his father. “Initially I was just enjoying the boat, but soon after I decided to take on the Trans Agulhas. I started training really hard with Robbie in Gordon’s Bay; he showed me how to ride.”
Du Bois had no sponsors for the relatively expensive entry fee and at one point he and his partner agreed their rent money for January would be used to cover the entry, with the hopes that the funds would somehow be recovered.
“We trained every day in all conditions, which is also expensive considering we needed about R700 a day just for petrol. One day, a man came up to me and said he was so impressed at our hard, consistent training and offered to be our sponsor. It was just meant to be!”
The good samaritan was Francois Denner of the hobby shop Port and Starboard, situated along Beach Road in Gordon’s Bay. They also decided to name the team Port and Starboard S29.
As the competition neared, Du Bois opted for friend Tiaan Cloete to be his co-pilot: “He’s a lightweight, which is rather important, and he also reads the water well.”
Speaking of the race itself, he recalled they were nervous at the start in Plettenberg Bay, but when the flags dropped there was a roar of engines as everyone raced away.
“But our engine didn’t start and we were sluggish at the go. We only caught up a little after 30 km and stopped a total of 17 times with engine issues. When we arrived in Mossel Bay, it was time for the surf race, which we won – incredibly. That really gave us motivation after a tough day.”
On the second day the boat’s engine again failed to start, but they eventually took off and finished third in Stilbaai.
“This was the highlight of my race, as Stilbaai was the place I spent lots of time with my dad, watching the Trans Agulhas. We had a crowd supporting us and, just before the surf race started, our boat collided with that of another team, and they were unable to continue the surf race. I raced hard and fanatically, and beat every single guy to claim first prize. I decided to give up the win to the team that we collided with – a gesture of kindness, which proved to be important in keeping me grounded. I believe I did it for the right reasons.”
On day three, the team again had engine issues but started well, with Du Bois’ knowledge of the waters giving him an edge. “We took a dangerous short-cut onto rough waters and accelerated towards Witsand where some boats caught up with us. We did a fuel change and raced around a storm, reaching Struisbaai in first place. It was such an awesome experience.”
The fourth and last day was probably the most exciting for the team, who just pushed hard and had fun on the water despite coming close to flipping on a few occasions.
“We reached Gordon’s Bay and realised we won that leg as well. In all, we were the overall winners in the Stock Class. It was totally unexpected. Looking back, I have no regrets, not even giving up my surf race win. It was just an amazing achievement.”
Du Bois is passionate about the sport and has vowed to promote it by sharing information with other rookies on race details, where to buy a boat, how to go about training and entering, and all the red tape that goes with it. “I’m just lus to get on the water and race. We’re planning monthly events to get more guys interested.”
His advice to anyone wanting to start is to contact the right people to show you the ropes, follow his example by gaining experience through hard work and dedication, and have a goal to motivate you. “It’s really not about winning; it’s about helping each other overcome the obstacles. Everything I did was for my dad.”
To get in touch with Du Bois for more details on power racing, contact him on 072 534 8448.
