The Overstrand, more specifically Hermanus, is establishing itself as a world-class destination for big sports events after successfully hosting the Walker Bay Pro 2022 from 19 to 28 August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event, which took place on Onrus Beach, saw more than 60 participants from across the globe taking part and drew a large number of visitors, about 1 000-strong, on the first day of the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was the first time in history an IBC Bodyboarding World Tour event was held on African soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The region\u2019s picturesque beaches and surging waves definitely played a part in the decision to host one of the IBC Bodyboarding World Tour events on its shores, but organisers say the fact that IBC World Champion Tristan Roberts hails from Onrus was definitely the main reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its success underscores the Overstrand\u2019s status as a global sports destination, aside from the training camps for the Springboks and British and Irish Lions rugby teams in recent months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are a few contributory factors for this event coming to life in South Africa, the main one of course being Tristan Roberts\u2019 winning the World Tour in 2019,\u201d Daniel Hernandez, IBC World Tour Media and Marketing Director, said. \u201cTristan grew up on Onrus Beach and, besides touring all over the world to develop the skills to take the world title, it was here at Onrus beach that he developed his passion for the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSouth African Bodyboarding commentator Deon Meyer, present on the tour in 2019 when Tristan won the world title, recognised the potential of the event and bringing it to South Africa, and it was there that the idea was born.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hernandez said the support from locals was \u201cincredible\u201d. He added one of the highlights was seeing a number of South Africans reach the finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dean O\u2019Neill, Overstrand Municipal Manager, said: \u201cOnrus was the place to be, close to the beach. The bodyboarders mostly stayed with friends or rented private homes in and around Onrus to be as close to the beach as possible. They also rented short-stay accommodation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n On their days off, the bodyboarders visited tourist attractions, not only in Hermanus but also surrounding areas, giving the tourism and hospitality industries an extra boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fact that this large international event was broadcast live and watched all over the world was an added bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cParticipants and supporters explored the region and will no doubt be sharing their photos and memories with friends and family, adding to the most powerful marketing medium \u2013 word of mouth,\u201d O\u2019Neill said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe facilities are here, proximity to Cape Town and the international airport are beneficial and there are a variety of activities available to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sports enthusiasts can look forward to a number of adventure raves scheduled for the rest of the year, including Race to the Sea, Race2Stanford (the detour), Brewery2Brewery and Wines2Whales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere may also be a surprise announcement in September,\u201d said O\u2019Neill.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Overstrand, more specifically Hermanus, is establishing itself as a world-class destination for big sports events after successfully hosting the Walker Bay Pro 2022 from 19 to 28 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