Barend was stopped while returning to the water in France for his double crossing.
Conditions were poor during the night and not conducive for a double attempt. Download his route and speeds here: Barend Nortje Channel Crossing. Well Done Barend on completing your 3rd successful crossing.
Ryan Stramrood began his English Channel crossing attempt at 09h00 (SA Time).
Kieron Palframan completed his English Channel crossing.
Chris Green completed his English Channel crossing on Saturday.
Under very difficult conditions Chris completed in 14h07; only 1 other swimmer made it on the day with a time over 16 hours. There were 10 starters so this is an exceptional achievement.
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THE MARKET-LEADING PERSONAL TRACKING SOLUTION!
By integrating GPRS and GSM technology, SPORTSTRACK allows you to be found anywhere, at any time and under most circumstances.
SPORTSTRACK is a real-time tracking unit that uses GPS for precise positioning and integrated GPRS for data transfer. It transmits information about its position and speed to our server where this data is seen in various forms. Only those who have access to your SPORTSTRACK identity will be able to view your information.
SPORTSTRACK is slim, lightweight and portable. You carry it on your person or attach it to your bicycle with its specially manufactured bracket. The data transmitted to the server is map- and data-based and is conveniently and easily viewable.
Why would you want to invest in a SPORTSTRACK?
Allow those who care about you track your every move when you carry your own SPORTSTRACK.
Families and partners who are concerned for the safety of their loved ones. Give your family the peace of mind that you are contactable, can send an emergency distress signal, and can be found in the event of a crisis.
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LATEST NEWS
BAREND NORTJE`S DOUBLE CHANNEL CROSSING -
Barend starts his attempt at the Double Crossing tonight around 8pm UK time !
23 to 29 August 2008
The English Channel swim is dependant on sea and weather conditions. This is the window period given for swimmers in August, when the tide is in its neap cycle.
Just over a year ago, Barend woke up to a beautiful day in Dover, with clear skies, flat sea and no wind. France was visible across the Channel.
At 11h35 (local time), he entered the water at Shakespeare Beach and began his second attempt at crossing the Channel. 10 and a half hours later, he was on the beach at Cap Gris Nez, exhausted, but jubilant in his second successful crossing.
This year, Barend is going to become the first South African to join those elite swimmers who have successfully swum across the English Channel twice - in one attempt.
He estimates that the swim will take him 20 hours. He will swim on his own - swimmers may not be aided - and his food will be thrown to him from his pilot boat.
The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with more than 600 vessels passing through it daily.
The water is an icy 15-18 degrees Celcius - and combined with winds and waves which spring up during the day, sea creatures and darkness as night falls - swimmers clad only in a Speedo, goggles and a cap, can encounter difficult and dangerous conditions.
In conjunction with his swim attempt, Barend is raising desparately needed funds for the Walter Sisulu Cardiac Paediatric Ward at the Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg.
The cheapest operation for a new heart for a new born baby is R100,000. Barend hopes to raise this and more in his attempted double crossing.
Show your support for his endeavour by donating to this cause at WALTER SISULU CPW.
Send your messages of support directly to Barend right HERE.
Follow the live commentary on his swim on his WEBSITE.
CHANNEL 4 - Ryan Stramrood -
Ryan is currently attempting his Channel Crossing. Follow him live using this link. ENGLISH CHANNEL SWIM
23 - 29 August 2008
In August, four friends will attempt their first Channel Crossings. Watch Christopher, Ryan, Kieron and Fred as they fulfill their dreams of adding their names to the wall of fame of elite long-distance swimmers who have completed this famous swim. They will be swimming during the window period, in which they wait for the neap tide to be at its most favourable. Watch this space for the `GO!` from their pilots.
RYAN STRAMROOD, 34, is a Media Broker, owning Stramrood&Associates Brokerage. `I am completely motivated by the enormity of the challenge as well as the low success rate of first time English Channel crossing attempts. This is purely a personal goal for me and I have enjoyed the successes of my Robben Island Crossings; Strait of Gibraltar crossing (Spain to Africa); Perth`s Rottnest Island swim (20km) and an adventure in an attempt to swim from Taiwan to China. The English Channel, however, is the `Everest` of swims and a successful crossing would mean the world to me.
There is no way this challenge would be possible without the amazing support and understanding from my gorgeous wife Nicky who has sacrificed more than I will ever know to give me the space to tackle this swim. So many have been instrumental in training, but I would like to single out Herda Silverman, Hugh Tucker, Gary Freeling (coach), Andy Pfaff, Tony Sellmeyer, Dion Woodborne, my sister Gill Stramrood and my brother Jason Stramrood for their amazing advice, time given and huge efforts.
Lastly, twelve months of intense training with my fellow Channel swimmers, Kieron, Chris and Fred has been absolutely amazing. Thanks guys for making this experience so much more than it might have been doing it alone.
CHANNEL 4 - Chris Green -
Christopher has successfully completed the Channel Crossing but his SportsTrack unfortunately did not transmit due to a roaming issue with the MTN sim card. On his return to SA his data will download and his route updated to the web site.
ENGLISH CHANNEL SWIM
23 - 29 August 2008
CHRISTOPHER GREEN
Christopher is swimming with Keiron Palframan, Ryan Stramrood and Fred Green. Watch how he is doing in his first attempt at the English Channel by clicking through to the live tracking via the link above. The pilot will give him the go-ahead for his attempt during the window period in August, which is when the neap tide is at its most favourable for the ultimate swimming challenge.
Chris comments that `running was traditionally my sport of choice and after completing the Two Oceans, Comrades and Puffer to name but a few, while training for the Iron Man, life through me a curveball in the form of a knee injury. In order to keep fit and due to the fact that I am a goal orientated person, I set my sights on completing my first Robben Island crossing. The sense of accomplishment (since I came from a non swimming background) was immense. And from that moment The English Channel " the EVEREST" of all swims became my new focus. Thanks to my understanding wife, Kirsten and daughter, Madison whose support enabled me to put in the intense training needed. Thanks also to Kieron Palframan, Ryan Stramrood and Fred Louw for keeping me driven and focused with many humorous moments at each feeding break, wishing you all best of luck for your channel crossing.`
Chris would also like to add special thanks for support, encouragement and advice go to Gary Austin (my second), Gerald and Rose Green, Tony, Michelle & Bernard Sellmeyer, Paula Palframan, Lewis Pugh, Herda and Mel, Peter & Kay Bales, Hugh Tucker, Andy Pfaff, Deon Woodbourne, Barend Nortje, Gary Feeling, Jill Stramrood, Arno Visser, Rozande Scheffer, Donald Titus, Duncan Ross, Brian and Sue, John & Sheila, Dieter and Melony, Phil and Donne, Okkie and Daniella. Thanks also go out to Dean Tanja, Johan and Delanie from Boland Superspar, and to Lelanie
CHANNEL 4 - Frew Louw -
An update received from Fred suggests he will begin his attempt on Thursday. ENGLISH CHANNEL SWIM
23 - 29 August 2008
In August, four friends will attempt their first Channel Crossings. Watch Christopher, Ryan, Kieron and Fred as they fulfill their dreams of adding their names to the wall of fame of elite long-distance swimmers who have completed this famous swim. They will be swimming during the window period, in which they wait for the neap tide to be at its most favourable. Watch this space for the `GO!` from their pilots.
Fred is a doctor specialising in Orthoheadic Surgery at Groote Schuur. His first passion is surfling; swimming when the surf is flat.
Fred: I would greatly appreciate the channel allowing me to conquer her. Hold onto those thumbs.
CHANNEL 4 - Kieron Palframan -
Kieron succeeded in his channel crossing in a time of about 12 hours 3 minutes.
ENGLISH CHANNEL SWIM
23 - 29 August 2008
In August, four friends will attempt their first Channel Crossings. Watch Christopher, Ryan, Kieron and Fred as they fulfill their dreams of adding their names to the wall of fame of elite long-distance swimmers who have completed this famous swim. They will be swimming during the window period, in which they wait for the neap tide to be at its most favourable. Watch this space for the `GO!` from their pilots.
KEIRON PALFRAMAN is traditionally a tri-athlete who has completed 2 Iron Man Challenges, but has always enjoyed swimming. Being an asthmatic as a child, Kieron was encouraged to get into swimming and was quickly hooked on the sport. From swimming galas to waterpolo, he has always enjoyed being in the water. After successfully completing a Robben Island to Blouberg swim, he was particularly attracted to the challenge of long distance swimming. For the past 24 months, he has had his sights firmly set on the awesome challenge of an English Channel crossing. He has had to carefully manage his time between training, an understanding family and his own business commitments.
MILES FOR SMILES - COASTAL CHALLENGE 2008 -
Extreme athletes David Grier and Braam Malherbe continue on the run along the coastal length of South Africa. Expand this link to download the detailed route followed along with the speed and distance these two amazing athletes have followed. Week 1 Google Earth Route including Speeds and Distance coveredWeek 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 01 July to October 2008
In October 2006, extreme athletes David Grier and Braam Malherbe accepted the first Cipla Miles for Smiles Foundation Challenge: to run the length of the Great Wall of China in one attempt.
An epic undertaking, never been done before and deemed humanly impossible.
But three months later after running, climbing and crawling their way across treacherous and weather-battered terrain they became the first people in recorded history to run the length of the `Sleeping Dragon` as the wall is often called.
This year, David and Braam are at it again!
From July to October they will run approximately 3500 km non-stop from Oranjemund in Namibia via Cape Town in South Africa to Ponta d`Ouro in Mozambique.
It’s the CIPLA / Spar Miles for Smiles Coastal Challenge in association with Round Table, and again they will be raising funds for OPERATION SMILE SA.
Despite the massive physical toll exerted on their bodies in the Great Wall Challenge, Grier (48) and Malherbe (50) have recovered well with the help of specialists at the Sports Science Institute and have come back stronger and more determined than ever to take on the Coastal Challenge.
Leaving Oranjemund in Namibia on 1 July 2008, David and Braam will follow the same run format as they did in China: each day`s target distance will be broken into 3 runs - morning, midday and late afternoon - covering some 45km (just over a marathon!) per day, with one rest day a week.
Their arrival in Mozambique`s Ponta d`Ouro is estimated to be early October if all goes to plan.
Follow their journey live with us and see what they have to say about this mammoth undertaking each week as well as donate to the fund at MILES FOR SMILES.
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FUTURE EVENTS
The live tracking for these events will be active on the SPORTSTRACK interactive website 24 hours prior to each event.
RIAAN MANSER - CIRCUM-KAYAKING MADAGASCAR -
July 2008 onwardsIn 2005, Riaan left Cape Town on a bicycle to circumnavigate Africa, beginning by heading up the west coast.
In a world first, he cycled 36 500km, crossing through every coastal country on the second largest continent, and returned 2 years and 2 months later.
Now, he has traded in his wheels for a paddle. His intention: to paddle around Madagascar in 10 months!
Riaan has always been determined to do things that no-one else has attempted or achieved. He is a born adventurer and his attraction to the unventured and unknown continually draws him to those challenges that most feel are impossible.
His inextinguishable passion to explore has him pushing his body and spirit to limits not dreamt of.
He has spent the last 12 months preparing physically, mentally and logistically to achieve his goal. Riaan has gone to great lengths customising standard products for his adventure to enable him to kayak unsupported around our largest neighbouring island.
Keep up with Riaan on his incredible adventure right here. He will be sending his location 3 times a day, and stories from his kayak.
Read more about his African circumnavigation at AFRICA 365.
Leave your message of support HERE for Riaan and he will collect it when he next signs in with us.
CRAZY STORE TABLE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE -
The Crazy Store Table Mountain Challenge trail run of 35km attracts athletes from around the world to negotiate fynbos footpaths along the mountain slopes, traversing indigenous forest, crossing mountain streams and scrambling alongside steep cliffs.
Saturday, 13 September 2008
The Crazy Store Table Mountain Challenge trail run of 35km attracts athletes from around the world to negotiate fynbos footpaths along the mountain slopes, traversing indigenous forest, crossing mountain streams and scrambling alongside steep cliffs.
Cape Town's iconic mountain sets the scene for this fantastic route where teams or individuals can compete to finish the distance.
This format allows less experienced runners to run legs of distances varying between 8 and 17km.
The route begins at Kloof Nek and follows the Tafelberg Road, via Deer Park to the path below the Blockhouse on Devils Peak along jeep tracks with LOTS of up and not a lot of down!
From the Blockhouse, runners follow the contour path to Constantia Neck, running above Kirstenbosch. Then, a short-cut through the unique Orange Kloof, to Myburgs Path, on to Suikerbossie, up and around Llandudno Corner, and finally along the top of the 12 Apostles to Kasteelspoort. A well-deserved downhill to the Pipe Track and the last stretch to Kloof Nek brings runners home.
Watch all the action right here from 07h30. Hire your SportsTrack from us to have your run tracked live for your friends and family to see.
To enter, go to the TABLE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE.
Make sure you do it soon - entires are limited and spaces sell out fast!
HILL TO HILL -
It is the spirit of self-contained and self-reliant backcountry cycling that makes the SUNDAY TRIBUNE JEEP HILL2HILL the ultimate mountain bike marathon on the calendar. Sunday, 21st September
 It is the spirit of self-contained and self-reliant backcountry cycling that makes the SUNDAY TRIBUNE JEEP HILL2HILL the ultimate mountain bike marathon on the calendar. Taking place in Pietermartizburg, this year's course will be even tougher than 2007's - with a fantastic mix of single track, jeep track, gravel roads and urban assault. Watch this space for details closer to the time. Go to the official website for entry forms and more information.
PENNYPINCHERS ADVENTURE RACING TEAM -
Watch this formidable Team performing at various AR events around the country on their Route to the Bull of Africa. Multi-talented and highly motivated their participation will provide exciting viewing over the following months in the run-up to the big one in August.
Watch this formidable Team performing at various AR events around the country on their Route to the Bull of Africa. Multi-talented and highly motivated their participation will provide exciting viewing over the following months in the run-up to the big one in August.
TEAM PROFILE  JAMES STEWARTA multi-talented farmer who believes in leading by example. He is the navigator of the Team. 'Lettuce' to all who know him, James is active in Mountain Search and Rescue operations, and is enormously involved with the Knysna Canoe Club and Plett Surf Lifesaving. With vast experience in water-based sports and mountain biking, including earning EPCU Colours, and a string of Adventure Races behind his name, Lettuce inspires and motivates his Team to push themselves to the limit to achieve their targets. CHRIS CREWDSON
An all-rounder in the great outdoors, 'Che-Che' has been the Development Officer for the Knysna Canoe Club and the Action Cycling MTB Racing Team. His strength and stamina have seen him through endurance events including the Berg River Marathon, the Peninsula Iron Man, the Foot of Africa and the Three Peaks. This year will see Che-Che take on the world of AR with a vengeance! With his relatively fresh introduction to multi-sport endurance events, his responsibility as press officer will give everyone good insight into what the Team experiences. CHRISTINE COLLINS
An impressive career in AR has seen 'BB' included in Team Germany in the 1996 Camel Trophy in Kalimantan. She has also been involved as support crew in the Land Rover G4 Challenges around the world. BB is no stranger to AR, and her mental and physical strength when faced with adversity often leave the rest of the Team astounded! JEFF WILLCOCKS
The intimidating list of achievements and experience behind 'Machine' on his mountain bike and in his running shoes is well known in those circles. He is best remembered for his incredible performance of riding with his partner on a tandem in the 2007 Cape Epic - an astounding feat perfomed unselfishly to get his medically-challenged partner over the finish. Although biking is his forte, marathons are a close second. Also relatively new to the AR scene, his awe-inspiring strength and inspiration on the bike has made its mark on the Team. AMANDA WILLIAMSON
Full of positive and enthusiastic energy for any challenge and with a 3rd place in the 2007 TransBaviaans, 'Maz' is no stranger to podium positions in the Scott Night Bike events, and her name constantly appears in MTB race top placings. Her commitment to excellence and desire to experience every angle of AR are qualities that will see her through the year ahead.
EDEN DUO CHALLENGE 2008 -
A 24-hour, adrenalin-pumping adventure race, where teams and pairs will mountain bike, hike and paddle a 150km route through the magnificent Eden District.
Friday, 17th October to Sunday, 19th October A 24-hour, adrenalin-pumping adventure race, where teams and pairs will mountain bike, hike and paddle a 150km route through the magnificent Eden District.
Sections of the Outeniqua Hiking Trail, including Cradock Peak, near George, will feature in this year`s route. The Eden Region stretches westwards from George past Mossel Bay to Riversdale.
The excitement of the race is given a jump-start with a 10km kloofing section down the Kaaiman's River.
The current record of 14 hours and 22 minutes, set in 2006/2007 by John Collins and Hanno Smit is a steep challenge to anyone who thinks they can outwit and outrun this formidable Pro team.
In fact - they are so confident that their record will not be broken that they have issued a challenge for this year`s Eden Duo: they will personally present a prize of R1000 to the team that beats their standing time!
Reason enough to watch the race with us! 24 hours of non-stop action where - as the adage goes - ``as soon as stop moving, you loose your edge and the sleep monster begins to stalk you``.
Teams kick off at 06h00 (local time) on Saturday.
Awards and a well-deserved breakfast at the Saasveld Lodge on Sunday will round off a weekend full of trials and tribulations, endurance and achievements and fun for all.
Get all the race information on EDEN DUO 2008, as well as entering your team. Entries close at the end of September.
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Sportstrack engineering and technology is a first in South Africa!
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