Sports Trader reports back

Adi-active encourages running from the gym

2012-03-02T01:07:00.000-08:00

Adidas invited members of the public to join them in their adi-active run, held in partnership with Virgin Active, on the 29^th of February at the Green Point Virgin Active in Cape Town. Gym goers were encouraged to run 8km or 5km along the bustling Sea Point Promenade, testing the latest adidas running shoes. The run was part of a nationwide series of adi-active runs, designed to get more gym-goers running with the help of the personal trainers from Virgin Active. There are about 40 runs planned for 2012.

The ranges that are available to be “test-run” include the adiStar Salvation, adiStar Ride, adiStar Solution, Supernova Sequence, Supernova Glide, Response Stability and Response Cushion. Not only do runners get the opportunity to “test-run” adidas footwear, but they receive a foot scan and have an opportunity to talk to knowledgeable staff members before the race. The shoes were returned after the event to adidas staff member who were available to answer any running-related questions about the shoes.

Zobuzwe Ngobese, PR for adidas SA, sports the latest adidas MiCoach coaching device at the adi-active run in Greenpoint

Dr Ross Tucker (left) poses for a quick photo with Johan Scholtz, from adidas SA, after his run

Puma Cobra Golf hits the River Club fairway

2012-03-02T00:59:00.002-08:00

Puma recently invited the media and avid golfers for a day of golf, music and to try out their new AMP ranges from Cobra at the River Club in Cape Town. Golfers were encouraged to hit inflatable targets, chip into the water, hit the longest drive, putt from the rough and to see who can hit the ball the highest. Guests were also treated to the Puma Social Experience, complete with ping pong tables and refreshments.

With guests kitted out in bright orange caps and the Puma employees in their orange tops, it was hard to miss Puma’s presence at the River Club. The reason for the orange-out? Rickie Fowler, whose favourite colour is orange, plays with Cobra’s AMP Driver.

The drivers feature the E9 technology, which utilizes an elliptical shape face that gives the club a 30% larger sweet zone, resulting in more distance, accuracy and forgiveness in shots hit from the low heel to high toe. The majority of golfers hit shots across the face in this canted, elliptical pattern, Cobra discovered when they tested golfers hitting more than 25 000 shots. As a result, Cobra redesigned the club face to give golfers the advantage of this knowledge, adding a new canted bulge with dual roll to provide added distance and accuracy to the shots hit above and below the centreline.

In addition to their clubs, they also showed their new range of golf footwear and apparel that is designed for the fun-spirited individual, no matter their age.

To promote the range in-store, Puma have eye-catching displays and a striking cut out of Fowler in his orange outfit that draws attention.

Puma-sponsored players, such as Schalk Burger sporting kit from the new range, came to join in the fun.

New Balance Enter the Dragon

2011-12-08T00:21:00.000-08:00

The New Balance Dragon range

The Dragon range, based on the 574 shoe, was designed to coincide with the Chinese "Year of the Dragon" in 2012

New Balance recently launched their 574 Dragon Pack at the trendy Cape Town store Shelflife. The new range, decorated with dragon scale patterns, is a restyling of their most popular shoe, the 574.

There are three styles in the Dragon Pack range: a gold/red, black/gold and a red/gold shoe. Why dragon inspiration of all things? 2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon.

New Balance only released a limited amount (96 pairs each) of Dragon Pack shoes and in SA they are sold exclusively through Shelflife and New Balance concept stores.

From left to right: Gy McDonald from Good Hope FM, Coenrad Hefer of New Balance, Rachel Strydom,
Angie Ahlfel and Shaun Turner of New Balance enjoying the launch party.

Zipz shoes shows streetcred

2011-12-08T00:11:00.000-08:00

Back: Shameen Adams (left) and Johan Terblanche (right), participants in the recent

World Musclemania championships in Las Vegas, flanking Zipz distributor Du Toit Botes.

Zarian Simpson and skateboarder Wesley Smith are in front.

Du Toit Botes with the latest Zipz range

Bodybuilders flexing their muscles, fitness champs strutting their stuff and DJs spinning cool tunes … all with a title or two to their names. Not the usual models you’d expect at a shoe promotion. But then, there is nothing “usual” about Zipz, the new footwear brand with the zip-off uppers, nor the Cape Town crowd applauding the entertainers, sometimes joining in the fun ... when they are not trying on shoes.

This is the true canvas urban footwear market. Their heroes are the likes of former SA champion bodybuilder Shameen Adams and Johan Terblanche, both recently back from the World Musclemania World Championships in Las Vegas; SA Fitness Champ Llewellyn Cordier, who came second in the World Fitness championships, also in Las Vegas; Mr Fitness SA runner up Darren Booysen, also a competitor in Las Vegas and DJ Kodaks, 4-times African DJ champion. All wear Zipz, of course.

The occasion is the opening of the Zipz “Sushi bar”-type counter erected around a pillar in Canal Walk. Throughout the weekend of 2-4 December the music and acrobatic fitness routines (only oldies would call it breakdance) draw the crowds. Centrally placed, there’s hardly a shopper in the Mall who has not seen (or heard) the Zipz promotion. With the different upper styles and designs displayed under the glass tops of the counters, all passsers-by are able to see the eye-catching designs. And many of them stop to try on and buy.

Local distributor Du Toit Botes is running between the Zipz ambassadors, the warehouse to replenish stock and customers who want to know more about the brand. Since launching the brand a few months ago, he’s been on a mission promoting it to young, trendy, urban and streetwise customers.

The fact that Zipz is the official footwear sponsor of the X Games has opened doors to the Moto X, skateboarding and BMX communities. The dancers in the Red Bull Beat Battle were all wearing Zipz – and the winners got customized uppers, with their special designs sublimated on the uppers with a special machine made for Zipz.

The Strcrd show in the Johannesburg CBD was brilliant, Botes enthuses, with crowds partying in the closed-off streets till early morning. And while most customers buy one sole and several uppers, they expect a great demand for extra soles from the participants in the World Downhill Skating Champs in Rooi Els and Betties Bay on Sunday December 11^th.

Darren Booysen, runner-up in the Mr Fitness SA campaign, entertaining the crowd with his routine,

to music provided by DJ Kodaks, 4-times African DJ champion and Zipz ambassador.

Reebok launches CrossFit range

2011-11-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

Bruce Joubert of Reebok introducing the Reebok CrossFit range

Reebok recently launched their CrossFit footwear and apparel and introduced us to their latest footwear and apparel brand ambassador, Toya DeLazy. Not in a club. Not in a fancy building. In a gym.

Is Reebok the badge for authentic fitness? This is what Reebok is striving towards. They have partnered with CrossFit gyms in order to bring Reebok to the forefront of people’s minds when you mention fitness. As part of this partnership, Reebok have designed a new apparel range, Realflex Apparel, as well as a shoe specifically for Crossfit. Both the apparel and footwear range incorporate the Crossfit logo.

Keeping with the fitness image, Reebok’s concept stores will have a fitness feel. Displays and decorations will be designed around items found in a gym environment.

Reebok also partnered with Sony. Toya DeLazy, Sony’s latest signing, is also Reebok’s new footwear and apparel brand ambassador. DeLazy was at Reebok’s recent launch to perform some of her songs and to launch her music video for her hit “Pump it on”.

A black day for your right to know

2011-11-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

When we elect government representatives to govern on our behalf we need an unfettered press to tell us what these people representing us are up to. That’s the way democracy works. That is why Sports Trader joined more than 1 000 black-clad protesters outside the gates of Parliament on 22 November when MPs adopted the Protection of Information Bill with a 122 majority that will send whistle-blowers and people attempting to expose secrets, to jail. Opposition to the Secrecy Bill is not about giving journalists more rights than other citizens. It is to ensure the right of every South African to know that the people who govern on their behalf – from local, provincial to national government officials – are not abusing their trust. As an opponent of this “Secrecy Bill” said: you only want to keep bad things secret, when you are doing good, you want everybody to know. You can only hold your representatives accountable if you know what they’re doing.

Excitement over GoPro HD Hero2

2011-10-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

Rudolf Zuidema, marketing manager for Omnico, Max Cluer of Max Cluer Sports
Marketing and Dewald de Jager, brand manager for GoPro in SA is pictured here

GoPro held a worldwide launch of their new HD Hero2 for 2012 on the 24^th of October. Local distributors Omnico hosted the event in Cape Town at the Radison Blu Hotel in Greenpoint. Thanks to the YouTube video of pro cyclist Evan van der Spuy (aka Buck Norris) being “taken out” by a red hartebeest, just about every South African have now heard about GoPro and interest in the action camera is therefore high.

The GoPro-filmed video (click here to watch) was uploaded on the 10^th of October and already reached 11, 335, 110 views in the beginning of this week (24 October, 2011). This makes it the fastest growing YouTube video and 3^rd most-watched sports video on YouTube. A week after the buck incident Max Cluer Sports Marketing uploaded an “aftermath” clip with interviews with van der Spuy, his friend who filmed the incident, and the medic who was first on the scene (click here to watch). Excitement over the small-sized high quality waterproof camera doesn’t stop there.

The latest GoPro HD Hero2, which will be available in retail in February 2012, promises a 2x sharper glass lens, better low light performance, higher megapixels (HD Hero2: 11MP vs HD Hero: 5MP), narrower field of view (170 degree wide and 127 degree medium and 90 degree narrow), better slow motion performance (48FPS at 960p resolution and 120FPS at 840x480 resolution) and LED recording lights on all 4 sides of the camera. The HD Hero2 will replace the HD Hero, which will be discontinued.

Banff Mountain Film Festival kicks off

2011-10-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

From the film "Into Darkness"

The local leg of the Banff Mountain Film World Tour, hosted by Cape Union Mart and co-hosted by Deuter, LED Lenser, Buff and K-Way, will be screened at cinemas across the country from 28 October – 3 November. Nine of the best short films submitted to the Banff Centre in Canada will be showcased from 20:00 - 22:00 each day at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas across the country. This year’s selection of shorts includes The Longest Way, Tuzgle, Life Cycles, Eastern Rides, Cross Country Snowboarding, Into Darkness, Second Nature, Dream Result and the Swiss Machine. For more information visit www.banff.co.za.

From the film "Eastern Rises"

From the film "Dream Result"

To launch the festival Cape Union Mart hosted a screening for media and partners at the Freeworld Design Centre.

From left to right: Marketing manager Nick Bennet, CEO Andre Labuschaigne,
Lucy Kenny of Bletchley Park PR and Evan Torrance, Cape Union Mart director.

Suunto at the OutDoor show

2011-09-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

Suunto, locally distributed by Ultimo, showcased their latest fitness monitor, Quest, which enables you to create your own training programme, download it into the watch and share, plan and analyze the results at Movescount.com.

The watch monitors your heart-rate, speed, distance, running cadence, intensity, recovery and laps in real time. The Suunto Quest can be used with an optional foot POD, bike POD or GPS POD.

The Suunto stand at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen trade show

SteriPEN's latest water purification system

2011-09-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

SteriPEN showcased the latest Freedom water purifier — their smallest, lightest and first rechargeable UV water purifier — which will be available in SA through Ram Mountaineering at the end of 2011.

The SteriPEN Freedom can be recharged using a computer, AC outlet or compatible solar charger via a micro USB port and can also be used as a convenient LED flashlight. It is 13cm long, weighs a mere 74gm and destroys over 99% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa in just 48 seconds for 500ml of water at a time.

It can purify up to 20L of water on one battery charge, which takes approximately two hours to recharge. Just be aware that you have to use rechargable batteries as normal batteries do not hold enough power.
The Freedom is aimed at the business traveller.

The SteriPEN stand at OutDoor Friedrichshafen

Silva 2012

2011-09-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

Silva, locally distributed by LiteOptec, presented a brand new bicycling headlamp portfolio at the OutDoor show consisting of an entry-level and commuter/high-performance headlamp.

SIMI is Silva’s entry-level “to see, but also to be seen” product that will be launched in January 2012. It offers a battery time of 100 hours, has IPX6 certified waterproof capabilities and comes in different colours. The Velo headlamp is their headlamp targeted towards the professional commuter cyclist, it has IPX7 certified waterproof capabilities and an output of up to 110 lumens.

The Silva Tyto, a visibility lighting tool that can be attached on various surfaces, won an OutDoor Industry award at this year’s Friedrichshafen show. Running on two CR2032 batteries, the Silva Tyto will provide 24 100 hours of light, depending on the light mode.

The Silva Sprint headlamp offers the latest in Silva’s Intelligent Light concept, which incorporates a wide flood light combined with a strong focused light. The Sprint is also waterproof and can be attached to helmets or the bike frame.

The Silva attracted many visitors at the OutDoor trade show

Marcus Haas of Fiskaars international at the Silva stand

Latest from Sea to Summit

2011-09-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Sea to Summit, locally distributed by Adventure Inc, launched several new products at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen show.
The compact, lightweight and waterproof Ultra-Sil Dry daypack is a new addition to complement their other Ultra-Sil bags and packs.

“It is a great solution for keeping your gear light on the outside and dry on the inside,” says Malcolm Loos of Adventure Inc.

“Just like all of our Ultra-Sil bags and day packs, it comes with its own stuff sack for easy pack-ability. Made of high-strength and lightweight Cordura fabric, it has been siliconised for water resistance and easier packaging.”

A new nylon waterproof tarp poncho is ideal for temperate climates, emergency use, group use or ultra-light fast packing, explains Loos. It can also be used as a pack cover, tent awning or ground sheet. The waterproof fabric is lightweight and has been double-stitched and tape-sealed. The peaked hood has been ergonomically shaped and the poncho is wide enough to accommodate a large backpack. Reinforced attachment points make it easy to convert it into a two-person shelter.

“A folding bucket offers the ideal lightweight solution for carrying and storing water in the outdoors,” says Loos. It is made from non-absorbent, food grade (PVC-free) fabric, coated so that it does not absorb water. Free-standing on a level surface, an additional handle on the base makes pouring easy.

The Delta Spork (spoon, fork and knife combined) has been designed with ease of use and practicality in mind.
“The integrated spreader knife has a strong cutting edge, thanks to our bombproof nylon 66, while the spork profile has been shaped to be comfortable in the mouth,” says Loos.

The profile has also been designed to match inside curves of the Delta plate and bowl. And once you’re back in civilization, it’s safe to pop in the dishwasher.

Retailers showed interest in Sea to Summit’s products

Malcolm Loos of Adventure Inc at the Sea to Summit stand

New from Petzl

2011-09-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Petzl, locally distributed by Eiger Equipment, has improved the power consumption on their headlamps and they claim their LEDs will now be anything from 30-50% brighter as they have upgraded their LEDs for 2012.

Petzl introduced the Reverso 4, which is an upgrade on their Reverso 3 belay device for the climbing market — the 2012 model is 30% lighter than the Reverso 3.

The Micro Traxion hauling pulley is a locking system that can haul another climber or bag from one side of the pulley and locks off on the other side. It weighs merely 85gm. The Micro Traxion pulley is a smaller version of the Mini Traxion pulley previously introduced by Petzl.

Petzl also showcased their latest ice climbing axe, the Sum’Tec, which is an axe that sits between the range of technical climbing axes and basic trekking axes. The Sum’Tec’s axe-heads can be interchanged, which is a new innovation for Petzl.

John Fontyn of Eiger Equipment

The Petzl stand at OutDoor Friedrichshafen

Award-winning products from Pacsafe

2011-09-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Pacsafe won their second consecutive OutDoor Industry Award for their latest Ultimatesafe 32L backpack at this year’s OutDoor Friedrichshafen show. In 2010 they won an award for the RFIDsafe passport protector.

Pacsafe has 4 main security features in their products which consists of a slash-guard metal wiring which is sown into the straps, front and side panels of their travel bags, a locking function for the zips, a detachable lockable strap and their RFID shielding technology which is now common throughout their product range. The RFID technology is a shielding fabric which prevents people stealing chip information that could be on credit cards, passports or other identity cards.

The Ultimatesafe 32L Pacsafe backpack

Merrell 2012

2011-09-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

“Our barefoot running range (no heel-toe difference) has been our number 1 seller these past few years and in most countries they sell so fast we struggle to keep up with stock,” says Tim Selby, marketing director for Merrell international.

Merrell, locally distributed by Medicus shoes, has expanded their Trail Glove range to include a road running Road Glove and Dash Glove (for women) shoe that has more support and cushioning than its trail running counterpart.

They introduced their Bare Access range which is designed for longer runs or as a good transitional shoe between traditional and barefoot shoes, they now have an aqua barefoot shoe range as well as a barefoot lifestyle range of women’s sandals and men’s shoes.

Their latest Mix Master is a trail running/multi-sport shoe with a Merrell sticky rubber-bottom sole with ovals for traction, minimal drop and breathable upper. They have also launched a Merrell barefoot kiddies collection, to help children “start to run the right way”.

Visitors to the Merrell stand were invited to experience 'barefoot' in Merrell's shoes

The Merrell stand was a hive of activity at the OutDoor trade show

Tim Selby, marketing director for Merrell International

LED Lenser at the OutDoor trade show

2011-09-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

LED Lenser, locally distributed by Awesome Tools, showcased their flagship headlamp, the H14, at the OutDoor show which can be detached from the headband and used as a belt-worn LED lamp, a stand-alone camping lamp and a bike mounted lamp. The lamp is continuously focusable and can swivel in many directions and its Smart Light Technology offers several light programs with different functions. The H14 won the 2010 iF product design award and the 2010 Reddot design award.

LED Lenser’s Smart Light Technology consists of computer-optimized micro-controllers that can access many different light programmes (such as dimming, blinking, SOS signals, strobe lights & defence strobes) and can optimize energy consumption.

The patented Advanced Focus System (AFS) consists of a reflector-lens, a combination of reflector and lens, which allows a smooth transition from a circular, low beam to a sharply focused long distance beam.

The LED Lenser stand at the 2011 OutDoor Friedrichshafen trade show

New developments from Karrimor

2011-09-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

“The heart of the Karrimor brand has always been in backpacks and backpacking,” says Gary Bardsley, head of Karrimor. Karrimor’s pinnacle backpack piece for 2012 is the Jaguar ST 79 95. The X-Lite category is the range of lightweight backpacks made from the lightest materials suitable for backpacking, climbing-specific, day-walking and running. Karrimor has an Air-Space back system which allows four-way airflow between the back of the pack and the back of the wearer.

Karrimor is introducing 2 new ladies specific 30L and 20L day-packs with S shaped shoulder harnesses and women’s specific hip belts for the 2012 season. “Karrimor has had a lot of development in the ladies market focusing on women’s specific designs,” says Bardsley. “A lot of the success we’ve been experiencing in the ladies market can be attributed to our sponsorship with England’s Bonita Norris.”

Karrimor’s latest sponsored athlete, Bonita Norris, became the youngest British woman to summit Everest in 2010, the youngest woman to reach the false summit of Mt Manaslu in the Himalayas in 2009 at the age of 21 and has just completed her latest challenge by reaching the North Pole on a recent expedition.

Karrimor is launching into cycling in 2012 with their new Re-feul range with ballistic fabrics, bladders and hydration systems. They also have new developments in their urban and travel ranges.

“One of the key areas for Karrimor Footwear is multi-sport,” says Simon Wilkinson, head of Karrimor footwear international. Karrimor has developed a new outsole in conjunction with Vibram for their walking/mid-cut hiking footwear. Karrimor reports that they have had a lot of success with their footwear with women’s specific lasts, outsoles and designs.

“One of the key updates of our summer sandals range is our double lasted designs, partnering with Vibram and Wolverine leather,” says Wilkinson. “Water-shoes and closed-toe sandals has been an area of great success for us. Our top-end classic women’s sandals has proved a best-seller with their functional yet slightly younger style designs. We are also bringing in more lifestyle colours into our functional sandals. Our Micro-collection of sandals has all the technical attributes one would expect from the Karrimor brand, however we are trying to develop products that are more casual in its styling but would also be able to be used as an all-day walking/hiking/traveling shoe.”

Gary Bardsley, head of Karrimor

Simon Wilkinson, Karrimor footwear

Award-winning products from Jetboil

2011-09-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Jetboil’s Sumo Titanium cooking system won an OutDoor Industry Award at this year’s OutDoor Friedrichshafen show and was marked for its degree of innovation, design quality, workmanship, functionality and trendsetting character. The Sumo cooking system will also be available in a more affordable aluminium material as well.

The Sumo range features patented Jetboil Thermo-Regulate and FluxRing technology that maintains consistent cooking heat to around -6 degrees Celsius. As the boiling time is reduced and heating efficiency doubled, fuel consumption is lowered as well.

Jetboil’s Sol Titanium cooking system received the Editor’s Choice award for summer 2011 from Outdoor magazine and the Outdoor award at ispo.

The true 4-season 0.8L canister cooking system weighs 8.5 ounces, works with a push-button igniter and comes with a drink-through lid with pour sprout and strainer. Jetboil is locally distributed by Ram Mountaineering.

The Jetboil stand at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen show

Blake Tucker (left) and Ryan van Niekerk (right) from Ram Mountaineering, SA distributors
of Jetboil, with Jetboil International's James Bartho (second left) and CEO Perry Dowst

New ranges from Inov-8

2011-09-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwean born founder of Inov-8, Wayne Edy, explains that the Inov-8 brand is all about natural running. “We encourage runners to go barefoot through our transitional shoes,” says Edy. “We are the only company to have reduced our footwear to 3mm with no difference between the heel and forefoot.”

Inov-8, locally distributed by Rebel Elite Fitness, started 8 years ago and was at the forefront of the barefoot/minimalist running trend. All their shoes are neutral and encourage runners to use their natural stride to achieve optimal running efficiency and reduce injury.

Inov-8 has a comprehensive range of running and outdoor soles for different terrain; each offering a different function, whether it is a sole with spikes or a skin sole.

Inov-8 has been working closely with SA triathlete Claude Eksteen to produce a shoe with no heel to forefoot differential, a broad forefoot anatomical last and a speed-lacing system as well as heel and tongue pull-tabs to quickly pop the shoes onto your feet during a triathlon.

They have also launched a shoe specifically designed for the CrossFit personal fitness training concept with a 3.5mm outsole that has a low profile and facilitates the sensitivity of the foot.

The Inov8 stand at OutDoor Friedrichshafen

Inov8 founder Wayne Edy at the Inov8 stand at OutDoor Friedrichshafen

New developments from Hi-Tec

2011-09-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

“Hi-Tec is going through an exciting time at the moment,” says newly appointed CEO Edward van Wezel. “We have employed the best industry talent to spearhead innovative products and we’ve moved our head office to Amsterdam to attract that talent.”

Hi-Tec will be launching the Sierra light hiking outdoor boot in 2012, an evolution of the 1976 Sierra model, which at the time changed the athletically inspired outdoor hiking footwear market, says Simon Bryant, global range manager for Hi-Tec.
The Sierra collection, which will be a lifestyle and hiking range, consists of a Vibram outsole and an ortholite footbed, which is moisture wicking, stops smell and helps create comfort.

Whereas the Sierra collection is currently only a men’s footwear collection, Harmony will be an women’s-only range designed by women consisting of sandals, mid boots and low cut footwear. Hi-Tec and Vibram partnered to create a sole exclusively for Hi-Tec that consists of a rugged vulcanised rubber area surrounding an inner outsole area with activity-specific traction.

The Vibram/Hi-Tec outsole that can interchange its inner with different traction designs

Hi-Tec will be expanding their Infinity collection to lower price-ranged trail shoes — a shoe with the same outsole as the Sierra and another bottom-end shoe with a skimmed Vibram outsole that is a little chunkier and heavier and has an EVA wedge (not the Phylon that the top-end Infinity shoes have).

“Infinity running is a strategic group of shoes for us from a branding as well as performance point of view and will remain our pinnacle footwear range which will help sell the rest of the lower end Hi-Tec ranges,” adds van Wezel.

Frank van Wezel (left), chairman of Hi-Tec, with CEO of K-Way,
Andre Labuschaigne, and Edward van Wezel, CEO of Hi-Tec (right)

The Hi-Tec stand at 2011 OutDoor Friedrichshafen

New technologies from Columbia

2011-08-19T03:54:00.000-07:00

Columbia, distributed in SA by Wild Elements Apparel, will be incorporating new technologies into their apparel and footwear ranges for 2012.

Omni-Wick Evap is a moisture wicking compound that disperses sweat across a broad surface, allowing moisture to spread out and evaporate quickly:

Omni-Freeze Ice lowers the temperature of the fabric the moment moisture hits the surface of the fabric, which creates an immediate cooling effect.

The OutDry waterproofing system is based on a lamination process that bonds a waterproof, breathable membrane directly to the back side of a glove’s outer layer, which seals the stitching and any other potential water entry points.

This eliminates airspaces created by standard bladder methods where water, debris and mould can collect in between layers – which can increase the weight of the garment and reduce the insulation value and overall comfort:

The Columbia stand at OutDoor Friedrichshafen 2011

New outdoor accessories from Coghlan’s

2011-08-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

Rob Coghlan from the camping gear innovators Coghlan’s introduced their latest outdoor accessories for 2012 at the OutDoor Show in Friedrichshafen, which will be available in SA from Eiger Equipment:

*Their newest trail compass has a more fashionable design and can be attached to a backpack;

* They designed a pop-up trash can that folds down for easy storage and pops back up so that you can put the garbage bag in and zip the lid closed;

*An 18.9L water container collapses to a flat surface for easy packing and storage;

* A compact and lightweight double hammock can hold two people comfortably;

* Wooden safety matches hold 250 matches per box and two boxes per pack;

* The smores grill is ideal for the American fireside snack of a cracker with marshmallow and chocolate melted over the fire;

* Their survival horn can be heard over long distances, with a volume that reaches up to 120decibels.

Coghlan’s also introduced a palm-sized dynamo hand powered light that can be wound for a minute to provide 30mins of bright LED light;

A popular camp-fire treat, popcorn, can be made easily and without a mess in the Coghlan’s corn-popper, a light-weight, compact, hand-held pan with a lid that can be held over the camp-fire to make popcorn.

Their polypropylene dinnerware sets that can be squashed into a backpack are also big sellers.

Rob Coghlan (left) and Dawn Hayes of Coghlan's Limited

The Coghlan's stand at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen show

New designs from Buff

2011-08-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

Every year Buff launches a range of new exciting colours and designs and 2012 is no exception, explained Leo Rust of SA distributor Adventure Inc. Buff introduced their new Infinity concept, a lengthy wraparound scarf that can be folded over twice to form a double layer scarf, at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen show.

Although this range has the same technical qualities one would expect from Buff, it will be marketed to a more fashion conscious consumer.

The new Storm hood is a wind-stopping Gore-Tex hood with a traditional Buff scarf incorporated in the neckline. This allows non-hooded fleece and shell jackets to be converted into hooded jackets.

Leo Rust (left) and Malcolm Loos of Adventure Inc

The Buff stand at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen show

New launches from Black Diamond

2011-08-19T03:19:00.000-07:00

Black Diamond, locally distributed by Ram Mountaineering, introduced several innovative products at the OutDoor Show in Friedrichshafen. Their Gizmo, Cosmo and Moxie headlamps now feature two surface LEDs, explained Joel Lee, International Accounts Manager. Their proximity settings, designed to be used around camp etc, have an output of 24-35 lumens. The Spot headlamp, with an output of 75 – 90 lumens, is the no.1 selling headlamp in the US because of its new LED technology.

The Icon headlamp, which is good enough to be used for safety and rescue purposes as it has an output of up to 200 lumens in a 100m range, will be launched in retail in January 2012.

Black Diamond’s headlamps allow the wearer to access red LED’s, specifically designed for night vision, without toggling through white light, which destroys night vision. Once the red night vision mode has been selected the headlamp can be switched off and will return to the night vision setting once it is switched on again. Their range of trekking poles, the Trail Backers, have the 3-piece aluminium flick-lock system with a rubber grip.

The Trail trekking poles feature moulded foam grips for the right and left hand. The Trail Shock pole has a shock absorbing function with a softer bottom section, stiffer top section and stiffest middle section.

The women’s Trail and Trail Shock poles, which are new additions to the range, have a narrow grip and extra padding on the grip. The Black Diamond Magneton carabiners, said to change the way carabiners are designed in the future, lock and close by using the powers of magnetic attraction. They were launched internationally in July 2011.

The Black Diamond stand at OutDoor Friedrichshafen

Black Diamond SA team Ryan van Niekerk (left) and Blake Tucker (right) with Joel Lee, international accounts manager.

New range for Asolo

2011-08-19T03:07:00.000-07:00

In South Africa, where mountaineering is a niche sport, Asolo, distributed by Himalayan Outdoor, has a relatively small footprint. In Europe, it is a major mountaineering brand, and their massive stand at the OutDoor Show bore testimony to this. Asolo chairman Marco Zanatta explained that they group their footwear in four categories:

The Alpine range, which consists of the Expedition and Climbing sub-categories of high altitude (over 5 000m) climbing boots;

The Backpacking category, which consists of Power Matic and Triple Power Structure technologies and the Mountain Trekking range for multi-day treks;

The Hike collection, which includes the Power Lite, Radiant, Matrix, Energy, FSN and Motion ranges, and the Access range, which is their entry-level ranges of escape, junior, cross walk and sport sandal footwear.

Marco Zanatta, the chairman for Asolo, says that the ranges that will fit more appropriately to the South African market will be the Backpacking, Hike and Access ranges as well as the lower climbing ranges in the Alpine category.

Zanatta explains that the Asolo brand is very focused on fit – they have a triple fit system (either medium, wide or narrow fit) as well as a dedicated last for ladies (which is designed with a narrow fit). Asolo will be launching a brand new range of footwear for 2012, called the Motion range – a low cut, light hiking or approach shoe - which will fall under the Hike category. The outsole, developed in conjunction with Vibram, consists of an EVA midsole, a polyurethane heel and a cushion pad placed between the EVA and polyurethane.

Chairman Marco Zanatta with his latest Motion range

The Asolo stand at OutDoor Friedrichshafen

New Balance footwear launch

2011-08-19T02:46:00.000-07:00

From left: John Andrews, Keaton Oddy, Katherine Tromp of New Balance and footwear analyst Julian Greenstein. Front: Justin Stevens.

The latest New Balance Minimus Road and RevLite running shoe ranges were recently launched to the press, sport stores and footwear specialists at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA) in Cape Town. Prof. Tim Noakes gave a fascinating overview of the barefoot movement and why scientists believe that humans have evolved into runners capable of running at different speeds during the midday heat. John Andrews, product manager of New Balance, introduced the Minimus and RevLite ranges to attendees and footwear tester Julian Greenstein gave his review. Though launched simultaneously in Cape Town, the RevLite and Minimus are by no means similar shoes.

Prof. Tim Noakes showing the 'History of running shoes'.

The neutral RevLite consists of a midsole foam compound with the durability of foams that are 30% heavier and is recommended for runners looking to move towards a more lightweight running shoe. The shoe allows for a bi-lateral flexing of the forefoot which allows the left metatarsals to move separately from the right.

The Minimus Road shoe features a 4mm heel-toe (11mm heel - 7mm toe) drop and is recommended for runners who wish to train on the road in minimal shoes, as it facilitates a forefoot strike.

The Minimus Road, family of the Minimus Trail and Minimus Life, is reminiscent of the shoes produced during the 70’s and 80’s before manufacturers started producing shoes with greater cushioning and support. Though not a 100% barefoot (zero drop) shoe, it’s an ideal ‘forefoot-strike’ transitional shoe. Whilst the Minimus Trail shoe would require less cushioning than the road shoe due to the terrain it will be worn in, it offers more stability than the Minimus Road.

After the presentation, attendees were asked to run a few kilometres in the Minimus Road shoes. Quinten Fontyn of Model Sports (who will now be providing retail store-within-a-store concepts in De Jager’s Sports and other retailers), Sportsman’s Warehouse’s Sam Wright, Wouter Burger, Tarah Childes and Vikki Quarmby and Totalsports’ Megan Davis and Nicole Marais, as well as other press and footwear specialists, attended the launch.

Quinten Fontyn of Model Sports

Megan Davis (left) and Nicole Marais of Totalsports

From left: Vikki Quarmby, Tarah Childes,
Wouter Burger and Sam Wright of Moresport

Runners about to test the New Balance Minimus

Visiting MDL Sport in Calvinia

2011-08-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

At the foot of the Hantam Mountains, surrounded by graphic kokerbome (quivertrees), lies the heart of sheep-farming in the Northern Cape, Calvinia. During our visit it vies with its neighbour, Sutherland, for the title of the coldest town. But the people are warm, from the hearty welcome, matched by innard-warming delicious boerekos at the Hantam House, to Leon Visagie and his daughter Melissa of MDL Sport.

Opened just a year ago as an income provider for Melissa, Visagie initially didn’t expect the store to start making a profit for at least a year, “but within a month it paid her salary,” he says. Which is perhaps not surprising in a town featuring a running club, golf club, cricket club and various schools - but no sport store.

Visagie, a former correctional services officer and farmer, in July 2010 rented the space in a side street and started stocking the store with money he got when his farm was expropriated. They are still building on stock, but he already knows what will sell. “My mark-up is probably the lowest in the industry, but while the people want to buy athletic style shoes for everyday wear, I know what they can afford.”

He is a big fan of rep Mike Wallace, who regularly visits, and his stock selection shows it.

While footwear is a big seller, his safety concerns will not allow him to indulge in stocking products for his passion - target shooting. Burglar bars on the door and windows and a gate between the customers and Melissa are signs of the times. The old South African flag, prominently displayed, is a sign of times past.

Leon Visagie of MDL Sport in Calvinia

Visit to 4x4 Megastore and Midas Walkers in Upington

2011-08-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

Eric Walker (right) with sons Max and Erin in front of pictures showing the early beginnings of the company that now consists of several Upington businesses

As Bill Gates of Microsoft said: “There is nothing like success to breed success.” And the Walker family in Upington is a good example of the truth of this. Ever since the father of the present owner of the 4 x 4 Mega and Walker Midas stores - plus several other businesses – took over the Upington Radiators and Motor Graveyard in 1959-60, they’ve become the first port of call for anyone looking for someone to take over an ailing business and grow it successfully.

After two years of teaching business science, Eric Walker had joined his father, a former pilot, in the family business in 1981. By 1986 the various enterprises also included a Midas store – then significantly smaller than the current building - which now houses a substantial, well-stocked, fishing section, as well as some camping gear.

Several photographs of their first buildings and later extensions, proudly give a pictorial overview of the company history and growth. Along the ramp, leading up to the offices, hang rows of certificates for “Franchisee of the Year”, “Marketing Man of the Year” and other accolades.

Camping sales have exploded over the past few years, says Walker, especially with gear used by 4x4 enthusiasts. “Outdoor has become a big trend,” with customers travelling from as far as Springbok, Prieska and Kuruman to shop at their stores.

Four years ago they opened their second Midas store in town, and two years ago, after they opened the Mega World store, they moved most of the camping equipment to that shop on the outskirts of town.

The floods didn’t have such a devastating impact on the town’s economy as some people believe, maintains Walker. The problem was that it was the earliest flooding of the Orange River yet and many farmers still had to harvest grape crops. “The export farmers were finished, but the grape producers for the local market suffered.” This year they delivered about 40 000 tonnes less than the 155 000 tonnes last year.

Walker’s two sons, Max and Erin, are also involved in the business – the latter is currently developing systems to ensure the smooth running of the various businesses that also include a garage, an agency for IVECO trucks, a workshop, wastepaper and scrapmetal works, a test station, to name a few.

Part of the camping section in 4x4 Mega World in Upington

The camping gear corner in the Walker Midas store in Upington

Visit to Top Gear Sport, Upington

2011-08-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

“The (retail) cake is NOT getting smaller,” confirms Dappie van der Ryst, “and competition helps to grow it. My turnover has tripled since Tekkie Town opened closed by.”

He’s outgoing and exudes optimism.

Rugby was the common denominator when Springbok Pieter (Slap Tjips) Rossouw, current Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie (in Ceres), Tersius Gilliomee in George, and Van der Ryst in Upington founded the Top Gear stores at the end of the last century. And rugby is still a passion that he nurtures amongst the youngsters in Upington through coaching at the local schools and the establishment of the Top Gear team, consisting of players from various non-rugby-playing primary schools, coached by one of his staff members.

Although fully aware that the community actually supports soccer, Van der Ryst’s enthusiastic promotion of rugby seems to typify his optimistic approach to life. But, the floods earlier this year before the full grape harvest was in, did affect everybody in the community – with the farmers no longer coming to town to pick up labourers, the buying power just became so much smaller.

Sport and lifestyle shoes is a big market for him – and his wide selection of brands and styles for all sports ensures that he’ll probably have stock when a customer comes looking for something specific. But clothes and replica are slow sellers, he says. “In four months I sold one Cheetah jersey.”

Eager to improve and grow business, he’s always keeping an eye and ear out for new opportunities or advice – for example, a sales rep advised him how to display footwear – and really appreciates the agents that do take the trouble to come and visit his store. “You always tend to buy more when someone pays a personal visit,” he says.

Dappie van der Ryst of Top Gear Sport in Upington

Visit to Trappers, Upington

2011-08-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

Clothing and footwear is indeed a big market, confirms Trappers manager Nico Visser, who is upbeat about business prospects and opportunities.

“There is also always the guy that walks in, looking for a nice shirt. We are quite a fit lot here in Upington, so there’s plenty of interest in running,” he explains their display of Salomon running shoes. Camo clothes for hunting is also a popular item among their customers, half of whom would be locals, about 30% tourists and about 20% from outlying towns.

The familiar Trappers logo and store layout helps draw visitors who know what to expect. While they benefit from the buying strength of the franchise group, which offers them many special deals, they are free to source their own products and ranges that suit the preferences of their customers.

A poster advertising a paintball event on the door is testimony to just one of the many such opportunities identified, with interest in this sport growing since a second field opened in the area.

Always looking at new opportunities for growth, Visser subscribes to the philosophy that the business cake is indeed getting bigger. Especially in an area where there are customers with special interests that nobody currently caters for.

Nico Visser, manager of Trappers in Upington

Visiting Bokkie Sport

2011-06-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Brian Basson of Bokkie Sport in Upington shares Anna de Villiers’ philosophy that you can only sell it if you stock it. “We carry a bit of everything,” he says.

Over the past 27 years, Bokkie Sport has become an institution in Upington, after Bokkie moved the business here from his hometown Hartswater, and prior to that his wife’s hometown Ventersdorp. The store moves were prompted by declining customer numbers, but “this is where we stay,” he says emphatically. As in many independent businesses, he is passing the baton to his son Brian.

Bokkie is a big rugby fan – he’s keeping a keen eye on a Super 15-match on TV as we talk – but soccer is now the main sport in Upington, with rugby participation dwindling to one team in town, he says. A quick finger count adds up to at least ten soccer clubs in the immediate area. Golf remains a good market. Of the two tennis clubs, only one is left. Badminton is dead. There is little interest in running, but school kids still participate in athletics.

The schools are very active in team sports like cricket, hockey, table tennis, rugby, volleyball and, of course, soccer, says Brian. “The schools are a big market for us.” These would not only include schools from surrounding towns like Keimoes and Kakamas, but also many farm schools.

Despite the small number of players, rugby support is still strong and replica jersey of the Cheetahs and Bulls are displayed equally prominently. As in most sport stores, the demand for clothes and footwear exceeds equipment sales. Apart from a few ranges from traditional sporting brands like adidas ( Upington forms part of the area covered by legendary Free State agent Pine Pienaar, who actually still visits stores) it is predominantly the lifestyle brands that catch the eye.

The competition in the clothing and footwear market is fierce, though, with chains like Tekkie Town, Totalsport, sportscene, Shoelette’s, Shoe City, PEP, Mr Price, other independents and a franchise like Trappers all competing for a slice of the cake. Which, as Bokkie reminds us, is not getting any bigger.

Petronella Titus, Jason Jacobs and Brian and Bokkie Basson of Bokkie Sport in Upington

Visiting Upington

2011-06-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

The floods in January washed away a viewing platform at the Augrabies Falls

As the business hub of the Northern Cape, Upington is a vibrant town with a population of about 72 000 people. It is also the main shopping area for the surrounding towns, even Springbok. In the lush Orange River valley grape farming – with off-shoots raisins and wine - is the main source of income. About 40% of South Africa’s export grape crop comes from the area and since the late 1960’s wine making from grapes supplied by about 750 farms have become an important industry.

The river is also a tourist attraction, with river rafting, water skiing and yellowfish and barbell angling as the main drawcards.

But, the early floods in January have hit the grape farming community quite hard, with many farmers left without a crop. The loss of income is affecting the whole town, he believes. It has also been bad for the fishing trade, as anglers don’t come looking for the record breaking barbels that put areas like Opskeepkans on the map.

The previous day, at the Augrabies Falls, we got a glimpse of the destruction that too much water in this arid region can cause, with the viewing platform closest to where the white water thunders down into the ravine, swept away. When that happened in January, 4 700 cubic meter per second rushed past, now it is down to 1 200 cubic meter per second of fast flowing falling water topped by a rainbow creating a mesmerising spectacle .

Visit to Gassentrum, Springbok

2011-06-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Throughout our trip it is obvious which distributorships still send agents or catalogues to the Northern Cape, as their product range are well stocked and displayed.

One of them is WET Sports, who obviously also visit Anna de Villiers at the Gassentrum, as their product range is well represented there, even some rackets. Her main source of income is the sale of gas – and with regular electricity failures and the biting winter cold she is selling a LOT of gas – but the gregarious shop owner knows that if someone walks into a store and sees something they need, they’ll buy.

“We are busy, there are always people coming by – its hunting season, tourists travel through, it will soon be holiday camping season and we get a lot of demand from all over the Richtersveld,” she says with enthusiasm.

Her husband started the store in 1983, but she’s been trading on her own for more than 25 years after he died in 1985. Originally only selling gas and repairing gas appliances, she added quite an extensive range of camping equipment, fishing tackle and even sports equipment as customers started asking for these products. So close to the Orange River she wants to expand her fishing tackle stock, currently consisting mainly of accessories and baits, as this is a popular yellowfish and barbel fishing area.

Anna de Villiers has been trading in the Gassentrum for 25 years

Visit to Snyman’s Outfitters

2011-06-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

It’s the first shopping day after the government officials got paid and the streets of Springbok are buzzing. We battle to find a parking spot.

“Many people, but little money,” remarks Kosie Grobbelaar of Snyman’s Outfitters laconically.

Apart from tourists, the more than 10 000 people of Springbok depend on the surrounding mining towns for prosperity – and when mines close or lay-off people, as have been happening over the past few years, business suffers. There is hope though, as people are talking about an Indian group taking over some of the mines, but, who knows…? Grobbelaar shrugs his shoulders.

When Snyman Outfitters was founded in 1976 by his father Grobbie and a Snyman, who died within a few years, the town en route to Namibia also benefitted from the patronage of neighbouring farming and mining towns like Pofadder, Garies, Kleinzee, Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay. Now those towns generate little income.

In the 1970’s Snyman’s Outfitters had little competition and after 17 years on the road as a representative for VEKA clothing, Grobbelaar snr enjoyed a relatively stress free retailing experience. Kosie, who left his accountancy job with Sasko and took over the store after his father retired 14 years ago, now have to compete with Totalsports, sportscene, Markhams, Shoelettes, PEP stores, etc. While the sport stores in town have closed down, he added sports product categories and is now looking at ways to expand his premises to include camping. But, he cautions, the cake is only this big …

He enlarged his slice by drawing feet into the store with cellular phone sales and an Internet Café, which attracts the Orange River rafters keen to catch up with news from home and the office at the end of a trip.

Trading has changed a lot over the years, says Grobbelaar. For example, the basket of goods will now seldom include suits, and definitely not striped shirts with collars, but most likely brands like Jeep, adidas, Quiksilver and Billabong. That is the advantage of an independent store owner who has been trading a long time, says Grobbelaar, you know what the customers want.

With his wife, Naomi, and son, Albie, involved in the store, the Grobbelaars have a vested interest in making it work.

In his father’s day, an agent would visit to show the latest ranges for most brands – now Grobbelaar travels to Cape Town every second month to select stock as few of the brands launch their ranges at the same time. He understands, he says, as many of the sport stores between Cape Town and Springbok have closed down.

Naomi (left), Kosie and Albie Grobelaar of Snyman's Outfitters

Sports Trader in the Northern Cape

2011-06-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

After the good rains of the past few days the veld is green and welcoming. Like the people of Namaqualand, where everybody is friendly and hospitable. Even the traffic cops are friendly - and polite.

Here and there splotches of purple and yellow reveal precocious flowers lulled into early bloom by the bountiful winter rains. It is going to be an excellent year, the people predict – referring to the spectacle that awaits flower tourists in spring, but also anticipating the resulting tourism boom.

The reflection of the sun on the wet mountains looks like snow in the distance.
The Northern Cape is the poorest, least populated and most remote area of the country. But even in these tough trading conditions, independent retailers selling sport and outdoor equipment make a living. Despite an Agri Mark, Midas, China Shop and several other chain stores in just about every town, reports that the independent sport and outdoor retailer is dead, are vastly exaggerated, to paraphrase Mark Twain.

Two Oceans Expo again a hit

2011-04-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Totalsports showcased their running products

Sportsmans Warehouse products
were a great hit with the runners

The Two Oceans Marathon Expo was, once again, a hub of activity as runners, their friends and families and other interested Capetonians flocked to the Good Hope Centre between 20-22 April to see the latest running-related goods and stock up on accessories. Especially the stands of nutritional product brands were swamped by visitors buying fuel for the race. On the enormous Jamaican-themed stand of race sponsor Puma, hopeful sprinters tried to match their time to that of Usain Bolt, competing for the R10 000 sponsorship from Puma for the fastest man and woman. With long queues of people eager to take up the expo deals on offer, the spectre of the recession faded. Among the many well-known footwear, clothing, eyewear and accessory brands, were interesting new comers, like Newton barefoot running shoes, appropriately imported and marketed locally by none other than South Africa’s barefoot running ace, Zola Budd (Pieterse).

Event sponsor Puma had a running track
on their Jamaican themed stand

Well-known Cape Town agent Pat Stack
with Zola Budd (right)

Matt Tibenham of Drifters and Mike Morehen of Inov8

Rebecca Laird and Marc Smith of Texas Peak

Leo Rust, who came 3rd in the Two Oceans Trail Run
on the 22nd of April, and Ian Little (right) of Hi-Tec

Warren Quarmby, Conny Phillips Page
and Keaton Oddy of New Balance

Gilbert RWC ball officially launched

2011-04-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

The Gilbert Virtuo, official RWC 2011 match ball

The Gilbert Virtuo, the official match ball for the RWC 2011, was officially launched in Cape Town on April 14, with a demonstration by some of South Africa’s top kickers Braam van Straaten, Percy Montgomery and Louis Koen that with the Virtuo, “anybody” can become a kicker. After some coaching, extreme athlete Ryan Sands and radio personalities Ryan O’Connor and Mark Bayly, put the kicking theory to the test – with mixed results. A limited number of the RWC match ball-quality Virtuo balls will be on sale from next week (May 1), but Gilbert RWC ball merchandise has been on sale since December 2010.

As reported in SA Sports Trader October/November 2010, Gilbert’s international ball development engineer Ian Savage, introduced the ball to SARU, the Springboks and Wallabies, before the Tri-Nations test in Cape Town last year. This was one of the many “tests” by players (including Braam van Straaten and England flyhalf Paul Grayson) and factory machines the Virtuo underwent.

“The Virtuo ball has been developed using new rubber compounds, as well as a unique grip surface that has a profound impact on the flight as well as the out-of- hand handling of the ball, says Eric Ichikowitz, Group Strategic and Marketing Director for Gilbert SA. “It has been developed with optimal performance at the highest level of the game in mind, to ensure that the ball contributes to an exciting and successful World Cup. The key to the manufacturing process is the relationship between the strength of backing material and the amount of energy imparted. This new ball has pleased the experts,” continues Ichikowitz.

The unique design of the World Cup ball was developed as collaboration between Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) and Maori artists. RWCL were keen to capture the meaning of the tournament, using the language of Maori art. The result is a stylistic interpretation of the Hammerhead Shark (Mangopare), considered by Maori as the greatest of sharks because of its tenacious nature, and the Fern shoot (Koru), central to Maori symbolism with its spiral form representing the cycle of life, family and creation.

"The ball travels perfectly through the air - it's aerodynamic and with the adaptation Gilbert has made to both the strength and the bladder makes it a pleasure to kick,” says Van Straaten. "Of course a lot depends on the climate and ultimately the pressure on the ball, but my experience shows that this is an amazing ball and it has been a pleasure to test."

For more information, visit the Gilbert website, www.gilbertrugby.com.

Ace Kickers Percy Montgomery, Braam van Straaten and Louis Koen
with Gilbert SA GM Du Toit Botes (far right), Bokkie and two young supporters

Nike Free 5.0 launched in Cape Town

2011-03-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

Media members and athletes test the Nike Free gear

Nike launched their latest technology in the Nike Free range to the press on the 17th of March at the Hyde hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town.

What started as a movement towards the development of minimalist shoes since 2001 evolved into a Nike Free shoe that allows for the natural movement of the foot which develops the strength, balance and flexibility benefits of barefoot running and combines it with minimal cushioning and support.

This provides ideal footwear for runners who are used to traditionally built-up shoes and are looking to train with minimalist footwear. Lieuwe Boonstra, triathlon and XTERRA athlete, and Mapaseka Makhanya, SA’s 800m champion, joined the press on their 2km run along the Sea Point promenade. The latest Nike Free 5.0 range will be available for retail in April.

Makhonya (left) and Boonstra talks to the media

Seruscka Naidoo and Alpheus Masa (left) of Nike

Liewe Boonstra, triathlon and Xterra athlete

Mapaseka Makhonya, SA's 800m champ

Rugby in the Western Cape got a boost this week when the Laureus Foundation made The Legends Cup Trust their latest funded project

2011-03-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

Miguel Indurain, Morne du Plessis and Daley Thompson holding their Mitre balls

The aim of the Legends Cup project, founded in 2009, is to get vulnerable children in disadvantaged areas off the streets and offer them an alternative to crime through participation in regular rugby practices and leagues. Mitre supplies balls for the project.

First coaches are trained through courses that will bring their skills up to IRB standards. They then organise league games played in zones where the schools are so close that transport is no problem. So far more than 1 700 players from 80 schools in ten zones on the Cape Flats have been involved in matches. Then combined sides from each of the zones compete in the Mega 10 tournament, where a Legends Cup Gazelles team is formed that goes on tour.

Projects funded by Laureus must all have a social upliftment component and this project is teamed with Cool To Be Me, a NGO that teaches lifeskills in schools, in particular to instill a sense of self-worth and respect in children from gang- and violence-rife communities. Several Laureus Academy members – all sporting greats committed to using their fame in order to draw attention Laureus projects – attended the launch. Among them were former Spanish cyclist Miguel Indurain, the first to win the Tour de France five times, England’s Olympic gold medallist in decathlon Daley Thompson, former Banyana Banyana captain Desiree Ellis and rugby Springbok Bryan Habana.

Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for Sport

Ismael Tuladia of the Rugby Legends Cup

Linda Bruce from Cool To Be Me adressed the media

Daley Thompson enjoying his new ball

Puma SA celebrates Cobra Golf merge

2011-03-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Puma sales director Luke Barret-Smith, MD of Puma Cobra Golf Deon Bakkes and Puma marketing manager Brett Bellinger

The merge between Cobra Golf and Puma SA was celebrated at the River Club in Observatory on the 18th of February, where the media and golfers had a chance to test Puma-Cobra clubs.

The international merge between Puma AG and Cobra Golf was announced in 2010, combining Puma Golf’s footwear, apparel and accessories designs with Cobra Golf’s advanced equipment, innovation and superior performance. The merge between Cobra Golf and Puma SA was officially announced and it was the first time that the latest Cobra S3 and S3 Max irons, drivers and fairway metals were showcased.

Puma’s E9 Face Technology expands the original sweet zone by 30%, allowing golfers to use a larger area of the club face. In tests, Cobra had golfers hitting more than 25 000 shots, during which they discovered that most players do not hit the ball on a circular sweet spot around the centre of the face all the time (with long irons), but rather in a slanted, elliptical pattern from the low heel to the high toe. With shorter irons, golfers are said to hit the ball in a circular pattern. The new cavity design changes Puma-Cobra’s Sweet Zone from elliptical in the long irons to oval in the mid-irons and to circular in the short irons.

Puma Cobra clubs, irons and drivers on display

Local celebrities such as Vanessa Haywood (left) and Jack Parow teeing off

Luke Barret-Smith of Puma teeing off

Castle Light supplied refreshments and an iced putt-putt section