For 35 years now, off the East Coast of Southern Africa, men of the South African Surf Lifesaving community have been taking on a monumental challenge every 24 months. Known as "The Maker of Men", "The Blood, guts & glory race", "4 days of hell at sea," or simply "The Challenge" it has captivated the minds of the public through the sheer toughness and bravery of the competitors and the paddling community who offer deep respect to those who can say "I have done it".

Southern Shamaal 2008

Competitors in the Challenge are true masters of stamina, strength and courage - and they keep coming back for more!

The Challenge is the ultimate contest between man and the elements of nature, a reputation that has enticed competitors back every time it has been staged.

To understand and appreciate the present, one must look back to how it all began. The answers to all our questions lie in the stories of those who rose to the challenge, met it with courage and overcame to breach the finish line. And for those who have had the experience, they call it just that - a CHALLENGE!

January 7, 1972: When it all began

This endurance feat started as a friendly challenge on January 7, 1972, between ultra-distance runner John Ball and Surf Lifesaving legend John Woods, who would paddle the race, where the outcome would indicate who was faster - the runner or the paddler?

It was decided that the race would be from Port Elizabeth to East London, and started as 3am on the steps of the Port Elizabeth City Hall. It was grueling test of stamina and endurance, as Ball and Woods faced extremely unpleasant weather conditions and included three overnight stops (Woody Cape, Port Alfred and Hamburg). Four days later it finished at Orient Beach in East London, with John Ball winning by approximately half an hour. The experience had captured the imagination of John Woods, who said that such a four-day event had the right ingredients to attract the average competitor looking for a real challenge.

Lucky Strike Challenge

The inaugural challenge, sponsored by the United Tobacco Company as organized through the Surf Lifesaving Association of South Africa, took place in December 1972 and was known as the Lucky Strike Challenge. It was decided to run it as a biennial surf ski event, along the same route as used by Ball and Woods.

History - the first route map

Durban-based Tony Scott won the first Lucky Strike Challenge, a feat he repeated four times over his career. He went on to compete in eleven Challenges, the most by any paddler in this event, and is still paddling today.

In 1973 the event only had single skis, and in 1974 saw the introduction of double skis for the first time. By 1975 the reputation of the race resulted in the participation in the participation of the international paddlers from England, Wales, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

1979: Chalupsky Involvement

In 1979, Paul Chalupsky (42) paired with his son Oscar (16) in their first Challenge and finished in second place. Oscar returned in 1981 to display his prowess, and at 17 years-old became the youngest paddler in history to win this race. This was also the year when the race became known as the Texan Challenge.

Few paddlers hold a record comparable to that of Oscar Chalupsky, the school pupil who made a sport and an event his own, and today boasts sporting accomplishments that are world-renowned.

Recognise this man? The young Oscar Chalupsky

Not to be outdone, in 1983, Alma Chalupsky (15), daughter of Paul Chalupsky, became the first woman to complete the Challenge.

The Texan Challenge went from strength to strength, attracting more and more competitors over the years. Unfortunately due to advertising standard restrictions, United Tobacco withdrew its sponsorship after the 1985 race. The official list of sponsors who we are forever thankful are:

• Lucky Strike Challenge.
• Texan Challenge.
• Plascon Challenge
• Red Heart Challenge.
• Hardy's Challenge.
• P.E. Tourism "Sunshine Coast Challenge"
• Old Mutual Bank Challenge.

Following the great success of the Dubai Shamaal which in 3 years has grown into one of the world's premier ocean paddling races the organizers have extended their brand into one of the world's oldest & greatest ocean challenges.

The Southern Shamaal PE to EL Challenge 2008.

Run from the 6th to the 9th of December over a distance of 250km, this year's event is being backed with first class organization, good prize money, a new relay format & international participation.

Anton Erasmus who has paddled the race & run the race in the past has been appointed as Managing Director of the venture. He has appointed another highly experienced ocean man Michael Zoetmoulder of ZSports to run the event.

Safety, paddling development, and an outstanding experience for all participants & seconds are the 3 major priorities for Anton & Z Sports.

Both Lifesaving Eastern Cape & the National Surf Rescue Institute of South Africa are fully committed to the 100% safety record the event proudly boasts. Grant Breetzke, Provincial Chairman of Lifesaving Eastern Cape said, "Lifesaving Eastern Cape is proud of its association with this race since its inception and are delighted there will be international participation once again. This epic Challenge tests not only the strength and endurance of each paddler but their being able to cope with 4 days exposure to the elements as well. The camaraderie is of the highest level and safety for the paddlers is of paramount importance to enable them to concentrate on getting through it all without having to worry about safety."

The NSRI one of the oldest supporters of the race will be offering land & ocean based support through a variety of specially designed craft. These craft, based at Station 6, Port Elizabeth, will accompany the paddlers from Coega through to East London. They will be supported by the NSRI crews from Port Alfred and East London stations.

"Kowie Rescuer" from Station 11, Port Alfred, will back up the fleet between Cannon Rocks and Hamburg with "ASCA Rescuer 1" fro Station 7, East London, assisting on the leg from Hamburg to East London.

Dare2Paddle

Dare2Paddle, a beneficiary of this event, exists to encourage and facilitate excellence. We want to provide and avenue for athletes with the talent and desire to achieve their full potential. There are individuals for whom "full potential" means competing with the best in the world. We must encourage these individuals because they are capable of a level of excellence that can inspire others in our nation to step out and fulfill their own potential.

Dare2Paddlehas been tasked with identifying local previously disadvantaged athletes, and developing and assisting them to a point where they can compete in the relay event next time around and eventually do the whole event solo.

Entry Fees

To ensure that the paddlers & their support are offered the best experience possible this year entry fees cover set meals, camping arrangements, and full medical & safety support. Anton has also promised plenty of cold beer & "the mother of all finishing parties" in East London.

The entry fee for the Solo event is R1000 per paddler and for the relay team R1200 per paddler.

Besides the logistic and safety infrastructure (R180 000) around the Challenge each paddler will get the following:

• A Goody Bag including Southern Shamaal clothing, etc valued at R600
• Free Camping for paddlers and seconds at Woody Cape, Port Alfred and Hamburg
• Supper at Woody Cape, Port Alfred and Hamburg
• A prize giving function at Orient Beach East London for the paddlers and seconds.

Relay Format

The new relay format is aimed at two sets of paddlers.

Touring Internationals

For the first time we will see nations competing for the honor of being long distance champions. Interest in the format has been growing and the organizers hope to see international team entries from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, France, Sweden, Belgium and the UAE all competing for the long distance team championship.

Teams and individuals will compete in the Dubai Shamaal on Dec 2 and then fly on mass to South Africa to start the 4 day race on Dec 6.

Other Teams

It is secondly aimed at paddlers who were not selected for international representation and who want to form their own "speed team" comprising paddlers who might have paddled the race in the past and cannot take on 250km again or paddlers who just feel they are not ready to tackle the entire course. This is a chance to experience the camaraderie & reality of "being there".

It is hoped that from this group more and more solo paddlers will try the race.

The format is simple:

• 4 men.
• 2 singles & 1 double.
• Pre agreed legs as laid down by the race director.
• Each man has to paddle at least 1 leg.
• Time is cumulative over 4 days.

(We are also inviting "solo team" entries. Each paddler must do the whole race & the winning time is the cumulative time for all members over 4 days.)

Team Racing

Race Distances

The race distances are as follows:

In the case of weather making the course unsafe (wind in excess of 30kph or surf 10ft plus)  the following routes will be used.

The prize money.

Quick Guide

The organizers offer this quick guide:

1. The registration and pre race briefing: Takes place in Port Elizabeth (a city with all the first world infra structure) Accommodation options range from Bed and Breakfast/ backpackers to 5 star hotels) on Friday 5 December at Blue Water Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. The race management does not provide accommodation but will assist in finding suitable accommodation (we will do a database of B and B's in Blue Water bay - walking distance to the start)
2. Paddlers need to provide own craft, paddles, PFD and leash and all that they require for a long multi day paddling event (your fluids, special foods etc) - Shops in Port Elizabeth will have all you need. International teams will be managed by a "Local past Legend" who will assist with seconding, race strategy, transport, shopping etc.
3. At Woody Cape (end of day one) all paddlers will camp (you must provide your own tent, sleeping bag etc - this applies for day two and three) there will be meals and refreshments available. The tap water (as in Port Elizabeth) can safely be used for drinking). The small village of Alexandria (about 25 km away has most items that you might need - but best to do your purchases in Port Elizabeth). There are hot showers flush toilets and some electrical power points - The camp sites are on level grassed fields with some "street type lighting" but bring a torch anyway. Again we can assist those who need to hire camping equipment etc. Day two is an early start in that you need to walk about 700m to the beach (down a 100m high sand dune). Get all your stuff ready the night before.
4. End of day two is in Port Alfred (a town with all the shopping and other infra structure that you require. Here we camp on the school grounds (grass rugby/cricket fields) about 3 km from the finish beach. Hot showers, flush toilets and some electrical power points are available. Some meals and refreshments will be available at the camp but the shops are within easy walking distance. Note that the tap water is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is available in the town. Again be ready for an early start as day three is a long one.
5. End of day three is at Hamburg (a small village with one shop and a liquor store) so get all that you require in Port Alfred. Camping is at an established caravan/camp site next to the river about 1 km from the finish beach. The tap water is not that great to drink so bring bottled water from Port Alfred if your tummy is picky). Hot showers, flush toilets and some electrical power points are available. Some meals and refreshments will be available at the camp - there is also a restaurant - which serves basic food (burgers etc) and refreshments.
6. Day four is the finish in East London (a medium size city with all the first world facilities). The Prize giving function and party will take place within walking distance of the finish. We will be arranging accommodation at at a discounted rate for that night.

Race briefings will take place at the campsites at about 17h00 each afternoon where all details of the next day will be covered. Ticks and mosquitoes can be a problem at the camp sites so take care and use any of the commercial prophylactics that are readily available. Medical help is available all along the route and Port Elizabeth and Port Alfred have good hospitals.

Logistics

Both Port Elizabeth and East London are well serviced by regional airlines linking to Joburg, Durban and Cape Town. A number of greyhound type bus services are also available.

Event Website

All this and more, including pre, during & post race info will be on http://www.southernshamaal.com/ the official web site for the event. The site is scheduled to launch in a few weeks time.

Comments (2)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Only the toughest of the tough need apply!
written by Jamii Hamlin, July 25, 2008

This is 'the event' to gauge how tough a paddler you are! It tests your mental & physical grit beyond most seasoned paddlers abilities where sea-worthiness counts way more than speed, but finishing this 4 day enduro is worth every ounce of pain!

Whilst the Molokai is considered the Holy Grail of events, the Challenge deserves its own hall of fame!

Perhaps Anton could dig through some of the annals of time to list the 'unheard of legends' who have completed this magical epic...Tony Scott, Robbie Bester, Ralph Tuelings and several others are guys who have finish 10 of challenges.
Then a trio of females Kim Rew, Michele Eray & Erin Leybrand are the only females to finish in singles, whilst Donia Kamstra & Andrew Blackburn could have beaten Oscar & Greg in 2002 but their 10 min arguement at Mpekweni scuppered their 4 minute lead.
Lets hear some of the legend tales of 11 hour paddles into head winds or 3 hour portage along the beach in 2004 that Scotty & co took, schools of dolphins along the neverending cliffs, whilst the pounding surf kept Alister Fraser busy for one & a half hours at the start of day 2 from Wood Cape in 2000 or in 2002 after four days of contemplation on the open sea Neil Henderson finished last to his girlfriend embrace and prompty asked her to marry him!

This Challenge will change you!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

Legends.
written by Gavin Dickinson, July 25, 2008

Anton & Rob will reveal more war tales - for sure. If you have any, pls share them here for us to enjoy. The event web site will be functioning soon & there will be a hall of fame. Pls expand on the Blackburn/Kamstra vs Barton/OC race. I would have said that Barton & OC would have been unbeatable in a double over this distance.

Why did Scotty portage?

There was also the story about the champion USA lifesaver who tried the race & broke his paddle 1/2 way through day 1...and did somthing like 40km with 1/2 a blade.

What a lot of people forget is that these past masters did a lot of these races with wooden flat blades & home made boats. Guff Harvey (Kings Beach SLC) has kindly allowed us access to his scrap books & reading SCOPE or STAG magazine reports from 1977 make for gripping reading. Rob will reveal more, I am sure.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: -1