Crossing Over to the Other Side

CROSS OVER: Tom Whitaker's brother Chris was a Waratahs rugby star. Photo Kody McGregor

Confirmed athletes are Dale Steyn, AB De Villiers, Ryan Sandes, Raynard Tissink, Ruan De Smidt, Garreth McLellan, Greg Minnaar, Lance Isaacs, Nick De Wit, Kerim Fitzgerald, Bob Skinstad, Butch James, John Smit, Jean De Villiers, Schalk Burger, Seabelo Senatla, Tonderai Chavhanga, Jordy Smith, Tom Whitaker (Australia) and radio and TV personality Ryan O’Connor.

Jordy Smith and Australian wildcard Tom Whitaker are firm favourites

The X Over kicks off on Thursday 20 July with the Mountain Bike event, a 15km route around the back of J-Bay, followed by the surfing at Lower Point on Friday 21st, before the athletes head over to the St Francis Links Golf Course for a quick nine-hole tournament.

Jordy Smith and Australian wildcard Tom Whitaker (his brother Chris is a stalwart of the Waratahs Super Rugby franchise) are firm favourites, but Dale Steyn's cricket injuries have afforded him ample time to up his game in surfing while training in Bali, while Bob Skinstad and Greg Minnaar always push it. Raynard Tissink was second in the surf last year and as a result scooped the overall X Over 2016 Champion trophy.

Hosted by Jeff Clause, the golf tournament is always a popular leg of the X Over, is well attended by fans and media, and brings the best out of the athletes. The golf also signals the end of the event, and the points can finally be tallied.

SMIT SURF: John Smit and Hlonipha Skelm from St Francis College in 2016. Photo Kody McGregor

Another highlight of the X Over is the attendance of St Francis College learners who want nothing else than to meet their heroes. To hang out with the likes of Dale Steyn and AB De Villiers as well as the popular Bob Skinstad, John Smit, Jean de Villiers, Greg Minnaar and Garreth McLellan and all the rest of the celebrities, is like a dream come true for the sports mad youngsters.

“The Oakley X Over is such an awesome event, and obviously a highlight of my year,” said event stalwart Bob Skinstad. Now residing in the UK, Bob will be jetting in to attend this year’s event. “I can’t wait to meet up with all the athletes and the rest of the crew that make this event so incredible. This year is my title run year.”

About the Event

The Oakley X Over powered by Sharp runs on 20 and 21 July, and forms part of the JBay Winterfest. The JBay Winterfest takes place from 12-23 July, and comprises the Oakley X Over, the Corona Open JBay WSL Championship Tour surfing event, The Loggers Classic surf contest, extreme trail running, mountain biking, fishing, the open water swim and much more. For more info go to www.jbaywinterfest.com

The Oakley X Over event hashtag is #XOVER
The JBay Winterfest hashtag is #JBaywinterfest

Oakley X Over Powered by Sharp

Gold Tier Sponsors: Oakley, Sharp, Corona, Williams Hunt, Copper Club, JBay Winterfest
Silver Tier Sponsors: ID Construction, Swanlite, Kalas Sportswear, RYD Surf Accessories, GoPro, Digicape, Cannondale Bikes and Nixon