Downhill Skate Jam

Ride a longboard? You might not want to attempt a giant air off the end point ramp, but you'll probably dig riding a 'barrel' and carving some classic berms.

Ride a shortboard? You might get some solid air, but will all that floating in space give the longboarders an extra second or two of across-the-ground speed?

You decide.

Organiser Koffie Jacobs says it's going to be a blast, either way, so pull in and have a jol, a sokkie jol. Sector9 presents the skate event of the JBay Winter Fest.

Koffie reckons that some of the skaters, particularly the longboard guys, are just a little nervous at the prospect of riding some of the obstacles, such as cones and ramps. The idea is to get the best time. The guys have pulled out the stops to make a world class course, including a table top and a nice ramp at the end to get some air.

Andrew Nero of Africaskate is in town, as are some of the best skaters in South Africa. The course has been laid out down Sable Street in Jeffreys Bay (where the BP Garage is). The event starts at 10am.

Bring your old disco clothing - there is a prize for best dressed. Everyone is welcome to take part, and non-skaters are invited to come and hang out at the event and join the festivities. There will also be plenty of cool giveaways throughout the event for skaters and spectators alike.

Some of the prizes on offer at the Core Downhill Sokkie Jol are Highest Jump; Best Disco Dress, Downhill Race Winner, Worst Wipe Out and Longest Slide. There is over R5,000 in prize money, and lots of giveaways.

Longboard skating in South Africa is a growing sport with huge nation-wide appeal. Visually exciting, Koffie promises some thrills and spills and good times. For more info contact him on  koffie@silverbullet.co.za or Core Surf and Skate Shop on 042 293-3133

Koffie says there's also something pretty cool happening later on the same course later that could just blow a few minds. Look at the photo above for a clue!