Even bigger challenges ahead for Billy and Christiaan

SECUNDA – Billy Bezuidenhout and Christiaan Pretorius took part in one of the most challenging and toughest inflatable boat challenges in the world, The Trans Agulhas Inflatable Boat Challenge.

Being fit and endurance and planning are some the most essential aspects one must adhere to in order to survive the race.

Billy’s father has been involved in boating, although he never took part in any races.

Billy was a young boy when he used to play between the boats and joined in the fun when others took to the water.

“I was interested in boats and wanted to ride and steer one myself.

“The first time that I took part in a junior boat race, was at the age of eight.

“I enjoyed it very much and showed a lot of potential,” he said.

Billy still takes to the water 13 years later, but now with his co-pilot, Christiaan Pretorius.

Though Christiaan was never involved in boating events, he got hooked after he met Billy.

He began to compete with Billy as his co-pilot and never regrets one day of being flung from side to side in the boat and holding on for dear life.

“As the co-pilot, I determine how fast we come out of a turn.

“At the beach stops, I also have to jump out of the boat and run around the flag that counts as a check point.

“You have to give it your all, otherwise there is no method to the madness,” Christaan explained.

Inflatable boat races are not only about speed and how fast you can turn, but is also about the different conditions they have to face.

There are different propellers for different conditions.

“Using the correct propeller is the key to success.

“Since I got involved in boating, I have became obsessed with boats and I live for the next race,” said Billy.

During his boating career, he has won the South African Junior Championship and came 16th in 2008 at the world championship.

Billy and Christiaan decided it was time for something more challenging and entered the world’s toughest inflatable boat race, The Trans Agulhas.

It is a five-day boat challenge during which they cover 700km with surf races and a night races in between.

A surf race is where boats compete for the fastest time between the waves.

On their first day they had to cover 188km from Plettenberg Bay to Natures Valley to Mossel Bay.

It took Billy and Christaan four ours to travel the 188km.

“Our highlight was definitely the night race.

“You and your co-pilot each has only one light on your life jacket and one light on the boat.

“As terrifying as it was, we enjoyed every moment.

“You cannot see the waves and your only guide is the light on the NSRI boats that you have to reach.

“It is quite an experience when you hear a boat behind you and then the boat is suddenly in front you,” Billy said.

“While we were racing we saw dolphins, seals and sharks circling in the surf.

“The most terrifying moment for me was when we had to face a 9m wave.

“I thought that was it, we were going to tip the boat, but luckily Billy kept his cool and turned around to wait for the wave to break,” said Christiaan.

“Even after the wave broke, we still struggled to get over it.

“I am addicted to the challenge and adrenaline rush there is in every race,” said Christiaan.

For Billy and Christiaan the victory was finishing the race, because it has such a high endurance level.

“Without our beach crew and all the support we get, we are nothing.

“To know someone has your back, makes all the difference.

“It is like a rugby team that you have to control.

“If everyone does not work together, then nothing will work,” said Billy.

Another challenge they face is to get sponsorship for their races.

“It costs us a lot more than the locals who live in the Cape.

“We have travelling costs, accommodation, food and beverages, as well as the equipment for the boat,” Billy explained.

The next race they want to take part in, is the world championship from 3 to 10 March.

This race consists of a two day surf race, a one day long hall of 120km and a two-day circuit race.

The world championship will be hosted in Bloubergstrand in the Cape.

Christiaan and Billy said of The Trans Agulhas Inflatable Boat Challenge: “At the end of each day’s racing, we still had to pitch our own tents at a camping site.

“On the first day everyone is strong and carries their boats into the water, but at the end of day five you cannot even hold on to your boat anymore.

“My ribs still hurt because of all the bumping and bruising,” said Christiaan.

Anyone interested in sponsoring them, can contact Billy at 082 920 7163.