Heavy snow expected at Bay Expo
02 September 2011
Organisers of the event, Grant Duff and Kurt Brunner have promised a smorgasbord of outdoor exhibits and visitor activities never before seen in the city.
Cape-based Snow Productions – which has produced similar events in Cape Town, Greece and Taipei – will stage a 40m snow ramp, offering family-fun tube rides, winch jumps and snowball throwing competitions. Local surfers and thrill-seekers will have the opportunity to show off their skills on a snowboard.
“The 100% powder snow is as natural as found on any alpine mountain, with one major difference; the production process doesn’t require sub-zero temperatures. Winter games without the frostbite. The Snow Ramp will be operational from Friday through until Sunday,” said Duff.
For Pro-snowboarders and a few internationals experts, the Expo proposes something completely new to South Africa. Snowboarders are pulled along a snow path by a motorised winch system. They are launched into the air from a two-meter high ramp “kicker” and perform aerial tricks before landing on a three meter high air bag. The airbag doubles as an expo challenge allowing the public to jump from a 12-meter high platform in-between snowboarding sessions.
“We aim to run the snowboarding demo sessions on the Friday evening, twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday,” said Duff.
“Snow for snow play and snow balls will be sold to the public in five litre buckets we will have a demarcated area for snow ball fights and snow man making. We will also introduce the entertaining game of Yukigassen to Nelson Mandela Bay.”
This game is the latest snow craze in Europe. It is effectively an organised snowball battle with paintball rules. The seven a side game is quick, action packed and played on laid out field 12 meters by 40 meter – and as a game of teamwork and strategy it is ideal for corporate challenges, teambuilding or plain fun, say organisers.
In addition Harley-Davidson fans will have the honour of being the first in the country to see the latest offering from the legendary motorcycle manufacturer.
“If you can fly it, wear it, ride it or fall off it, it’ll be at the Expo,” said Duff. “There will be an aerial display by Stu Davidson, the Outdoors Eliminator Challenge, a kiddies’ play area, chopper flips and a whole lot more fun for the whole family.”
Brunner added: “Adrenalin junkies can volunteer for a white-knuckle ride with a professional racing driver, test their skills on the 4x4 track, enjoy a quick boat ride on the lake and show off their snow-boarding skills on real snow – all before lunch.”
“The food court will boast some of the Eastern Cape’s finest restaurants, with everything from sirloin to sushi on offer,” he added.
Exhibitors and sponsors are hoping the annual Bridgestone Great Outdoors Expo will become the premier platform for international outdoor brands to launch their products and services into Africa. The show will allow the Eastern Cape to live up to its aim of becoming the adventure province of South Africa.
Please wait!
