Hot Heels in the Kogelberg hills

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve near Pringle Bay has more plant species per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world. It was also an apartheid-era arms testing facility. More important than either of these characteristics, however, is its 2 kilometre stretch of smooth, climbing tar road. Come the first full weekend of December this usually serene, meandering track will be the location for the very definition of organized chaos – Hot Heels Africa 2013.

The sport of downhill skating has exploded around the world, with South Africa being no exception. One and a half million people have watched the infamous video of a skater bombing down Kloofnek in Cape Town and setting off the speed camera, sparking a massive hoo-ha in the city (how do you start downhill skateboarding?). What many people don’t realize, however, is that going down hills as fast as possible is not just a reckless past-time to people like Dec’io Lourenc’o (the “kloofnek bomber”). A competitive circuit run by the South African Gravity Racing Association (SAGRA) provides opportunities for hundreds of South African skaters to pit themselves against one another in different races around the country throughout the year. These are highly organised, serious affairs, with strict safety regulations in which skaters push themselves to the limits of their physical ability.  Held in December every year, Hot Heels Africa is the final race in the South African racing calendar, and also holds a special place as the longest running race on the International Gravity Sports Association World Cup circuit, with the first edition having been held in 2003.

Racing is serious business. Photo by Pierre Van Der Spuy.

From December 5th through December 8th, the best skaters in the country will have the chance to cement themselves as victors in the most highly anticipated event of the year. In a race notorious for being open and competitive, the big guns will know that Hot Heels is their best chance to bomb past Lourenc’o – undefeated on five different hills this year.

The program for the weekend is as follows:

Thursday, 05 December: Practice runs

Friday, 06 December: Practice runs and time trials

Saturday, 07 December: Practice runs and race to qualify

Sunday, 08 December: Practice runs and Final

Hot Heels includes both street and classic luge categories, as well as stand up skating. Photo by Pierre Van Der Spuy.

While the race has a serious side, it is also just a big group of people coming together to celebrate doing what they love in the sunshine, and as such, promises a vibe as relaxed as it is energetic. There are multiple points along the track to sit and watch as skaters pick and hold their lines through bail-lined corners. It’s a good idea to take a camping chair or something to sit on. There is also little shade, so a hat is a must, and an umbrella wouldn’t go amiss. Food and drinks will be on sale, but it might be a good idea to bring along some water. Everyone is welcome, with a R30 entrance fee payable to Cape Nature, the people who take care of the beautiful location. Find a map to the location on SAGRA’s website.

Skaters pick their lines and lean into the corner. Photo by Pierre Van Der Spuy

Here’s a little taste of what to expect from the weekend:

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