South Africa publishes a book on the history of the PE2EL Surf Ski Challenge

In South Africa, an illustrated hardcover book has been published about the PE2EL Surf Ski Challenge, a four-day, 244 km surf ski race along the coast of the Eastern Cape province. A team of enthusiasts worked on the publication for more than two years, compiling the history of the competition, photographs and accounts from its participants.

As Daily Maverick reports, the race route runs from Bluewater Bay in Gqeberha to Nahoon Beach in KuGompo. Participants stop in Woody Cape, Port Alfred and Hamburg. The competition is held every two years in early December.

A race that began with a challenge

The history of PE2EL dates back to 1972, when paddler John Woods and runner John Ball decided to compete to see who could cover the route between two Eastern Cape cities, then known as Port Elizabeth and East London, faster. The event takes its name from these cities. Ball won at the time, calling the distance the greatest challenge of his life.

Later, the sea route became a regular test for paddlers. According to Gavin Harvey, a member of the publishing team, the book's creators sought to compile a kind of encyclopedia of the event, from the first competition through the following years of its history, and to show the coastline and the people thanks to whom the race developed.

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An archive of stories and cooperation with rescuers

The project was led by Gavin Harvey's brother, Nigel. Together with Francois Goos, Dave Collins and other helpers, the team collected newspaper publications, archived race data, photographs, participants' contacts and recollections. With the participation of writer Dr Dean Allen, these materials were turned into an illustrated hardcover book.

Race organiser Bulla Wood, who has taken part in PE2EL since 2008 and has organised it since 2014, noted the book's importance for preserving the competition's heritage. One of the publication's themes is cooperation with South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute. During the race, the service's staff, together with the organisers, assist participants who need help and monitor the safety of up to 100 paddlers in changing sea conditions. The event has also become regular training for the NSRI along the route.

The publishing team has already held six book presentations in different parts of the country. According to Harvey, the publication has attracted interest not only from members of the paddling community, but also from travellers and other readers.