Life on the banks of the Happines(blyde river)

The Blyde Xfest has grown over the years and each year has been bigger and better. This growth would not have been possible with out our loyal sponsors and for that we say a BIG thank you!

Some of them have been with us since day 1 and some are new friends. So lets have a look at who helps us make it happen for you!

They make having "the best day ever" a lot easier

Fluid Kayaks have been part of the Blyde Xfest from day 1. This year there are 2 half price vouchers up for grabs. Then we have a Big Bang up for auction the bidding will start at R2000 and obviously the highest bidder gets a brand new Big Bang. Fluid Kayaks was started and is still run by Celliers Kruger with the main factory in the small town of Parys on the banks of the Vaal River. Since the first Flirt popped out the mould things have only gotten better. They now have something for everybody from 6-60+ if you want to float they have your boat. My new favourite is the Detox and I go for very regular Detox ing sessions just to make sure I am happ and healthy.

Adventure Sport Lifestyle all in one place for your reading pleasure

Do It Now magazine started as small little rag mag and has grown over the years to a top end magazine with something for everybody. Visit the website for a free 2 year subscription and if you can’t get it in the post then you can read it online. They support many people doing various things helping us to Do It Now!

The best, proven by test and enjoyed by millions doing a million different things everyday.

First Ascent started out in 1989 and has grown over the years to become one of the strongest, highest performing and most trusted brands for outdoor goodies. With the new range of backpacks you can truly kit yourself out from head to do in some of the hardest working and best looking gear there is. I have been using FA gear since 1997 and have never looked back. Come and check out some of their toys at the Blyde Xfest at awesome prices and then test it out during one of the events. 

The most hardworking, functional and fun inflatables

Ark Inflatables have also been part of the Blyde Xfest from the start supplying awesome goodies for the winners of the Croc and Gecko races. They have been producing industry leading inflatables for maningy years. They have something for everybody and after 15 years of using their products I have not had a single bad experience. They use the best of everything and always try to improve designs but that has become more difficult over the years as because the designs are so good.

Your one stop paddling shop for gear, training, trips well pretty much anything to do with paddling.

Whitewater Training is owned by one of SA’s biggest whitewater legends Hugh du Preez. Located on the banks of the Vaal River in the small town of Parys. They have all the gear you could possibly need to get your paddling adventure started and if you can’t paddle then join in on one of their courses. Everything from beginner clinics, freestyle, creeking, guide training and swiftwater rescue can be done through them. Pop in at the shop in Boom Str for expert help and a wide variety of awesome gear. If they don’t have what you need they will make a plan and get it for you.

Nothing compares to these. Super perforamnce and grip in the wet like you wouldn't believe.

Vibram have been making soles for top footwear brands since 1937 and every year they just got better at what they do. Then a couple of years ago they broke the mould for what the world thought footwear should be when they produced the first fivefingers . I got my first pair to test out about 4 years ago and have never looked back. Since the first fivefingers appeared they kept on making them better their is now a wide variety of models to choose from ensuring that there is a fivefinger outthere no matter what you wanna go and do. My favourite’s the Sprint and KSO Trek Sport.

It's Werner do we need to say more?

Thanks to our good friends at PaddleZone in Capetown for the past couple of Xfests there has been a very happy and extremely lucky paddler heading home with a brand new Werner paddle. To win this piece of ultimate paddle performance you will need to impress in all events as it goes to the hardest trying most deserving young paddler at the Blyde Xfest.

With something of everything Hoedspruit Spar is good for you!

Our friendly local Spar has always been happy to lend a helping hand at the Blyde Xfest. Need something to eat, drink, wash yourself, sit on, braai in, pack in well they got loads of everything with helpfull friendly staff always at the ready.