Sport

Super turnout for Barberton Paragliding Open

According to Mias de Klerk, organiser, this year’s open had it all, a record turnout and the unbeatable energy of Barberton’s people and landscapes.

Ladies winners are Khobi-Jane Bowden, Tracey King and Marion Monduel. Photo provided by Andrea Els.

The Barberton Paragliding Open 2025 concluded on Friday, June 21, after a week of spectacular winter flying and warm Lowveld hospitality. A record 73 pilots, including six international participants and nine women, gathered at Lone Tree Hill for one of the most anticipated events on South Africa’s paragliding calendar. Over the course of the week, four valid tasks were flown in reliable winter thermic conditions.

Novice category winners from the left, Willie de Klerk (Meet Director and organizer), Shaun Slabbert, Edward Bowora and Mias de Klerk (organizer). Photo provided by Andrea Els.

Intermediate category winners are Khobi-jane Bowden, Willie van Niekerk and Ollie Esplin. Photo provided by Andrea Els.

Sports category winners were Cal Dyker, Hans Fokkens and Manu Wegmershaus. Photo provided by Andrea Els.

According to Mias de Klerk, organiser, this year’s open had it all, a record turnout, international flair, and the unbeatable energy of Barberton’s people and landscapes. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to every sponsor, supporter, and local business who helped make this possible.”

This years’ competition saw six international representatives, namely Ludovic Robert, Marion Monduel, and David Bourgerie from Réunion, France, Bradley Knoesen from Great Britain, Michele Lodi-Fe from Italy, and Kayhan Dura from Turkey.

When weather grounded the fleet, visiting pilots explored Barberton’s many attractions, such as the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail, gold panning, 4x4 tours, trail running routes, and even first-time visits to the Kruger National Park.

Performance category winners were Russel Achterberg, Pierre Ackermann and Francis de Klerk. Photo provided by Andrea Els.

Competition category winners were Ludovis Robert, Anton Naudé and Jon Pio. Photo provided by Andrea Els.

Standing with Willie de Klerk (Meet Director and organizer) are the overall winners Russel Achterberg, Ludovic Robert and Pierre Ackermann. Photo provided by Andrea Els.

The overall results of the competition were as follows:

Task Winners:
Task 1 (15 June – 33.5 km, elapsed time): Ludovic Robert (Réunion)
Task 2 (16 June – 31.5 km, elapsed time): Ludovic Robert (Réunion)
Task 3 (17 June – 35.8 km): Heinrich Marloth (RSA)
Task 4 (19 June – 38 km): Russell Achterberg (RSA)

Final Overall Podium:
First - Russell Achterberg (RSA)
Second - Ludovic Robert (Réunion)
Third - Pierre Ackermann (RSA)

Category Winners:
Novice Class: Shaun Slabbert
Intermediate (EN-B Class): Khobi-Jane Bowden
Sport (EN-C Class): Cal Dyker
Performance (EN-D Class): Russell Achterberg
Competition (CCC Class): Ludovic Robert

Ladies Category: First was Khobi-Jane Bowden, Tracey King and Marion Monduel taking the second and third places.

Anton Naudé (left) a local paraglider and multiple times Barberton open Champion has represented SA in the Paragliding World Championship on several occasions. He finished 2nd in the Competition Class. Cape Town based Edward Bowora (right) finished in second place in the Novice Class at his first Paragliding Competition with behind him Jacques Du Plessis. Photos: CR Photography.

De Klerk concluded by saying that this event was made possible through the hospitality and cooperation of the greater Barberton community, who once again opened their hearts and homes to visiting pilots.

“A special thank you goes to SAPPI, the landowners of the Lone Tree Hill take-off, the Barberton Golf Club for hosting landings and the prize giving, Klaver Earthmoving for their logistical support, and SAHPA for regulatory assistance.

The organizers also extend deep appreciation to local businesses like Barberton Adventures, Dusty Tracks, The Geo-Trail Lodge, Destination Butterfly Service, Roots Butchery, and many others whose warm welcome made this event truly memorable.”