--- title: "Grit, determination and a Faffie at first stage of ‘world’s toughest inflatable boat race’" description: "The Trans Agulhas Inflatable Boat Race has taken place each year since 1988 and is known as the toughest inflatable boat race in the world. It is hosted by the Agulhas Inflatable Boat Club (AIBC) and takes place in four stages over four days from Plettenberg Bay to Mossel Bay (188km), Mossel Bay to Stilbaai (86km), Stilbaai to Struisbaai (161km) with a final stage from Struisbaai to Uilkraalsmond and then to Strand (223km). When the race was first conceived many in the boating community said it was too dangerous and couldn’t be done, but eventually a few brave souls set off on the first one in 1988. Photographer Deon Ferreira captured the drama of the first stage that ended in Mossel Bay over the weekend. The event draws thousands of spectators each year." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "PHOTO ESSAY" author: "Deon Ferreira" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/deon-ferreira/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-29-grit-determination-and-a-faffie-at-first-stage-of-worlds-toughest-inflatable-boat-race/" published: "2024-12-29T21:01:40" updated: "2024-12-29T21:01:43" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 150 --- # Grit, determination and a Faffie at first stage of ‘world’s toughest inflatable boat race’ > The Trans Agulhas Inflatable Boat Race has taken place each year since 1988 and is known as the toughest inflatable boat race in the world. It is hosted by the Agulhas Inflatable Boat Club (AIBC) and takes place in four stages over four days from Plettenberg Bay to Mossel Bay (188km), Mossel Bay to Stilbaai (86km), Stilbaai to Struisbaai (161km) with a final stage from Struisbaai to Uilkraalsmond and then to Strand (223km). When the race was first conceived many in the boating community said it was too dangerous and couldn’t be done, but eventually a few brave souls set off on the first one in 1988. Photographer Deon Ferreira captured the drama of the first stage that ended in Mossel Bay over the weekend. The event draws thousands of spectators each year. By Deon Ferreira · Published 29 December 2024, 23:01 SAST · Updated 29 December 2024, 23:01 SAST ## Key points - As participants of the Trans Agulhas race crossed the finish line covered in sand and sporting injuries, it was clear that the only thing tougher than the course was trying to keep up with Faf de Klerk's father-in-law, who was busy selling 'Faffies' while dodging the chaos. - The Trans Agulhas race kicked off with competitors showcasing their skills and endurance on the challenging course. - Notable teams included Egbertus van Rhyn and Marius van Dyk, who made a strong impression on Day 1. - Injuries were reported among participants, highlighting the race's demanding nature and competitive spirit. - Faf de Klerk's father-in-law, BJ van Niekerk, added a personal touch by promoting the family's 'Faffies' merchandise at the event. ## Content ![Egbertus van Rhyn and Marius van Dyk in action on the first day of the race. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/GPnYVfe32Ligajq2u1RLyRvv-pk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_4555-copy.jpg) *Egbertus van Rhyn and Marius van Dyk on the first day of the race. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)* ![Marc Gleed and Jaco van Deventer coming in after completing Stage 1 of the Trans Agulhas race on Saturday. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/1DsdmrgnCyP4uUUHxVXuvDG81Sg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_4438-copy.jpg) *Marc Gleed and Jaco van Deventer coming in after completing Stage 1 of the Trans Agulhas race on Saturday. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)* ![Wimpie Ackerman and Devon Henning finishing the first stage of the race. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/RdLt7c0BatvWNRBkUDjDsFkLG5w=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_4144-copy.jpg) *Wimpie Ackerman and Devon Henning finish the first stage of the race. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)* ![Calvin Marais and Timothy Walker ended the first Stage in 22nd place. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/67b8puemlZcw-F9LLo4BB48L0gc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_4209-copy.jpg) *Calvin Marais and Timothy Walker ended the first stage in 22nd place. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)* ![BJ van Niekerk, Springbok Rugby Player Faf de Klerk's father-in-law, at the race wearing one of the "Faffies" that the family is selling. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/5BBuIjFdmAdymSMMHoPncWOnWyE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_4356-copy.jpg) *BJ van Niekerk, Springbok rugby player Faf de Klerk's father-in-law, at the race wearing one of the famous 'Faffies' that the family is selling. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)* ![One of the participants show his injuries after Day 1 of the race. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/keq34jTEzdNwcs_5gmu2bCYuFzg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_4322-copy.jpg) *One of the participants show his injuries after Day 1 of the race. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)* ![Calvin Marais and Timothy Walker ended the first stage of the race in a cloud of sand on Santos beach in Mossel Bay. photo Deon Ferreira)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/i7ius33HBWToSigSX7VDl1AW4WQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_4573-copy.jpg) *Calvin Marais and Timothy Walker ended the first stage of the race in a cloud of sand on Santos Beach in Mossel Bay. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)* ![Father and son Johan Shepherd Sr en Jr in action on the first day of the Trans Agulhas race. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/8BuaVRo2r73Csuhi6LdxU3g5VmU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_4464-copy.jpg) *Father and son team Johan Shepherd Snr and Jnr. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)*