The 2018 Digicape Tand Invitational, one of the world’s biggest and boldest bodyboarding competitions, saw some of the most talented local and international riders duke it out for the coveted title of Tand Champion, and R18 000 in prize money (from the total purse of R30 000).

Taking place at Tietiesbaai Rest Camp in Paternoster on Thursday, July 19, the final saw ‘The Legends’ and ‘The Young Guns’ up against each other, but it was the more experienced team – ‘The Legends’ – that came out victorious.

That meant Johan De Goede, who was called upon at the last minute to replace Mark McCarthy, claimed his maiden Tand Invitational competition.

Here’s Jarret Johnson, founder of the Digicape Tand Invitational:

We are incredibly proud of this year’s invitational competition, the riders put their hearts into their respective heats, but there could only be one winner, so congratulations to ‘The Legends’ and Johan De Goede [below], for putting on a stellar performance.

Spectators got to enjoy a thrilling day of bodyboarding, with all the riders putting on a spectacular show.  Attendees were also kept refreshed during the competition with bottomless Red Bull and Flatmountain Coffee, as well as food from Pick n Pay.

Tristan Roberts [the man executing a spectacular backflip in the image up top] and Daniel Worsley dominated the early heats throughout the day, both garnering themselves the highest heat totals; with Tristan getting the highest score of a 17.83.

Wilder Schultz claimed a close second as he leap frogged Tristan Roberts and Daniel Worsley, by catching the final set wave with 10 seconds to spare on the clock. The wave couldn’t come at a better time as he managed a high 8.43 run but unfortunately, Johan De Goede’s run was too strong in the end.

Here’s a great shot from De Goede’s run:

Let’s get pitted:

Congrats to all the winners, and also to everyone who took on the formidable force of nature that is the Tand wave.

Johnson added:

The Tand team would like to extend a big thank you to our sponsors and supporters of the competition. Without their assistance and dedication to seeing the sports grow in South Africa, the event would not have been the success that it was.

We look forward to hosting an even better competition next year.

A reminder that if bodyboarding isn’t how you get your kicks, remember that Digicape has partnered with Lacie to offer you the chance to win one of five supercar experiences.

The competition is now on and runs to July 31, so click here to learn how you can enter and live your supercar dream.