ON THE COVER 24_TENNIS meet the team! 30_SCOUTING The Amazing Race meets Survivor. 34_UNICYCLING The extreme sport you didn‟t know existed. 38_THE ASHES we weren‟t reduced to… FEATURES 18_AdrenaLAN a fish out of water report. ENTERTAINMENT 08_THE ULTIMATE REVIEW. The best films of the year and everything else that will keep you entertained this month. FASHION 20_ALL I WANT FOR WINTER. The 5 key pieces to update your winter wardrobe. MUSIC 14_THE RED ROBINS are our latest music obsession. REGULARS 07_ADVICE. How to date a rugby guy… our new advice column give you helpful tips! 03_MASTHEAD. Who did what… 04_LETTER FROM THE EDITOR. Afr. 06_DEPUTY‟S LETTER. Time for rest...
ON THE COVER The tennis touring team photographed by Kim Swarts. Art direction by Daniël Geldenhuys
DANIËL GELDENHUYS Editor In Chief Creative Director Fashion Director CHANTÉ CHARLES Deputy Editor features editors NATASHA BICKNELL ZANDILE NDAYI ZANMARI DU TOIT GENOVESE JULIES FIONA MARINUS KAREN ROHWER entertainment editors CHARNÉ VAN STADEN TAMRYN VAN WYK head proofreader M G STEENKAMP
Parel Vallei High School
95 Parel Vallei road, Somerset – West 7130
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
AFR. Bo: Daniël en die Flooze Links: Nianell Onder: Elvis Blue
Ek het lank gesit en dink oor wat ek gaan skryf in hierdie brief – die laaste een van die eerste kwartaal. Einde ten laaste het ek besluit om te skryf oor dieselfde goed waaroor Chanté geskryf het – toe sien ek haar brief. So hier is my ou idee vir „n brief: “It‟s been a long term. Rest well and enjoy the issue.” Ja, baie mense glo my nie as ek sê Afrikaans is my moedertaal nie. Hallo? Daniël Geldenhuys. Enige leidrade daar? Hoewel, deesdae in Suid-Afrika weet mens nooit nie. „n Paar weke gelede toe julle almal by K Day was, het ek my Afrikanerdom gaan uitleef by die Huisgenoot Skouspel Plus. As een van die grootste jaarlikste SA konserte, is dit geen wonder dat „die room van Afrikaanse sangers‟ daar optree nie. Onder andere was daar Kurt Darren, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Corlea, Nianell, Emo Adams, Elvis Blue, en die Flooze van 7de Laan. Die konsert self was baie goed: hierdie ouens kan sing. En hulle sing nie net hulle treffers nie, maar ook „n klassieke nommer hier en daar. Die Flooze het die show gesteel. Die ander het nie eintlik „n kans gehad nie. Op die verhoog mag sy kommin, butch en „hard core‟ wees, maar agter die skerms is sy eintlik baie vriendelik en sag. Hoewel dit haar nie stop om nog steeds al wat „n man is se kuite te gryp nie. Een van die hoogtepunte van die show was toe Elvis Blue die Xhosa/Zulu- deel van ons volkslied vertaal het in Afrikaans en toe gesing het. As jy die tyd het om die vertaling self te soek, doen jouself die guns.
Een ding is seker: hierdie Afrikaners werk hard! Na die vertoning het die lot gaan aantrek en huis toe gegaan om „n uiltjie te knip, want die volgende dag moe hulle op die Huisgenoot- boot klim vir „n „cruise‟ saam met al hulle fans. Ja, ja, dit klink nie juis soos werk nie, maar ek kan julle verseker al wat hulle gaan doen, is sing en handtekeninge uitdeel. Dis altyd lekker om so „n groep suksesvolle name bymekaar te sien. Ek het geen twyfel (afhangende van hoe goed haar Afrikaans is) dat Siphokazi Khalo binnekort by hulle gaan aansluit nie. Dis die ding van Parel Vallei: ons is so goed. Ek spog, ek weet. Maar dis waar. Kyk net weer in hierdie uitgawe van ULTIMATE hoe goed ons sport vaar. Daar is baie groot name in sport sowel as kultuur wat eens op „n tyd in ons gange gestap het. En wie weet? Dalk is jy volgende. So ja, my moedertaal is Afrikaans. Maar soos meeste mense wat my ken, weet: “I‟m far more fluent in English. Although my mark is far lower… but I won‟t go into that. “ Nietemin, ek is nie baie “in touch” (daar doen ek dit weer) met my Afrikaanse kultuur nie. En hoewel ek nie gaan sit en braai langs „n rivier met „n koelsak vol bier en koeksisters nie, is dit vir my baie lekker om elke jaar vir „n dag by Skouspel Plus trots Afrikaner te wees. Dalk sal ek in die vervolg nog sulke geleenthede bywoon. (Teen die tyd wat jy dit lees, sit ek seker al by die KKNK!) Geniet die vakansie! Daniël Geldenhuys^^
Bo: Juanita du Plessis Regs: Corlea Onder: Emo Adams. Onder links: Daniël en Bobby van Jaarsveld
DEPUTYâ€&#x;S LETTER
BREATHING IN BREATHING OUT You may ask what a strange article title. I chose this title because right now, sitting in front of this vastly outdated computer, I am enjoying the simple pleasure of doing just that: breathing. The mundane task that we do on autopilot to ensure our survival has become one my most enjoyable tasks. No, it is not because I could not breathe properly before and can do so now. I have simply been incredibly busy. In fact, busy does not seem to cover the description of a whirl-wind lifestyle of tests, tasks and toastmasters. (There are innumerable others, but if I recalled them, I would not be even able to breathe.) I am certain that I am not alone in this struggle. I can see it in the dragging feet, lagging postures and the ever growing schoolbag. I hear it in the countless complaints, shouted conversations and the endless debates that many launch into at random. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say in this editorial and I believe that I have come up with an idea. Do you know how easy it is to lose yourself in a mess that is schoolwork? I recently received a book about Pilates, yoga and meditation and stress relief. In true student fashion, I skipped right to the important bits. In it, was a questionnaire section that determines oneâ€&#x;s stress level. I scored every single symptom except one. (Over-eating, but hello, who has time to eat?) Am I the only one being forced to certain measures to prevent meltdowns? If you are stressed and looking for relaxation, try something different. I am not saying go do yoga. What I am saying is: do not forget about what you enjoy in life. Yes, your hobbies may require some of your (precious little) time, but find a way around that. Even if you can only do fifteen minutes of it, whether it is a book, video game or a phone call to a friend, it helps. The end of the term is nearing; meaning that for a full week, you may do whatever it is that you wish. Try to find something fun that you can continue to do when school begins again. (For example, my sister recently purchased a bubble blower. Needless to say, there has been much laughter and more stains than my household is used to.) To end off, I wish you all a pleasant holiday. I look forward to the recollections of them next term. Once again, I leave you with some caffeine inspired wisdom: life is what you make it. The trick to work is rather than questioning the idea of homework, accept it, do it and move on. You will be surprised at what you are capable of. Willing to rough it out here with you, for better and worse (and believe me, there will be both), from me: ciao!
ADVICE ULTIMATE decided it was time to start an advice column. We picked someone who knows a little bit about everything and who won’t hesitate to tell all. As to the question of who she really is? That’s one secret she’ll never tell… although she will say this. She’s NOT PV Gossip Girl.
HOW TO DATE A RUGBY PLAYER Are you dating a rugby player? Probably not. Do you watch the Paul Roos first team boys run up and wish one of them was yours? Of course you do! Many girls have this fantasy of sitting on the pavilion watching their boyfriend play rugby, but research shows that it‟s tough. Look at Amore and Joost. Here are a few tips on dating a rugby player… 1. Patience is Key 80 minutes can seem very long, especially when you don‟t know anything about what‟s happening on the field. Never leave the stadium to chat to friends or socialize. He appreciates you watching him more than anything, even though all he talks about after the game is how he should‟ve tackled his opponent. Also, staying in on a Friday night because "Saturday's a Rugby Day!” is not such a bad thing when you know you‟ll have him all to yourself when rugby season is over. 2. Seek attention much? Getting his attention during the game will never happen. I repeat, never. Why would you want to wave like an idiot, screaming his name anyway? There is no point. When you‟re out on date, there will most likely be other girls drooling over him, wishing you would die. So don‟t make your life harder by drawing attention to yourself. People notice you enough with that hot beast of a boy holding your hand. 3. Ouch! Take a crash course in physiotherapy and learn first aid. Whatever you do, he‟ll expect you to nurse him back to health, whether he hurt his arm, leg or hand. Remember that he won‟t be the only one getting hurt, you will too. Rugby players have a tendency to bite. It‟s not sexy, just normal. Using their "smooth moves" on you means you become tackling practice for them. Embrace it. 4. Trust is the basis of a great relationship Need I say more? His ex will call, but there‟s a reason she‟s his ex. Girls will drool over him, but there‟s a reason he chose you. Those are the few tips I have for your relationship with your future springbok. Need more tips or advice? Email ultimatepv@iafrica.com with all your dilemmas and it might end up in the mag!
The Oscar films you MUST SEE, the books, the music and the celebs that will KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED this month
FILM CHANTÉ CHARLES reports on the aftermath of the most prestigious event in Hollywood: THE ACADEMY AWARDS. This year, the front runners at the Oscars were pretty clear. There are many other films hitting the circuits that are also worthwhile to watch, but to decide which would suit your fancy, some background information is needed. (Or you could go watch them all.) The first is the movie True Grit. This is the true-life account of Micky Ward, a welterweight boxer. This movie is actually a remake of one from a previous year, and lives up to all the expectations with its Oscar nominations. Then there is The Social Network. This film managed to surpass all of the judgments set against it, going further than being known as “that Facebook movie.” It stars Jesse Eisenberg, and newcomer hottie Andrew Garfield. The ever-awing Inception also emerged a big winner at the Oscars with its astounding visual effects. (Although it must be said, the plot was convoluted. Watch this in one sitting.) The Toy Story franchise continues with its latest installment. The lovable characters captured hearts everywhere, with a new star in the role of Ken. A movie deserving of its own paragraph is Black Swan. With Natalie Portman taking the lead, it tells of a ballerina driven insane by the pursuit of perfection. In hopes of attaining the lead role, we watch as she morphs (Quite literally in various drug-induced hazes) into the black swan from the play, Swan Lake. Another big winner would be The Fighter, who managed to score both supporting awards. Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg take to the screen in a thrilling, non-stop action packed whirlwind of adventure in order to achieve the dream of a boxer. The Academy Awards co-presenter, James Franco, provides a chilling performance in 127 Hours. Based on a true-life story, he treats us to the story of an adventurer who becomes trapped in a deep crevice in the ground. We watch as he counts down what time he has left, knowing that no one is aware of his predicament. Many other up and coming movies will enchant us through the year including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Let Me In. Continual updates will be shown in our reviews, to ensure that you view only the best. The competition is already gearing up for the next awards season. Things can only improve, so stay tuned for bigger and better films. That‟s a wrap!
MUSIC
LINKIN PARK Album title A Thousand Suns Genre Rock R135.11 at Kalahari.net Review Charné van Staden
Their fourth album is finally here! Two whole years and in my opinion, a masterpiece was created. Linkin Park has done it again. The band has been around since 1996, making us all thump our feet to their rocking beats. I‟m pretty sure no-one has grown tired of their music yet. Their new album A thousand Suns does not disappoint. The 15 tracks, some of them including American political figures speaking with background music, (don‟t worry, at only about a minute long, it won‟t bore you to death) is some of the band‟s best work yet. Throughout the songs they mostly use electronic drumbeats and combine it with alternative rock. Out of all the 15 tracks, I‟d say the best ones for me would be Burning In The Skies, When They Come For Me, The Catalyst, Wretches And Kings and the rest was pleasurable to listen as well. The album does have a political feel to it, but sources say that the band wants you to see how they have grown in terms of creativity. All their songs are amazingly written and deserve praise. If you‟re a Linkin Park fan or not, then don‟t hesitate to buy this CD. I did, and I‟m enjoying every moment of it.
BOOK PATRICK’S ALPHABET By Michael Symmons Roberts Review by Tamryn van Wyk R79.00 at exclus1ves.co.za
The recollection of one‟s thoughts and experiences are proven vital in this gripping novel. Perry Scholes earns his bread and butter by photographing accidents on the motorways and selling them to the press…all before the police and ambulance arrive on the scene. While listening to the police radio, Perry arrives on a crime scene where a teenage couple has been murdered. He notices at the crime scene, carefully constructed in red paint is the letter A. A boy named Adam Sligo is missing and is said to be the killer. Could the A possibly stand for Adam? Soon after this murder took place, letters have started making appearances all over town. With each new letter found, Perry captures it within his camera. But the town‟s inhabitants are growing more and more violent on their search for Sligo. Will Perry be able to link these alphabet letters to the next killing and could his sudden recollection of childhood traumas prove important? Michael Symmons Roberts is a genius of intertwining mysteries, horror and sorrow into one powerful novel. Each page as compelling as the previous… and nothing can prepare you for the twisted ending.
CELEBRITY THE PORTMAN PHENOMENON She may have won the Oscar for Best Female Performance, but Natalie Portman should win an award for her diversity too. By Daniël Geldenhuys The string of Portman movies, which I find myself watching the next segment of each time to go to the movies, started with Black Swan. Needless to say, it was brilliant. The entire movie is an ode to her acting (and dancing) brilliance which left me feeling quite dizzy at the end. As we all know, Natalie won just about all the best actress awards she was nominated for, and after finding out that she trained for more than a year to be able to dance ballet in the movie, I decided she deserved it. Of course, it didn‟t end with Black Swan (only the awards did). A few weeks later Love and Other Impossible Pursuits premiered in SA and I was once again spellbound, this time by how vastly different her character was to the one in Black Swan. If you‟ve missed her on the big screen, don‟t worry. You can still catch her opposite Ashton Kutcher in No Strings Attached (1 April) or in the 3D blockbuster Thor (29 April). One thing is for sure: there‟s plenty of Portman to go around.
ESCAPE FROM THE TWILIGHT ZONE In between filming the usual vamp stuff, Robert Pattinson walked into the bright lights of the greatest show on earth: the circus. By Daniël Geldenhuys The stars of The Twilight Saga are starting to break away and prove that they‟re real actors. Anna Kendrick got an Oscar nomination for her performance in Up In The Air, Kristen Stewart gave a critically acclaimed performance in The Runaways and Kellan Lutz is doing horror movies and underwear campaigns… never mind. Anyone who saw Robert Pattinson‟s performance as the iconic artist Salvador Dali in Little Ashes (made before the first Twilight film) would already know he can act more than just a lovesick vampire. His fame earned him a role opposite Oscar winners Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz (the scary Nazi from Inglorious Bustards) in a film based on a New York Times bestselling novel about vintage circus life. Water for Elephants (15 April) promises to be spellbinding and magical. Definitely a must see. After that, it‟s back to the The Twlight Saga for Pattinson where he does his second last performance as Edward Cullen ever. Ever. I can hear the fans sobbing.
SO cool right now‌
Zandile Ndayi talks to Roxanne Lombard, the lead singer of THE RED ROBINS: a band that can’t be restricted to a genre. From previous page left: the amazing DJ.Fenner, the beautiful guitarist Rozanne Tati, big black beautiful Matthew Anne, and leading lady Roxanne Lombard.
How did the journey begin and what was the inspiration behind the name? I was very close friends with Rozanne`s brother, so we automatically became close for a while. I remember it clearly: I went to visit her for a while and she was mixing around some good beats, so we started singing together and we wrote our first track. The name came from our initials that both formed R`s and we both liked the colour red, so we put the two together and The Red Robins was formed. Straight after we did our first recordings, Kes Murray approached us and asked if we would like to perform our songs at New Madics‌ We agreed. The only problem was when we didn`t have a drummer. I contacted DJ, we jammed with him for the first time, and wrote a few tracks but we still thought something was missing. Then Matthew Anne, a previous Parel Vallei student, jammed with us at a gig. He added the much-needed bass and we formally asked him to join. Ever since he has been an important aspect of the band because of his awesome style and creative ideas.
Matthew brings the positive attitude, creative ideas and style. Rozanne brings the positive emotion in every situation with her happy bubbly personality and extraordinary guitar skills.
What genre is your music? We don`t have a particular type. We believe in playing from the heart but some like to say it`s a type of Indie Rock with a fusion of Blue Swing. Who are you inspired by and how have they helped shape the band to what it is today? Two come to mind: The Magnetic Zeros and Karin Olsin, Jake Whiteâ€&#x;s wife. Their music is amazingly inspiring, and we have learnt how to improve our stage presence. Still, we make it our mission not to be influenced to copy them, but doing things from the heart.
Roxy brings the soulful sound of her voice. DJ fills us up with the fun and sense of humour that keep smiles on our faces.
What has been the highlight in your career? Playing at the Hidden Cella was when we got the opportunity to put our name out there. We got the chance to meet amazing people and the energy was just overwhelming. What have been the challenges of being in a band? Equipment. But basically getting our priorities straight: such as if we need to be at practise sometime, and we can`t make it due to school or can`t play when we have a gig… It becomes a stressful issue. Is there any specific group or person whom you would like to collaborate with and why? The Blues Blues. We have opened for their show. They are an inspiration and are supportive of us. Where do you see yourselves in the next 5 years? Hopefully playing at Ramfest. Interesting fact The first song The Red Robins wrote as a group was Down South.
Catch THE RED ROBINS at the opening night of PAREL VALLEI CULTURE WEEK, 9 MAY 2011. See our next issue for ticket sale details…
Zanmari du Toit goes where NO GIRL has gone before. There were games, snacks, and the adrenaLAN was high!
My attempt at plugging my laptop into all the right cables marked the reemergence of my blonde self: I had no idea what to do.
A night spent at school turned out to be something completely different than what I had expected. Arriving at five with my laptop in hand, I was surprised to see that everyone brought their PCs and my friends and I were the only ones with laptops. For a moment I felt completely blonde but soon enough I was distracted by all the commotion around me. The school hall was made ready for the night and I was shocked to see the amount of cables that was laid out. Being a girl and going to a function where I knew there were only going to be guys was a fearful experience. My attempt at plugging my laptop into all the right cables marked the re-emergence of my blonde self: I had no idea what to do. Luckily, I wasn‟t the only one... Everyone was happy to lend me a hand and show me what goes where. For the first time in my life I was „LANing‟. My friends and I played against each other and had loads of fun. Every now and then I would hear a person shout „Oh man!‟ or „Why did you have to do that?‟ It was funny hearing all the noise around me from everyone playing against each other. You wouldn‟t have to check your PC to know someone was dead.
For my second game that night a friend of mine created a game and I joined. Before I could sneeze or even take a sip of my water, everyone had joined our game. Five in each team, we battled each ot,her. I am sad to say that my team lost. After sitting in front of the computer for a while, I chilled on the stage and watched the others play. It was funny how serious some people took their computer games, but it inspired me to start up again. The rest of the night consisted of us battling each other again... We couldn‟t get enough About two in the morning, I had an attack of the munchies. Luckily there were a few snacks we could buy: a Bar One at 2 in the morning was just right for me. As the night progressed people started to fall asleep. They got into their sleeping bags and slept right on the spot. Someone even brought a fold-up bed to sleep on. Watching people‟s faces looking at the screen became a new fascination for me. If you stared long enough, you would see their eyelids slowly dropping before opening wide again. I took a fresh air break and walked outside. I was surprised to see that it was slowly starting to get light. With new determination I wanted to battle my friends one last time. At 7 in the morning I was surprised to realise that there was not one time during the night that I thought about going to sleep. The entire experience was so new and exciting that I didn‟t want to miss a single second of it. It was something I‟ll never forget. I really hope that in the future more people will show up to experience a night full of gaming and laughs. So, during your next few years of school, keep a look out for any new experience and take it. AdrenaLan welcomes newcomers with open arms.
ULTIMATE SHOPS
ALL I WANT FOR WINTER
the cape YVES SAINT LAURENT
It‟s a great season for fashion and the stores are filling up with many desirable items. So we‟ve narrowed it all down to the 5 must-haves that will update your closet for the chilly months. Take a cue from the high street designers and go find it in a store near you. Happy hunting! Edited by Daniël Geldenhuys
the hiker boot ERDEM
the camel coat GUCCI
the 50s style full-skirted dress PAUL SMITH
the classic tote LOUIS VUITTON Image source: UK ELLE, US VOGUE
Ja-nee kyk hoor, PV kan tennis speel... The beginning of the tennis tour started much like any school trip, with a bus ride. After packing the bus and our driver (Mrs. Rabie)praying for us, we were on our way to the Bredasdorp Doubles Tennis Tournament. Everybody knows that the cool kids always sit in the back of the bus and this trip was no different. Charl, Christine and I sat in the back blaring music from our phones definitely on the "fun side" which was marked off by the row of seats in front of us. It was tough singing and dancing in our seats for the majority of the trip,but we prevailed like only cool kids can. Upon arriving at the "koshuis" with none of us knowing what to expect, save the few who had taken part the previous year, we were led to our rooms by our hosting team, Bredasdorp. What followed was a weekend filled with some of the best tennis PV has ever played. Every doubles team (mixed or otherwise) worked like well-oiled machines. Friday morning after a very early breakfast and assembly,in which Charl spoke beautifully about our school and the rest of us slept in our seats, we drove to the club courts and played our first round of tennis against Langenhoven Gimnasium. We played four gruelling hours of tennis and lost convincingly. Climbing into the bus complaining of hunger we drove to the "koshuis". There we ate great food which we speculate the actual boarders never get to eat. The rest of the weekend consisted of us winning enough games to get from our last year eighth position to fourth. We‟re very proud. Satisfied, we returned home. I know that the bodies taking over from us next year are going to continue to raise the bar… eventually getting PV in 1st place!
We asked our cover stars a few questions about their tour and PV sport in general. One thing is for sure. They don’t like cats… CHRISTINE ROBERTS, grade12. What was the highlight of the tour? Ja-nee kyk hoor, dancing down the passage to cellphone music and showing our PV ‘gees’ to the other schools. That was extreme fun. Who is your tennis role model? Why? Rodger Federer. His awesomeness can’t fit on this page. PV sport is the best because… It is fun to do fitness with friends… and our coaches are pretty cool, too! Are you a cat or dog person? Dog. I’m allergic to cats.
ANDREW GOODERHAM, grade11. What was the highlight of the tour? Meeting new people and having an awesome time with everyone on the team. Who is your tennis role model? Why? Rafael Nadal. He works hard and was behind Federer in the rankings for four years. Are you a cat or dog person? Both! I have two dogs and two cats.
KAREN ROHWER, grade12 What was the highlight of the tour? Walking to PEP Stores with Anina and getting baby bottles, then drinking Tang or Energade from them. Who is your tennis role model? Why? Stosur. Have you seen her arms? John McEnroe, because he gets angry. PV sport is the best because… Of the people, the awesome coaches, and the great memories it brings. At no other school could you have as many good times as at PV. Are you a cat or dog person? I’m a people’s person.
CHARL CILLIÉ, grade 12 (duh) What was the highlight of the tour? Om vierde uit die 8 skole te kom en om altyd 'n jol op die tennisbaan te hê! Ja-nee kyk hoor. Who is your tennis role model? Why? Karen Rohwer. She's always either singing, dancing or canning herself on the tennis court. And the only time she got angry on tour, playing against Piketberg, she just played 10 times better! PV sport is the best because… We definitely have the most gees! We also don't cheat during our matches. -cough- -cough- Piketberg -coughAre you a cat or dog person? After the tour, definitely a dog person. There was this black dog on tour and when Anina walked awkwardly towards it with her hand stretched out towards him, he almost bit her. He also ran into her a few times after that incident, so I'd say I'm now a dog person.
ANINA VISSER, grade 11 What was the highlight of the tour? When Karen and I missioned down to PEP and replaced our water bottles with baby bottles. And meeting so many new people. Who is your tennis role model? Why? Karen Rohwer. She has an amazing way of fighting back, and she has had a few killer shots at the net. And Maria Sharapova… she’s just the best. PV sport is the best because… We have gees! Are you a cat or dog person? Dog person all the way!
CHRISTIAAN GROBBELAAR, grade11 What was the highlight of the tour? When we came 4th! Having a great time Missing school! Who is your tennis role model? Why? Rodger Federer, I am also Swiss. He is a very good sportsman. PV sport is the best because… Ons het die beste gees en probeer altyd ons bes, maak nie saak wat nie! Gooo PV! Are you a cat or dog person? Dog.
SUNÉ STAPELBERG, grade 11 What was the highlight of the tour? Die feit dat ons vierde geëindig het in die toernooi. Dit was ‘n groot prestasie in Parel Vallei se tennisgeskiedenis. Ons het drasties verbeter oor die afgelope jaar. Who is your tennis role model? Why? Maria Sharapova omdat sy ‘n ‘fighter’ is en nooit moed opgee nie. Sy trek ook baie mooi aan, op en van die baan. PV sport is the best because… Jy leer baie nuwe mense ken, dis altyd baie pret, jy leer meer oor jou sport en hoe om dit te verbeter. Are you a cat or dog person? Definitief ‘n hondemens.
DARREN HENDRICKS, grade 10 What was the highlight of the tour? Playing in the final game of the day which decided whether we won or lost overall against the school. Everyone cheered for their schools and it was an amazing experience being on the court and representing Parel Vallei. Who is your tennis role model? Why? Federer. He is so talented and always plays to the best of his ability. He never gives up and isn’t arrogant. Probably one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. PV sport is the best because… Everyone has fun and everyone enjoys playing together. Everyone motivated each other and win or lose, there is never a hard feeling after a game. We all do the best for our school and have the funniest memories while doing it. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog person.
The Rayner Trophy is a competition that takes place every year, usually at the beginning of March. The exact location is kept secret right up until the very last moment – only the crucial information, the starting point to the adventure, is released on the night before the event. Teams comprising of 4 members over the age of 14½ are entered from troops all over the Western Cape. The competition spans 2 days and is essentially a hiking competition – this is not to say that the fittest, fastest team will win, points are awarded for completion of bases – the better and more you do, the better your final score and the better your chances of winning. The competition is always kept top secret – it‟s almost as though you are competing in the Amazing Race: You have no idea of your starting or ending point until 12 hours prior to the start of the competition. Along with standard hiking kit, you are required to take along a few extra items. Each person has to carry a stave 2m in length, and the patrol must bring a firstaid kit, and STA kit, pre-set raw ingredients and various other items – the nature of which have you puzzling over them, wondering what on earth you would be made to do with them. Our team, from the 2nd Somerset West scout troop, comprising of Greg Hawkridge (PL), Fiona Marinus (APL), Nicholas Hosking and Andrew Forte, was determined to win. Our troop had won the trophy in 2008 and 2009, but had lost out last year by 11 points to our arch enemies – 2nd Fish Hoek. As this was the last year that all of us could take part, we were determined to reclaim the trophy as our last act of scouting. Arriving at the 1st Naruna and Constantia scout hall on Saturday 5 March, we eyed up the competition and waited anxiously for further instructions. At 13:30 precisely the doors opened and we jostled our way in, eager to be the first team to receive instructions.
It’s almost as though you’re competing in The Amazing Race.
After handing in all the necessary forms and permits, we were off… Or so we thought. We were the second team to leave, just behind Fish Hoek, and our only thoughts were to beat them to the start! Our first instruction, however, put a damper on that plan. We were to apply for a permit using the online scouting website. Now, bear in mind that we were in a residential area, the closest internet café was 26,1 km away according to the GPS and we had never been in the area before. Luckily though, Andrew had a connection in the area and we only had to drive about 800m in order to acquire our permit. Racing back to the starting point, we were given a folder filled with information. Sprinting to the car, we piled in and took off, leafing through the folder until finding our destination – Constantia Neck. On the way there, we were required to complete two activities – known as STAs (Spare Time Activities). On arriving at the Neck, we were told to complete the bases scattered around the area and then report to the main judge. Making our way around in record time, we were able to make up for any ground that had been lost. After falling in we were given our next – and though we didn‟t know it, our final – destination: Chapman‟s Peak Drive. Feeling an unbelievable sense of déjà vu – the previous competitions‟ starting points had been these exact places – we sped towards the turnoff. Changing from full uniform into our first-team hiking gear in a speeding car was, well, let‟s just say that it was an interesting experience! On arrival, our gear was checked and we were told to “follow the trail”. And so we did!
From left: Nicholas Hosking, Fiona Marinus, Greg Hawkridge, Andrew Forte
We had hiked 38km, slept for 4 hours and hiked in midday heat and evening chill for 18 hours. If that’s not endurance, then I don’t know what is.
Missioning our way up the trail, passing two teams along the way, we debated our standing. We had no idea how many teams had left before us, and being in the top few teams is vital if you want to do well. Arriving at our base, we were informed that we were the second team to arrive – great news for us, as all bases closed 20 minutes after the arrival of the 3rd team, and with the arrival of our second team in third position, we were ecstatic! Hiking onwards and upwards, we covered bases ranging from weather to panoramic sketching to first aid, with STA‟s thrown in along the way. Eventually, we landed up on Noordhoek beach, where we were instructed to prepare dinner – macaroni and cheese, with savoury mince and milk tart – which was marked and scored. Then the night bases began. Situated all the way along the beach, we ran in between bases, not sure how many teams were in front of us after the delay for dinner. Clawing our way back into first, we completed bases all the way to Kommetjie Lighthouse – running a total of 7,5km along the beach in order to get there. Arriving at the Lighthouse in first place, we completed one final base for the evening before finding a spot to drop our packs. The time was 01:40. Completing our STA‟s which were due for the next day, we waited for the other teams to arrive, eventually going to sleep at around 03:00. The next thing we knew, it was 06:30 and all the Patrol Leaders (PL‟s) were given instructions for the day. Packing away sleeping bags and prepping breakfast, we shook the sleep from our bodies and focused on the challenge ahead – maintaining our lead. Leaving the breakfast base, we were told to make our way down to the rock pools, where we were given various bases to complete, before being told to cross the road and make our way up Kleinberg – which, I can assure you, it was anything but! Hiking up the mountain, we were able to gain ground on many teams who had slipped into the top positions, passing them in driven determination – we had to get into the top 3! After completing mapping, knotting, pioneering and quiz bases, we realised where we were headed – Simon‟s Town. Hiking in the heat of the day, many teams got dehydrated and the gaps between teams widened… Great news for us, as we were once again in the top position. Hiking down the last stretch, along Redhill Road, down to Just Nuisance‟s grave and down the Klaver steps, we completed the last few bases. Finally we were told to hike to Long Beach, where we would complete the final base.
We arrived there, reported in, and were told to swim some 50m out into the bay to the Rotary Scout – the yacht that is owned by the Scouting organisation. Climbing onto the deck, we were told to sing out our patrol song (which we had invented during the course of the competition) as loudly as possible. After singing our lungs out, we swam back to the shore, and waited for the other teams to arrive. Before the competition started, we wanted to win. On the first day, we knew we could win, but then, sitting in the sand contemplating the whole competition, we felt doubt – would we make top 3, never mind top 2? Maybe, maybe not. Not for one moment did we think that we had it in the bag. At 15:45 the judges started gathering the crowds together. We put on our uniform and fell in, amplifying the butterflies that were already jumping around in our stomachs. In total, we had hiked 38km, slept for 4 hours and hiked in midday heat and evening chill for 18 hours. If that‟s not endurance, then I don‟t know what is, and as we waited in terrified anticipation, I replayed the whole weekend in my mind. Starting at 10th position, Nimmy Abrahams, the chief judge for Rayner 2011, announced the positions of the teams. As he got closer and closer to the number 1 spot, our nerves doubled, then tripled. Top 5. Our team had not yet been announced. Our second team did fantastically well, making it to the 4th position. Top 3. Up to this point, we were confident that we would be in the top 5. That we knew. First place? That we hoped and prayed for. Top 2. The only teams left in contention – 2nd Somerset West and 2nd Fish Hoek – a repeat of last year‟s top results. With bated breath we waited… and then the judge said it. “This year, in second place, we have… with 334 points, we have 2nd Fish Hoek, team 1. And in first place, winning by 32 points, you all know who that is: 2nd Somerset West A, team 3.” And then… celebration! We were the winners! The trophy which had been ours for the previous 2 years was ours again! It was the first time that any of us had won and the first time there had been a female in the winning team – it was incredible. Sleep-deprived, but riding the incredible high of victory, we made our way back to Somerset West. The Rayner Trophy is the toughest hiking competition in South Africa and arguably, the world. What an achievement and what a way to end our scouting careers!
When I type in “unicycling” on my computer, it reprimands me with an angry red line for using a non-existent word. I‟m taking it as a sign of ignorance. Kind of how I was, before I interviewed Roshan Combrinck and Kes Murray, from Somerset West‟s own unicycling club. Prepare to be impressed. These guys are insane. I‟ll start off with some background information. First of all, unicycling is not a circus act. It‟s an extreme sport. Abolish that picture you have in your min of an ever- smiling man with oversized shoes, balancing on a unicycle, juggling bananas. Replace it instead, with a picture of a group of fearless guys (and girls) riding down a rocky path, jumping off boulders and spinning in the air... on one tyre. There are various types of unicycling. MUni, which is what the unicyclists call mountain unicycling, is basically like mountain biking, just on a unicycle. Tackling rocks, roots and boulders, uphill as well as downhill, can be pretty rough, especially since you can‟t free-wheel on a unicycle. It requires something like a 24-inch unicycle (by that I mean the width) and a lot of stamina. Then there is street- unicycling, sort of like bmxing. This is what the Somerset West Club usually does. A 20-inch unicycle is the most common used one for this. Street unicycling can involve tricks, such as unispins (jumping in the air, turning the unicycle around and landing on the ground again without smashing your face – Roshan says this is one of the basic tricks), crank flips and grinds. A crank flip involves jumping into the air and pushing the pedal so that your wheel turns right around before you land on the ground again.
Jumping in the air, turning the unicycle around and landing on the ground again without smashing your face – Roshan says this is one of the basic tricks
Then you get cross-country unicycling, which is mostly off-road and requires a 26- or 29-inch, and if you‟re planning on doing the Argus on a unicycle, you might want to invest in a good 36-inch. I was quite surprised to hear that the top speed a unicycle can go is about 40km/h, that‟s considering you can‟t freewheel. Oh, then there are also trials. Trials are basically obstacle courses which you complete on a unicycle (of course). There are two different types; natural and urban. Natural trials involve lots of fallen tree trunks, boulders and rocks, whereas urban trials involve a lot of boxes and rails, etc. Kes suggested I write a bit about the legendary Kris Holm, founder of Kris Holm Unicycles. He comes from Canada and has been unicycling for 18 years. He is the world‟s best-known unicyclist. He unicycles mainly off-road and created his brand of unicycles mainly to fill the gap in the market of extreme unicycles. If you happen to own a Kris Holm unicycle, you are a lucky person. Oh, some interesting information... Kris is also an avid rock climber, and he likes taking his wife‟s dog with him on unicycling expeditions. He has appeared in most extreme unicycling movies. Do yourself a favour and watch one of his YouTube videos. I was blown out of my mind.
It’s ‘flippin annoying’ when people make comments on their ‘missing wheel’
Now that you‟re all pretty much experts on the theory of unicycling (the practical part is a different story), here is a bit of inside information on the Somerset Westian unicyclists themselves. Roshan used to have a BMX bike, but he sold it, in favour of the unicycle. It took him 3 days to learn how to unicycle. When I asked him how different it is, besides the fact that there is one tyre involved instead of two, he said you get a lot of stares when you‟re riding a unicycle in the street, even if it‟s just to go buy a loaf of bread from the shop. I was told strictly to mention the fact that unicyclists think it‟s „flippin annoying‟ when people make comments on their „missing wheel.‟ Roshan and Kes often go hiking with their unicycles. One of their recent hikes was 10 days in the Cederberg. I watched a video of a group of them, and was surprised to see how easy they made it look to ride down rocky paths or balance on boulders on one wheel. Apparently it is harder to hurt yourself on a unicycle than on a bicycle. Kes says the worst that he‟s seen happen was Roshan cutting his leg when he rode on a seatless unicycle. Although it may seem a lot more dangerous, you can tell when you‟re going to fall and it‟s easy to just jump off before you face plant. When you think about the fact that you can‟t free-wheel on a unicycle (I‟ve mentioned this twice now, I know), it makes you realise how fit these guys must be. Roshan says that it really works on your core and leg muscles and you have to have a lot of stamina, especially if you‟re riding off-road. If anybody is interested in joining the Somerset West Unicycle Club, feel free to speak to either Kes or Roshan. Also, if you‟d like to read more about unicycling, check out AmaOneTya.com. It‟s all about a unicycle club in Cape Town. Lastly, read the article in the recent Popular Mechanic magazine featuring Roshan and Kes. There‟s also a picture of a unicycle that looks like it‟s made of shoes. It‟s good stuff.
When you arrive here at Somerset College, you can‟t help but be blown away by the beautiful scenery of the school itself. But before I am able to fulfill my duty to Ultimate PV, I must sign in with the headmaster himself to avoid a Saturday detention. It‟s Day 2 here at the Ashes [Parel Vallei vs Somerset College] and the score is an eyesore. Somerset College is leading with 306 runs for 8 in 65 overs. Parel Vallei is at 80 for 4, trailing with 226 runs. I sit at a table with Cabin de Wee, Parel Vallei‟s scorekeeper, and we all sigh as Ralton Josephs is bowled out for 49 runs. It‟s 14:35 and the first innings is over as Chris Hawkridge is bowled for 2 (bowler: Oliver Nel) and caught by square leg. The batsman offstrike, Cody Davidse, was not out on 0. Unfortunately, I couldn‟t stay for the rest of the Ashes to see who would win, but as the Facebook statuses went up on how proud everyone was of our boys, in the end it all came down to the personal best of each player. I can honestly say that from what I saw; our boys gave all they had. “PV needed 337 to win. We got 252!! Almost, boys. Great game, I love you guys so much. We keep our heads up, boys!!!” said our proud captain Colin Davidse. Well done, guys! We‟re just warming up for next year.