The Barberton Paragliding Open 2025 took place from 15-21 June in the historic mining town of Barberton, Mpumalanga, home to Africa’s longest-running paragliding competition. This year’s edition was more than just a championship – it marked a powerful resurgence for competitive paragliding in South Africa.
With a record 73 pilots, including six international participants and nine women, the event brought together a diverse and enthusiastic field. Hosted by the Lowveld Slope Soaring Club, the competition saw four valid tasks flown in solid thermic winter conditions from Lone Tree Hill launch – offering pilots ideal opportunities to showcase their cross-country skills.
As the official South African National Paragliding Championships, titles were awarded across multiple classes: Novice, Intermediate (EN-B), Sport (EN-C), Performance (EN-D), Open/Competition (CCC), Overall Men, Overall Women, as well as Team and Club awards.
Barberton once again delivered not just quality flying, but true Lowveld hospitality. The local community — landowners, businesses, and volunteers — welcomed pilots with open arms. The event even made national headlines with a feature on SABC News, reflecting its growing importance within South African sport.
Competition Results & Highlights
At the top of the leaderboard, Russell Achterberg (RSA) emerged as the Overall Winner and was crowned South African XC Champion 2025. He was followed by Ludovic Robert (Réunion) in 2nd place and Pierre Ackermann (RSA) in 3rd — a podium that highlighted both South African and international excellence.
Results
Overall
- Russell Achterberg (RSA – Glen Club)
- Ludovic Robert (Réunion)
- Pierre Ackermann (RSA- Glen Club / Cloudbusters)
Competition Class (CCC)
- Ludovic Robert (Réunion)
- Anton Naude (RSA – Lowveld Slope Soaring Club)
- Jon Pio (RSA – Cloudbusters)
Performance Class (EN-D)
- Russell Achterberg (RSA – Glen Club)
- Pierre Ackermann (RSA- Glen Club / Cloudbusters)
- Francis de Klerk (RSA – Glen Club)
Sport Class (EN-C)
- Cal Dyker (RSA – Glen Club / Hawkwind)
- Hans Fokkens (RSA – Glen Club)
- Immanuel Wegmershaus (RSA – Glen Club)
Intermediate Class (EN-B)
- Khobi-Jane Bowden (RSA – Cloudbase)
- Willie van Niekerk (RSA – Cloudbusters)
- Oliver Esplin (RSA – Bulwer Airsports)
Novice Class
- Shaun Slabbert (RSA – Hawkwind)
- Edward Bowora (RSA – Glen Club)
- Reece Juan Wohlitz (RSA – Wild2Fly)
Overall Women’s Category
- Khobi-Jane Bowden (RSA – Cloudbase)
- Tracey King (RSA – First Paragliding Club)
- Marion Monduel (Réunion)
Team and Club Achievements
The Team Competition brought extra excitement and team spirit to the week’s flying:
- Team “Africa’s Finest”
- Team “Glen Busters” (Glen Club)
- Team “Réunion 974”
- In the Club Competition, the Glen Paragliding Club earned the title of National Club Champions 2025, thanks to strong performances across the board – a clear testament to the depth of talent within the Glen community.
A Resurgence for Competitive Paragliding in SA
Beyond the scores and trophies, Barberton 2025 represents a major step forward for the paragliding competition scene in South Africa. After a few quieter years, the record turnout, international participation, and high-quality tasks signaled that the sport is firmly back on the map.
The competition was flawlessly organized by Mias de Klerk and Wesley Fester, whose dedication and planning were instrumental in delivering a successful and smoothly run event. Special thanks also go to Willie de Klerk, who served as Meet Director and ensured the competition operated to a high standard throughout the week. Deep appreciation goes to the Barberton community, including local landowners, volunteers, and sponsors, whose warm support made the event memorable – both in the air and on the ground.
Looking Ahead
With renewed energy and momentum, the SAHPA Competition Committee, under the leadership of Pierre Ackermann, is working on a full calendar of future events aimed at all skill levels – from novice-friendly weekends to elite national championships.The goal is clear: to keep building a strong, inclusive, and internationally respected paragliding competition scene in South Africa.
Congratulations to all pilots, teams, and organizers involved in Barberton 2025. The sky truly isn’t the limit – it’s just the beginning.
