Report by WOCS Ambassador Hendrick Wienandts
Blog reading time aprox. 7 min.
FITASC African Championship 2025 – Sporting & Compak
FITASC African Championship 2025 – Sporting & Compak
From March 18–19, the FITASC African Championship Sporting took place at the scenic Valley Gun Club near Cape Town, South Africa. The setting was as striking as it was challenging. 200 targets spread across four layouts over two days, in full sun and temperatures ranging between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius. Even for local shooters, these conditions were something out of the ordinary.
The targets were well thought out and offered a great mix. Shooters encountered nearly every type of presentation, high tower birds, low crossers, targets over water, and even clays launched from underneath you. Tricky combinations and varied target paths kept everyone focused and tested shooters at an international level.
One major plus, especially considering the heat, was the air-conditioned shuttle service to the layouts. On the second day, due to the extreme weather, the organizers arranged free complementary water on each layout and provided additional shaded areas, helping shooters cope with the harsh sun and high temperatures.
Hospitality throughout the event was excellent. A large tent area featured two bars and catered food, creating a comfortable space to relax between rounds. Everything from cold drinks to good meals was taken care of.
Compak Championship Follow-Up
After a short break, the FITASC African Championship Compak began on March 21, again at Valley Gun Club. This time, 200 targets were spread over eight layouts in just two days, an impressive turnaround pulled off in a single day by the organizers.
This leg of the competition saw very different weather: cooler temperatures around 23°C, heavy cloud cover, and occasional rain. Even so, the layouts were thoughtfully built, with a good balance of difficulty and variety across all stands. As with the Sporting event, the overall organization remained smooth and well-coordinated throughout.
Travel Experience & What to Expect
Travelling to South Africa with a shotgun does require some paperwork, but Valley Gun Club supported visiting shooters by assisting with the application for a temporary firearm permit, making airport entry quick and straightforward.
For gear storage, the club provided an on-site bunker for both firearms and ammunition. This meant competitors didn’t need to bring their guns back and forth to hotels each day, a major plus for those traveling from overseas.
More About the Venue
The Valley Gun Club is one of South Africa’s most respected clay shooting venues, combining beautiful surroundings with high-quality infrastructure and event hosting capabilities. To learn more about the club, check out their official website:
🔗 www.valleygunclub.co.za
Final Thoughts
Two events, two different challenges, blistering heat followed by cooler rain, but both hosted with the same high level of professionalism and attention to detail. From the targets and terrain to hospitality and logistics, the FITASC African Championship 2025 offered an excellent international competition experience in one of the most beautiful shooting landscapes out there.
WOCS thanks Ambassador Hendrick for sharing his experience, stay tuned for more international event reviews coming soon.
