Gary “Ginge” van Rooyen
Sport: Watersport | Business
Date of Birth: 8 March 1958
MY SUPERPOWERS
Keynote Speaking
Brand Activations
Corporate Events / Motivation / Seminars
Custom Brand Campaigns / Advertising
Coaching / Mentoring (Team/Groups)
Coaching / Mentoring (One-on-One)
Personal Profile
Gender Identity
Male
Primary Language
English
Second Language
Afrikaans
Sporting Profile
Current Career Status
Self Employed
Sporting Code(s)
Cycling - MTB, Running - Trail, Surf Ski Paddling, Surfing, Swimming - Open Water, Windsurfing
Key Stats and/or Achievements
Represented South Africa:
Windsurfing
Triathlon
Stand Up Paddle boarding
Run over 30 marathons, 8 Two Oceans, 2 Comrades and 3 Iron Man
I was key to the re-launch of Nike into SA, handing the biggest retail chains.
Started New Balance Southern Africa and ran the company for 14 years.
The above was used as a case study for MBA students at UCT and Wits University
Partnered with three others to secure Under Armour, Crocs and Birkenstock for South Africa
Re-established the old Olympic footwear brand in SA
Social Media & Brand Presence
Instagram Handle
garyvanrooyen2
Other Social Platforms
Facebook - Gary van Rooyen
Brand Affiliations / Sponsorships
I own the Coreban stand up paddle brand and a clothing brand called Blue Earth Surf.
No commitments or sponsorships with any brands.
Education
Last School Attended
Wynberg Boys High School
Highest School Level Achieved
Matric / Grade 12
Last Tertiary Educational Institute Attended
UCT - 10 day MBA
Highest Tertiary Educational Level Attained
Dip. Marketing
Major / Field of Study
Sales and Marketing
Current Employer / Work Experience
Past CEO Certo Sports / retired in March 2026
Preferred Skills and Comfort Zones
Public Engagements & Media
Public Speaking
Keynote Speaker
Event Hosting / MC Duties
Brand & Influencer Work
Brand Activations
Ambassador Roles (NGO / CSR / Brand)
Audience Types & Comfort Zones
One-on-One Engagements (mentoring / coaching)
Small Groups (workshops / panels)
Large Audiences (keynotes / conferences)
Corporate Audiences (staff motivation / panels)
Youth-Focused Activities (schools / sports clinics)
Comfortable in any Setting
Sport & Event Involvement
Sports Clinics or Training Camps
Coaching (Ad-hoc / Short-Term - Schools / Clubs / Universities / Provincial teams)
Sports / Fitness Demonstrations
Judging / Awards Panels
Other Roles
Workshop Facilitation / Coaching
Behind-the-Scenes Support / Brand Strategy
CSR / Community Outreach (Corporate Social Responsibility)
Availability & Scheduling
Primary Base
Cape Town
Province
Western Cape
General Weekly Availability
All Days
Preferred Time of Day
Flexible / Can be arranged depending on booking requirements
Other Availability Exclusions
None
Types of Work You Would Not Consider
Lengthy stints with Corporates.
Political events
Current Contracts or Restrictions
None
Booking Enquiry
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