This was the iconic conclusion of the highly anticipated Ocean Festival, featuring the Halfway Group held on Sunday (June 8th) in Scottburg, the South Coast of KZN. The sardine fever was in full swing, netting took place at the main beach in Scottburg, with marine life holding a fantastic show.
The action of the sardines coincides with World Ocean Day, which is at the heart of the ocean festival's message, seeking recognition, conservation and celebration of the ocean. The marine-based events from June 5th to 8th included cleanup, boat rides, yoga, lectures, life-saving clinics, surf ski races and more, with visitors and spectators taking part in the action.
“It was a fitting end to a four-day dedicated ocean celebration as we witnessed the sardines running in glory along with bird diving, dolphins, sharks and a massive crowd joining in the excitement of Scottburg's main beach,” says event organizer Barry Lewin. “This is an incredible display of what we are fighting to protect, and the oceans were delivered on the day they were assigned to celebrate our sustainable use of the ocean.
“Everyone who came out for support, the local municipalities and all our generous sponsors (Halfway Group, Leatherback Ram, Pump Smith), our host, Craig Stubbs from Stubb'sea charter fishing, to make this one more great success.
Action-packed Ocean Festival Program
On the first day, the school's marine education workshop held at Umudni Christian Academy, where experts from the world of SeaWorld and Ushaka Marine Corps spoke to youth at the school's marine education workshop held in collaboration with Wilde, and on the second day, the informative session continued with a scientific presentation from speakers Andy Kutzie, Dr. Michelle Carpenter and Maake Masson of Wydinham Lettvillethir.
The Ocean Festival film screening held at Scottberg's premier Hotel Cutsirk gave audiences the opportunity to see the appropriately themed Iwasin Run and Rujardin by internationally acclaimed videographer Alan Vangiesen and Nouu's media Wilbendix.
Saturday was off to an energetic start with a 5km ocean run and Lauren Lewin and beach yoga, followed by Aliwal Shoal Scuba Diving Reef Clean. This allowed the team to gather to clean up this important marine reserve (MPA) and Mission Blue Aliwal Shoal Hope spot.
Due to the arrival of the event, bathing was prohibited, so the event organizers took visitors to the Aliwal Shoal Marine Reserve (MPA) to arrange for a marine experience boat ride at Shubak Tins. This is one of the highlights of the day, with participants of all ages and abilities enjoying this life-changing experience. Among them were members of Made For More, a KZN-based NPO that aims to equip and equip people with disabilities through sports. Like Granny Grommet, a group of seniors we meet at Scottburg Main Beach for weekly bodyboarding.
Young Lifesaver also benefited from the highly informative Ocean Warriors Ocean Sports Clinic, closing the day with a premier hotel leather backrum and fantastic live music.
World Ocean Day was officially recognized for its beach cleanups that took place all day along Scottburg's main beach, while beach yoga with near-dance and movement with Laura Konig and Liz Cunningham kept visitors active.
Shane Grant, CEO of Halfway Group, said he was delighted to attend the Ocean Festival again. “We would like to thank everyone involved in hosting another successful event, and the Ocean Festival is consistent with our commitment to community support and conservation.
The headline event was the leatherback Ram Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge. This saw South African top paddlers compete against Aliwal Shoal MPA and back with sardines performing action taking place. This year, Umlanga's Michelle Byrne and Matthew Bouman won top women and men's titles, respectively, while Dial Bentley (Amantzymtoti) and Kwanere Banda (Umgababa) won doubles events in this hot and anticipated race.
“It's great that the Leather Back Ram Aliwal Shoalski Challenge forms an integral part of the Ocean Festival,” continued Lewin. “In addition to the arrival of the sardine run, it's great to be able to race at World Ocean Day, which is at the heart of the festival.”
Ocean Festival spokesmen can interview marine day events and celebrations around the world. For more information about the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, contact Barry Lewin at Barry@oceanfestival.global. For more news and photos, check out @theoceanfestival on Instagram and Facebook, or visit www.oceanfestival.co.za. Watch the video from our YouTube channel @oceanfestivalglobal.
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