Salty Hair Don’t Care | Plett Ocean Festival Makes Another Big Splash
The annual Plett Ocean Festival, now in its fourth year and represented by like-minded ocean activists, wave breakers, tide turners, reef rippers and regular people with passion and purpose came together for another action-packed ten days in Plettenberg Bay.
It was all about connecting with and celebrating the ocean in all ways, shapes and forms, speaking up and taking action by dipping into different perspectives, together creating a deeper understanding of how we can affect change and ultimately build a bigger picture of what we can do to observe, conserve and preserve our stretch of biodiverse beauty.
The agenda buzzed from day one at the Plett Marine Science Symposium with agent for change and freediving black mermaid Zandile Ndhlovu giving us an emotional insight into what it means to bring the ocean into the townships; diving into the cultural perspectives on whales and dolphins with Dr Matthew Zylstra and how beliefs and stories that have been passed down through generations frame and guide how we interact with the environment; marine ecologist Dr Kaylee Smit documenting her team’s amazing journey to observe the world beneath the waves; and scientist and eco-warrior Liz McDaid talking us through the hot topic of defending our seas from the onslaught of oil and gas applications. Hearing from 15-year-old shark enthusiast Leon Namntu from Adopt-A-Swimmer, who shared his newfound respect for these beautiful animals, saying, “I learned how we can share the ocean safely with them if we respect and protect them.” Just some of the outtakes from the packed programme of 24 leading oceanographers and conservationists in conversation at the symposium.
Welcoming the whales, watching Cameron Reeder hit a spectacular big air at the Wedge Classic, singing karaoke at the Surf Cafe like nobody is watching (it was top!), sand sculpting, guided full moon beach meanders, pelagic birding boat trips, hikes, granny groms hitting the surf, beach clean ups, dancing into the early hours at Deep Blue Geluk+ experience – it was wild as sea people got stuck in at events all around Plett.
“We are so delighted with this year’s festival,” said Patty Butterworth, CEO of Plett Tourism. “Exciting to see the deep connection we have with the sea through community, conservation, and curiosity. The symposium stood out with thoughtful, in-depth presentations that brought cutting-edge ocean research to life, presented in such a way that everyone could leave feeling like they could personally ‘do their bit’, inspired by new waves of understanding and stewardship. It was incredible!”
Always working for the empowerment of young learners from the Plett community, some special gems stood out. Firstly, ‘Secrets of the Sea’, an underwater workshop hosted by Plett Ocean Festival, the Black Mermaid Foundation and Adopt-A-Swimmer with the support of Lookout Deck, took kids (and six swim-ready adults) on an immersive journey below the surface of the Keurbooms Lagoon. In masks, snorkels and wetsuits, all were guided to comfortably put heads down and observe the underwater world with mindfulness, awe and environmental awareness. An unforgettable day, especially when our visiting mermaid, Zandi, revealed her tail! Check out @zandithemermaid on Instagram and Facebook to see the amazing work she is doing to remind us that the future of our blue planet depends on the actions we take today.
Secondly, the Plett ‘Ocean Aweh-ness Hub’ sponsored by Checkers for the second year, was a huge hit. Held on Central Beach in collaboration with Plett Shark Spotters, 150 kids from Kwano, Qolweni, Bossiesgif, Pine Trees, New Horizons, Wittedrift, Kurland and Kranshoek got involved in sand sculpting, learning more about sharks, practicing ocean safety and being introduced to the different ocean-based career opportunities. An example of how this initiative is changing lives is the story of one little girl who arrived feeling overwhelmed by even putting her feet in the sand. To the same little human feeling so empowered through the care and gentle approach of facilitators, casually posing at the end of the day with her head framed by shark teeth. This is what it’s all about!
Thank You
To each and every person who became part of the ocean vibe for the week by attending the symposium, beach events, after-dark celebrations and giving of their time and energy. To our amazing sponsors who helped drive our dreams, we thank Wesgro, Checkers, Beacon Island Resort, and Study Bitcoin for stepping up and leading the pack.
With support from EC Motors, Lookout Deck, Christiana Lodge, Kasi Lyfstyle, Slops, Plett Surf Life Saving Club, Crush Surf, Surf Cafe, Seeff Property Group and the Bayview Hotel. And thank you to Bitou Municipality and the beach management team for keeping the Plett beaches pristine and safe. This time next year at the Plett Ocean Festival.
