PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The stage was set, the weather was perfect, and festival-goers were treated to 10 days of ocean-themed fun in at the third Plett Ocean Festival and Marine Science Symposium, which together ran from 21 June to 30 June.
More than the symposium, more than a series of enjoyable coastal adventures, the Plett Ocean Festival is a celebration of the ocean that fosters a deep love for its wonders, in visitors and the local community.
By sparking curiosity and fun, the festival aims to empower a new generation of ocean stewards.
The format of the three-day Marine Science Symposium was adjusted this year to enable three speakers per session followed by a sit-down Q&A session with the speakers.
Zandile Ndhlovu
The format proved popular and encouraged discussion and lively debate around conservation issues. The interaction between the speakers and symposium MC, Zandile Ndhlovu, was entertaining and enlightening.
Ndhlovu, known globally as The Black Mermaid, has hosted the symposium since its launch in 2022 and festival is privileged to have her support as her career as a freediver, filmmaker, speaker, and advocate for inclusivity continues to attract international attention. In fact, she was included in the BBC 100 Women List for 2023 alongside Michelle Obama and many other admirable individuals.
Sense of wonder
Following the symposium, Zandile continued to make an impact in Plett as she conducted her third annual Plett Underwater Workshop in partnership with local NPO, Adopt A Swimmer. The aim of the workshop is to foster a sense of wonder in the marine environment while introducing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to this new and wonderful world.
Enriching initiative
New on the programme this year was the Plett Ocean Aweh-Ness Hub, featuring Kids' Club - an enriching initiative partnered and sponsored by Checkers - aimed at immersing the young people of Plett in the importance, fascination and possibilities of our oceans and coastline - a sustainable Blue Economy.
The Plett Ocean Aweh-Ness Hub was situated at the Plett Surf Club on Central Beach and the Kids' Club was a collaboration between Adopt A Surfer and Plett Shark Spotters, made possible with a generous sponsorship from Checkers.
The buzzing central hub was visited by 40 children per day from Kwanokuthula, Qolweni, Bossiespif and Pine Trees, New Horizons, Wittedrift and Kranshoek who were introduced to an ocean-themed world of stories, games, arts and skill-building.
Surf action
As the Plett Ocean Festival grows, more exciting events pop up to swell the calendar and make Plett an attractive winter destination. This year, the festival presented a range of excursions including the popular Rocky Shore Excursion, Shark Egg-Case Hunt and Pelagic Birding Trip in addition to a deep sea fishing competition, reef clean-up and introduction to scuba diving, fun run, marine safari excursions and coastal birding.
Plett Tourism is thrilled to have had the Reef Wedge Classic Surfing and Bodyboarding Competition return to our shores and, as expected, the competition provided some thrilling surf action.
- Supplied
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
