Wildside Times #7

WILDSIDE

TIMES ISSUE 7 DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! LOOKBACK:

ADVENTURE RACING WORLD CHAMPS

THE RISE OF UBERZOL AND THE HUNGER FOR EDIBLES

FLASHBACK:

LINKS PGA GOLF TOURNAMENT

KOOKSLAMS AT BRUCE’S

THE COASTAL GYM STORY BIG NAMES FOR BILLY’S BEACH

Editorial

Wildside TIMES is Creative director: Mark Campbell/ BasilWaits Creative Media Editor: Craig Jarvis

Welcome to the latest issue of Wildside Times. A big welcome to all the visitors to our little coastal town.

We look forward to a massively successful summer season in St Francis Bay filled with friendship, braais, great weather and good times.

While there might be some queues - and it is recommended that you make bookings for all restaurants - there is plenty of space for everyone. Hopefully, we can all play together nicely.

Should there be any problems with sewage collection, potholes, water leaks, or other such services, please contact the municipality via WhatsApp at 081 760 9183.

We all need to adhere to several rules of engagement over the season to ensure that we enjoy a peaceful season together.

Those include the usual ones like no speeding, no drinking and driving, dogs on leashes, and picking up after your dogs do their business, whether on the beach or in any public open space. We also need to be tolerant of others if the shops are crowded and there are petrol station queues etc.

For those who feel uncomfortable in crowds, remember that Trolley Dolly (082 376 1356) will do your shopping for you for a minimal service fee. There is usually a bit more space at the SUPERSPAR Village On Main at Humansdorp, so that is an option.

There will be the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen on the Wild Side and loud music from various sources, especially over the big nights around and including New Year’s. Soak it all in.

There will be crowds in the surf and on the beach (everyone will be heading to Cape St Francis for obvious reasons). Parking will be tight, but the water is usually warm, the waves are always fun, and you can paddle or swim further down to find solace.

It’s a beautiful beach, all 2,5km of white sand.

So stay calm, shop early, get your meat, wood, blitz, and charcoal stocked up, remember that you can never have too much alcohol in the house over the season, and enjoy the festivities fast approaching. Just remember to pace yourself.

The editor

Contents • Editorial • Mayor’s Welcome • Editors choice • Coastal Gym - A Community Success Story • Exploring St Francis Bay • Uberzol and the Hunger for Edibles • The St Francis Bay Alphabet • Adventure Racing World Championships • Green Trends • The Links PGA Golf Tournament • Kookslam At Bruces • Coffee: The Magic Elixer •Wildfire The Dragon • Dieting Decoded On the cover: Cape St Francis Surfer Rory Dace - photo Louis Wulff

Welcome to Kouga Municipality this festive season.

A

s we approach the end of the year 2023, it is with immense joy that I extend a warm welcome to everyone on behalf of Council to Kouga Municipality – a place that is fast becoming the events Capital of South Africa.

We are truly blessed to call this idyllic family holiday destination both our home and workplace, and we look forward to sharing all Kouga has to offer with our visitors this season.

In addition to the myriad of tourist attractions and activities, various events are set to keep individuals of all ages engaged and entertained. These include markets, sports events, sandcastle competitions, vintage car parades, dance-offs, live entertainment, and spectacular fireworks displays.

The upcoming year, furthermore, holds a wealth of significant and thrilling events in its promise.

Furthermore, we are excited to announce the return of the prestigious DP World Tour Championship to St Francis Bay in March 2024. Additionally, in May 2024, Kouga will be the stage for the inaugural family-oriented triathlon, akin to the iconic IronMan Triathlon.

It is imperative for the municipality to position itself as the events capital of South Africa, with surfing at its heart, to not only ride the wave of tourism and cultural diversity but also to make a lasting impact on the local economy and community.

Great achievements It has been a year of great achievements – creating better lives for our communities.

As part of our commitment to ensuring water security for all residents, we have taken the initiative to drill multiple boreholes and integrate them into the existing water system. In addition to the construction of four water purification plants, this move has reduced our dependency on water sourced solely from our supply dams.

We started issuing 1,172 title deeds to beneficiaries across the region, installing several cameras to help fight crime and upgrading one of our substations with state-of-the-art technology.

We also tarred several gravel roads and carried out resealing on others.

The municipality has embarked on a groundbreaking journey towards a greener future. We are currently in the procurement process for our first SSEG installation, a small-scale embedded generation project under 1MW. This project is a pilot designed to showcase its potential within Kouga and, if successful, will be rolled out to more areas within Kouga.

We extend our heartfelt wishes for a joyful and safe festive season to all our residents and visitors. May this be a time of relaxation, introspection, and a focus on life’s most significant aspects.

Warmest holiday greetings and blessings for a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman

Editor’s Choice

McDonald’s sells over 75 hamburgers every second, roughly 4,500 burgers every minute, 270,000 every hour, 6.48 million every day, and 2.36

Rip Curl Fusion Wetsuits In the competitive realm of surfing wetsuits, it often seems like there’s not much further we can go regarding technological advancement. The current suits are warm and flexible, the two elements that we need, so how do we make them warmer and more flexible?

Rip Curl has the codes to the universe with their new range of Fusions wetsuits. An invention (and subsequent worldwide patent) allows Rip Curl to assemble the wetsuits without needle holes going through the rubber. The needle turns under ‘the skin of the wetsuit,’ so to speak, and returns to the next stitch without protruding through the outer layer. The result? Warmer suits (no possible needle hole leaking), more flexible (less external stitching). The Fusion design comes in FlashBomb style, but over time, the entire Rip Curl wetsuit range will be available with Fusion Technology. Available at Rip Curl Flagship Store in JBay.

Coastal Collective Chicken Wrap Sometimes, despite becoming a slightly more aged gentleman and more acutely aware of mortality and other troubling aspects of life, one needs to have a bit of a morning blow-out. It might be due to a big jol the night before and your body

crying out for billion burgers yearly. fat, sugar and Full Stop Burgers McDonald’s remains the most junk food, or it This year has been profitable fast-food restaurant in might be after exciting at the Full the world, with nationwide sales of a huge workout Stop Café with their $46 billion. McDonald’s serves 69 session at Liquid brand-new Burger million people every day, more than Lines or The Special every the population of Thailand and the Pound with Friday. Every Friday United Kingdom.

Maria.

Either this year, there has way, you must been some crazy refuel stat, and the Coastal Collective burger special, and while all have been Chicken Wrap is unique. It is decadent delicious, some of their names and buildand loaded with filling, but it somehow ups have been pretty funny. The Eskom hits the junk spot zone, even though it BlackoOut burger came with a black bun is chicken mayonnaise with salad in a and a couple of other fun ones. Good wrap. If you know your way around fat value at R100 as well. content, sugar content, healthy food and the works, you will see that it is okay for the health department. Still, it is pretty special to start your day by shoving one of these down your pie hole and washing it down with a cappuccino or a Black Label if you need it.

Oakley BXTR Every summer, there is usually a new trend in eyewear, with Oakley leading the way in these new styles and trends. After having the Springbok team in Oakley for the momentous win at the Rugby World Cup, it is hard to look at any rugby or sports media without seeing a pair of Oakleys popping up somewhere. This summer, the Oakley BXTR (pronounced Baxter) are the sunnies of the summer, and they are very, very sweet. They are old-school reflector lenses with a modular build, oversized lens sizes, and a cool 80s retro fluro feel. Getting into a pair of these is best if you want to chill during the long beachside summer evenings. They come in 6 different colourways; if you’re not into the brighter ones, there are also Matte Black.

Jamie O’Brien Model Odysea Catch Surf Soft Top Log So many people laugh at those on soft tops, calling them all sorts of names from long boogie boards to speed bumps and a lot worse. If truth be told, however, those guys and girls who have ventured onto the adventure of surfing on a soft top generally don’t come back as they are the most fun ways in the whole wide world to go surfing.

For those who know your way around volume, this 9’0 Log comes in at 96 litres and is an absolute cinch to catch waves.

With the pulled-in tail and three-fin configuration, the board has drive, and

you can turn it. With the sharp-edged tail area, you can crank a bottom turn on big waves and glide to the channel. Jamie surfs his one at Pipeline, and whenever the waves get monstrous at North Point in Australia, some of the fearless big wave surfers can be found sitting deeper than everyone on the Soft Top logs. Although it has a harder outer skin underneath, it still has plenty of give to the soft interior, and there is very little chance of getting hurt by one of them flying into you.

However, and I speak from experience, they do not handle well when you ride into someone who turns their board finsup in front of you as they panic, and it also does not fare too well when it comes up against a person driving in a kombi. The soft material underneath the knobbly tires of a kombi in reverse sounds like a pig in distress. Still, give one a whirl.

Rip Curl SPF 50 Sun Cream There are so many options of sun creams out there, and every season, another ten or so brands come into the market. Still, with our relentless sun and high skin cancer stats, it’s a good idea always to be overstocked. The Rip Curl suncare range is hardcore made for surfers, and it sticks to your skin like shit on an army blanket.

Once it’s on, there is no way you’ll get burned, and you have to ensure you get it all off at the end of the day. It has the stickiness of a sinc or a gel, but it is a cream and feels smoother and slightly tackier. Tested in and around Indonesia this year, it is one of the best sunscreens on the market. Available at Rip Curl Flagship Store in JBay

It is also free and has numerous drop-offs all over the village, so grab one and have it at easy access so that you can have all that extra knowledge on times and dates happening in our town over the season.

The Brewery As Music Venue

Catz ‘n Dogz is the duo of Grzegorz ‘Greg’

Demiańczuk

and

Wojciech

‘Voitek’ Tarańczuk, both DJs and producers of electronic music. They are from Szczecin, where they met and began their music career. In 2003, they played Szczecin ABC radio, and after work, they organised small events focused on modern dance music.

over the last 18 months or so, the status of the St Francis Brewery as the live music venue of choice in our immediate and surrounding area has grown stronger and stronger. They keep on inviting toprated musicians to play at the venue and are always keen to introduce new artists looking to break into the world of music. Not to fall short on tradition, the list of regulars, favourites, and stars is also consistent, and we can always get to see our beloved Joe Van De Linden and other artists like Robin Auld and Wendy Oldfield. If you’re not too interested in loud music and prefer a quiet night, then you should do yourself a solid by attending a Story Slam evening hosted

by Sandy Coffey.

phrases. This stylish aesthetic has landed them in lineups in the best spots worldwide, from Miami to Ibiza to Berlin and now to Billy’s Beach.

The two gifted men behind the name Catz ‘n Dogz, Grzegorz and Wojciech (AKA Greg and Voitek), both have an insatiable appetite for new sounds and mixing music. This developed organically through a unique origin story. The two best friends, obsessed with music, started playing for a small but enthusiastic fanbase in a pizza restaurant, a 300-person dancefloor in their hometown Szczecin, Poland, in 2003.

Catz N Dogs

St Francis Chronicle

Info Ads it might seem strange to be punting another print publication from within the pages of a print publication. Still, we thoroughly recommend Info Ads as a source of information, contact details and specials happening over the season.

talented and friendly Polish duo, Catz’ n Dogz, as it makes you move, no matter the tempo, melody, or texture. With foundations in house and techno, they create a space of sounds and magic, mixing bright disco and deep house elements, sexy vocals and bold, spoken

It is still hard to believe this incredibly trending duo will be headlining at Billy’s Beach this year.

The music speaks for itself with this

as a village, we are lucky that we have a local newspaper. The St Francis Chronicle has been around for a long time, and it consistently reports on events, goings on, happenings, sea rescues, Adventure Racing, Kouga Municipality news, and more. We are

blessed to have a monthly newspaper as a form of communication in our village, as many coastal towns still need their own newspaper. The JBay independent broadsheets have all gone, and the rest of the newspapers are generic, advertising flyer-carrying freebies used to clean windows because they work so well. So if you see a St Francis Chronicle this summer, try to support it. They only cost R5, and the content inside is worth it.

Round the turn of the century, Charles Gordon, heir to the Maynards confectionery

In this magazine, you will find an article on myths about coffee on the page. There are so many coffee shops in our area that it would be hard to name them all, but one of the most consistently excellent coffee vendors is Bean Tree, right outside the SPAR. If it’s not too busy and I am going to have a quick shop, I’ll order mine as I arrive, and by the time I get through the tills, there is a cup of steaming java waiting for me. That won’t work over the season, but either way, they are worth a wait if it’s busy, and they are nice and robust with excellent coffee blends. Good hits of caffeine to get you through any deadline.

suggested

to

diversify into making “wine gums”.

Nevertheless, Charles Riley, a strictly teetotal Methodist, gradually came round to the idea when his son persuaded him that the new sweets would not contain alcohol. Maynards Wine Gums were introduced in 1909,

Maynards Starlight Jellies.

Bean Tree Coffee

firm,

his father that the company should

According to the company website, “Fruity flavoured jellies. Only Maynards enhances life’s colourful moments by adding bursts of the fruitiest and juiciest flavour.”

Our review. Starlight Jellies are an excellent addition to the Maynards sweet range that includes Fruit Pastilles, Jelly Babies, Jelly Jubes, Jelly Jerseys, Christmas Jellies, Fruit Chews, original Wine Gums and Dual Magic. Starlights are slightly creamy, have a lingering taste of dessert, and are excellent options when you have the munchies. Also, help with deadlines.

but Starlights are better.

be the words of Walter Scott, but it is pinned on Tim Cook. Back to the new phone. It is a very high-end camera and video recorder that you can also use to talk. The Max has a 48MP Main: 24mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture camera as standard, video recording capabilities of 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, and can Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video. Also, timelapse video with stabilisation, Night mode Time-lapse, QuickTake video and Cinematic video stabilisation (4K, 1080p and 720p). So there is that.

Apple iPhone 15 With all the iPhone versions available, it’s hard to tell the difference nowadays.

Along with all these iterations come new plugs, new operating systems, certain apps not going to be available on older models and the stories of Apple slowly squeezing old batters remotely, making more people upgrade their phones. ‘O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!’ It might

Out & About

Troye, Josh, David, Jesse, Kea and Rylan. Quick arvi sesh.

Lyn Aitken (right) doing the good work for Rotary St Francis

The Coastal Gym. A Local Success Story

by Craig Jarvis

I

t has been a while since I have cruised around the Industrial Area in St Francis Bay. A quick bounce around on the gravel roads soon reveals an area of St Francis Bay that has also undergone rapid and massive development. You can’t see most of it, as it all happens behind the more prominent buildings that front Tarragona.

There are boats everywhere – either being built, stored or repaired. Some units are housing interior designing companies, cleaning companies, surfboard factories, shops, water purification companies, and more.

In one of the new buildings stands Coastal Gym, a success story in the making.

Currently based in a rectangular high-roof warehouse, the gym is on the move and expanding. In fact, the gym should now be housed in two such industrial buildings, with a mezzanine in the second and a small retail outlet and water station in the far corner.

The rise and rise of The Coastal Gym is a remarkable success story to come from Sea

Vista. Enter Xolisilile Ngantweni.

Wildside TIMES: So, how did it all begin?

Xolisilile Ngantweni: I decided to start some gym training at home, so I began to do some gym work outside my house in Sea Vista. I didn’t have much equipment, but I started anyway. Two neighbours came over when I was training the next day and asked if I could join. So then there were three of us.

Then, there were four of us, and we were training together.

So, growing all the time.

Yes, I took a photo of us, put it onto the St Francis Facebook Page, and asked for some help with some old equipment they might want to donate. They all started giving us some stuff, and then I found a shack in Sea Vista, a three-by-three, and we turned this into the gym with all the donated equipment.

That became the gym?

Yes, that was the new gym, and everyone came after work and trained in the gym. We grew to 16 people in one week.

After a while, Marcus Attinger came into

the picture to see what Xolisisile was up to. He saw how the work was bettering the community and moved the gym into a small location in the Industrial Area next to Fresh.

After that, they moved into a new location, and Marcus got us some new equipment. At that stage, the gym membership was up to 30 people.

The membership just kept growing.

More than 50 people, girls and boys of all races, are training at this stage. We have 13 ladies who train here, and some kids train here. We have three 14-year-olds who train here. They don’t go drinking and do drugs; they come here to train, to lift weights, and they keep their minds strong, and then they go to sleep. No time for drink and drugs because they are working hard in the gym, and then they are tired.

Calibre also signed up their entire team of 20, with everyone getting a membership.

“We’re excited to have secured gym memberships for our security response guards at the Coastal gym in Sea Vista,” “said Paul Middleton from Calibre. We believe prioritising their physical and mental

fitness is as crucial as their professional qualifications, ensuring they perform at their best in their roles. The response team truly love working out at Coastal gym, sometimes going up to five times a week for their workouts, and look forward to breaking a sweat and reaching fitness goals together with this amazing community.”

Our favourite barman, Mike Grootboom from The Full Stop, is also keen on the Coastal Gym. “I like the mental therapy that it gives, and it keeps me strong, less fatigued, always alert.

I actually really enjoy it.”

Mike hits the gym about 5 to 6 times a week.

“We are also doing a bit of running. Marcus, Xolisilile, and I have been getting a few km under the belt. We have been running about 10km weekly to add to the fitness.”

Does the gym work for you?

“The gym is close and convenient, and I like the times. I work different times here at Full Stop, and the Coastal Gym times suit someone like me who works after hours and stuff like that. I have always wanted to get involved with a gym, but we never had

the right place.”

Good vibes always?

“It’s a nice vibe, the equipment is always clean, and Xolisilile is always very helpful.

I’ve been gymming for quite a while, but he still shows me some stuff, like if I don’t have the correct form or something like that.

Sometimes, we train together; he killed me the other day in a session.”

And it all comes in at R200 a month.

“Everyone pays the R200, and it is strictly business. I was very surprised at the low cost, but it’s good because the money doesn’t become a problem and doesn’t restrict entry.”

“It’s a community project,`” said the man behind it all, Marcus Attinger. He and his wife Judith are the two who recognised the value of what Xolisilise was doing with the Gym On The Hill and decided to support it fully.

“We saw what he was doing and realised immediately the value of this to the community. The fact that so many people came to the gym and started coming from the beginning shows that it was a much-

needed space in the community. We’re just happy it works out so well for everyone.”

Marcus and Judith have a charity organisation grounded in Holland (https:// www.funnyfarmouddorp.nl).

With the money generated from the charity, they support several programs, including Matt Davis and the St Francis Soccer Academy, as well as Xololilise and the Coastal Gym. “The gym funding comes directly from the charity, and we think it is a worthy way of giving back to the community and empowering it.”

With the expansion of the gym to even bigger premises and a mezzanine level for spinning bikes and other cardio machines, it will be a busy season at the Coastal Gym.

More about the Coastal Gym • www.coastalgym.co.za • 1st Ave, Bayview 43 Industrial Area, St Francis Bay • Xolisilile Ngantweni t. 0634809309 e. info@coastalgym.co.za

We’re excited to share that our security response guards now have exclusive gym memberships at the Coastal gym in Sea Vista! For us, it’s not just about their professional qualifications; we understand the importance of their physical and mental well-being.

Key College - The Year in Review

A

s a successful year is about to come to a close, it is an opportune time to look back on what we have accomplished so far at Key College, St Francis Bay’s first high school.

The dream of Key College started in early 2022 when my partner and I were considering making the move to St Francis Bay. Once we arrived, and after much consideration, I invited parents from the community to attend a presentation in my home, where I spoke about my bold plans to start a high school.

Thank you to those parents who bought into my dream and are still supporting Key College to this day!

We now have a multitude of students who have moved from CAPS, IEB and international curriculums onto the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, and we are proud to say that they are thriving! So much so that one of our students was invited to participate in an Academic Achievers Tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland. With fewer subjects to focus on, a small classroom environment and dedicated teachers, our students have soared through a demanding curriculum.

Our students have not only flourished in the classroom but also in following their own passions. We have had many students participate and dominate in the waves, in the Ripcurl GromSearch and SA Surf Champs, as well as in the equestrian arena. Our talented horse riders have participated in many shows, including the Eastern Cape Showing Championships.

As we step into 2024, we look forward to having two new teachers join our team. Laura Cowling is an English specialist who has spent many years helping homeschoolers through their schooling careers in our beautiful town. Laura has experience teaching the Cambridge curriculum and helping students with their IGCSEs. Alison Stevenson, who has years of experience teaching the sciences in southern Africa and in France, will be joining us to teach biology, science and geography. Alison has her PhD in Zoology and is passionate about sustainability, our natural environment, and education. I truly believe that with this team, our students are going to move from strength to strength

on their education journey.

We will be teaching our first Grade 10 pupils next year, who will write their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) external examinations. Our admissions are still open for Grade 8–10 students who wish to join for 2024.

As our late president, Nelson Mandela, said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

We believe that education is about more than just the content of a curriculum or textbook. This is why, in 2024, we are making a conscious effort to enrich our curriculum with subjects that speak to our values of personal and social responsibility, respect and curiosity. We will be introducing a subject called Sustainability (at Foundation 1 and 2 levels), which will teach learners how to respect and protect the natural world around them. Additionally, we will introduce a subject called Social Responsibility that will teach learners about internet safety, respectful relationships, mental well-being, and healthy eating, among other topics. The positive benefits of experience-based education are well recognised, and we therefore also plan to take the students on more excursions next year, where they can experience the majesty of the country we live in.

When I look at where we have come from and the journey that we plan ahead, I am filled with awe. We would never have made it this far without a supportive community, fabulous teachers, and committed parents. I thank all who have been involved in making this dream a reality. I would also like to commend our exceptional students on their year so far and wish them the very best of luck with their exam season coming up.

I look forward to writing to you again and keeping you updated about the developments and events at Key College. Have a wonderful festive season.

Yours Sincerely, Cristan Sardinha

Exploring St. Francis Bay

A Treasure Trove of Unique Experiences

St. Francis Bay is more than just a picturesque destination. It’s a playground for the curious, the sporty, the adventurous, and those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of St. Francis Bay’s most captivating and unconventional things to do.

On 10th September 2017, the largest

1. Jol The Flash Float The Flash Float will take place this year on December 29th; it is always fun. With all proceeds going to local charities, it is a good afternoon’s frivolity. Watch Facebook for more details on how to purchase tickets, etc.

2. Take a Walk to the Wild Side: The Blowhole: St. Francis Bay offers two distinct worlds, with the “Wild Side” being a stretch of relatively untouched coastline and beautiful surroundings. Take a scenic walk to the Blowhole, where you can witness the ocean’s raw power as it surges through a natural rock formation, sending water spouting into the air.

3. Walk to Shark’s Point: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Shark’s Point and soak in the beauty of the ocean. The jagged rocks and crashing waves make for a stunning backdrop. Plus, it’s an excellent spot for a contemplative moment.

4. Hit Billy’s Beach This year, the live entertainment line-up looks ridiculous and is spear-headed by Grammy-nominated Catz ‘N Dogz. Billy’s continues to be the place to be for thousands of kids every year. Don’t forget that they also hold a ‘ballies beach’ evening when the not-

so-young can go and have a few dops and groove to eighties tunes, get nostalgic, and wipe away tears of regret as they dream of the things they might have been 5. Check Out the New St. Francis Brewery: Craft beer lovers, you’re in for a treat! The new St. Francis Brewery is a haven for beer enthusiasts. Recently moved into a new, larger space, The Brewery offers the best live music in town. Savour their handcrafted brews in a delightful setting.

6. Tee Off at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Links Course: For golf enthusiasts, playing a round at the Jack Nicklaus St Francis Links Golf Course is a dream. It’s one of the best golf courses globally, with its stunning coastal setting and challenging design.

7. Ride the Canals on a Stand-Up Paddleboard: The tranquil canals of St. Francis Bay are perfect for a stand-up paddleboarding adventure. Gliding through the calm waters surrounded by beautiful homes while you work your abs is a serene and refreshing experience.

8. Dine with a View at Port St. Francis: Head to the harbour area of Port St. Francis

parade of stand-up paddle boards took place in Russia, with a total of 844, which was achieved by members of the Vladivostok SUP community.

The longest SUP ride on a river bore by a human and dog pairing, which was 1690.5 metres.

A record was set by a female who covered the greatest distance by SUP on flowing water in 24 hours, which was 169.32 kilometres.

for a meal with a view. Several restaurants offer delicious seafood and other cuisine and a panoramic look at the boats coming and going.

9. Explore the Ancient Irma Booysen Flora Reserve: Nature enthusiasts take advantage of FOSTER’s well-maintained Irma Booysen Flora Reserve, home to unique plant species.

Stroll along the walking trails, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the beauty of the indigenous flora.

10. Hook a left at Seals Beachie: The Beach Break is known for its consistent waves and is a favourite spot for getting a few barrels. Just watch out for the rip. It can get fierce at low tide. If an easterly has been blowing, watch out for blue bottles. Also,

during the height of season, swimmers get the right of way, so you need to paddle down a bit to Lookout.

11. Enjoy Some Posh Shopping: St. Francis Bay boasts quaint boutiques, art galleries, and shops. You can find stylish and smart clothing, home décor, vapes and local crafts in the heart of the village.

12. Go over to JBay and birdwatch at Seekoei River: The Seekoei River offers abundant birdwatching opportunities. Grab your binoculars and spot various bird species, including the majestic African Fish Eagle.

13. Take The Two Harbours Walk The path between the two harbours took immense strain during the August storms of this year. Still, it has been beautifully restored, and you can now walk between Granny’s Pool and Port St Francis. It’s short and easy, but it is a lovely little stroll.

14. Have A Quiet Coffee At Bruce’s Cafe There is sarcasm in the heading: it will not be quiet at Bruce’s Cafe - one of the coffee shops popular with early risers and surfers needing their fix after a dawn patrol at

Huletts Reef. It is a fantastic set-up, looking directly into the peak.

15. Stroll through the Village Market: Visit the St. Francis Bay Village Market, where you can find local crafts, delectable food, and a friendly atmosphere. You might even discover a hidden gem or two. Still, you will find delicious cakes and cookies, milk tarts and doughnuts, pies, and all those other comfort foods that soothe the savage beast.

16. Hit The Pool and Klap Gym, Boet Liquid Lines swimming pool in Cape St Francis is the perfect place to burn off those extra summer wine calories. For those who want to be land-based, The Pound gym next door is where you can cycle, row and ski to your heart’s content. You can also pump some iron and then go next door to Cath’s Coffee Shop and negate all the good work with a slice of her delicious chocolate cake for breakfast. You only live once, etc.

17. Revel in the Local Culture: Wining and dining are the staples in St Francis Bay, but remember that the locals have several clubs and societies that operate through the summer season. There are two surf clubs, a cycling club and a runners

club, a paddlers club, two golf courses, MTB tracks, a-grade kiteboarding conditions on the sea and river, fishing, diving, a bowls club, whale watching, yoga and pilates, open water swimming, Billy’s Beach music and so much more. It’s not just a place to have a quiet braai and thank the fact that you’re out of the city; it’s also a place to get involved.

St. Francis Bay is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to explore, experience, and indulge in its natural charm and cultural riches. With these intriguing activities, you’re bound to create unforgettable memories in this coastal paradise. So, pack your sense of adventure, bring your curiosity, and let St. Francis Bay enchant you with its extraordinary offerings.

5 Rules for Klapping Gym, Boet Buy a really tight vest Get a deep, dark tan Train with your charnas, coz they are your team Never stop klapping gym boet. Not ever.

Eat protein all the time, without ever stopping.

MICK FANNING 3 X WORLD SURFING CHAMPION

Mens and ladies Flashbomb Fusion wetsuits are available at the Rip Curl flagship store, 37 Da Gama Rd, Jeffreys Bay.

Uberzol and the rise of THC and CBD Edibles

By Fabio Debos

Cannabis is 2,500 years old.

There are about 100 cannabinoids in the marijuana plant.

Bob Marley was buried with marijuana.

Morocco is the largest producer of marijuana in the world.

George Washington was a grower.

Shakespeare Smoked Weed

I

’m a believer in the therapeutic properties of zol. For too long, we have all stood back and not accepted that this drug might be good for you, that it might help people who are sick with cancer and other ailments. For a long time now, I have had easy access to gummies in St Francis. I find that marijuana edibles help me to sleep on the odd occasion.

I get them from a friend, but things are changing in the big cities.

On a trip to Cape Town, I was recently introduced to a website called Uberzol - I was in a family restaurant/pub having a few quiet drinks with friends when one of the people ordered some gummies on his phone.

“They should deliver here, at the pub,” he told me, and I was somewhat incredulous.

The pub was in a relatively busy part of the suburbs, and it was hard to believe there would be a delivery.

“It’s normal,” he said. They haven’t delivered here before, but it should be fine. They just want to get paid.

The pub, I might add, used to be called The Crowing Cock, but someone climbed up with some paint and changed it to The Growing Cock. A batch of top-end edibles was heading for a drop-off at The Growing Cock, and it was a bit much for me. “You can also order magic mushroom extract, psilocybin, from this company and get it delivered, but you have to use someone like me who has an account,”

he told me. “They don’t open accounts for everyone. You need to have some medical certificate.”

“Have you got one?” I asked.

“I just downloaded one, and it worked.”

Fast forward a few weeks later, and I’m at a party in St Francis and lo and behold, the gummies came out again along with lollies and chocolates.

“Delivered to my house today,” the guy, a local, told me before trying to ram a giant gummie into my face.

So clearly, it’s now easier than ever to score these treats online or have them delivered to your door.

But first.

Understanding THC and CBD Before we dive into how to get your hands on these goodies, let’s break down the basics: THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): • THC is the stuff that can make you feel high. It’s like the life of the party in the cannabis world.

• It messes with your brain, giving you that buzz that some folks love. It might make you giggle, feel relaxed, make you hungry, or see the world in a new light.

CBD (Cannabidiol): • CBD is the mellow cousin of THC. It’s not about getting high; it’s more about feeling relaxed and relieving stress.

• You won’t get giggly or spaced out with CBD. Instead, it’s known for its potential to

soothe aches and worries. It’s like a comfy chair for your mind.

Easy Ways to Get THC and CBD Edibles The friend route.

Safe, easy and reliable, find someone in the hood who knows how to get access to edibles and use them all the time.

Online Shopping: • The internet is your friend when it comes to finding THC and CBD edibles.

There are online shops aplenty, and they have a stash of options for you.

• Just hop online and start browsing. You can find all sorts of treats, from gummies to lollies to chocolates. It’s like shopping for your favourite snacks.

Delivery to Your Doorstep: • Here’s the best part: once you’ve picked out your treats, you don’t have to move a muscle. Delivery services will bring your order right to your door.

• These delivery folks know how to keep things on the QT so you can enjoy your goodies without fuss. Not everyone delivers to SFB (there is no Uberzol) so check before hand.

Know What You’re Getting: • These online shops are upfront about what’s in their edibles. They’ll tell you how much THC and CBD are in each treat so you know what to expect.

• It’s like checking the ingredients on a food label – you can see what you’re getting into. If you want a little buzz or just a mellow vibe, you’re in control.

Start Slow and Steady:

• When it comes to edibles, remember the “low and slow” rule. You want to avoid chowing down on a whole batch of brownies and ending up in outer space looking for a McDonalds.

• Start with a tiny nibble, wait a bit, and see how it affects you. If you need more, you can nibble a bit more. It’s easy to adjust.

Keep It on the Down-Low: • We all have our reasons for keeping things private. The folks who deliver your goodies generally understand this and are discreet.

• Your order will always arrive in plain packaging.

In a Nutshell So there you have it – getting THC and CBD edibles is a breeze. You can shop online, pick your favourite treats, and get them delivered to your doorstep. Just check that they do deliveries to SFB. Just remember to know what you’re munching on – whether you’re looking for a fun time with THC or some chill vibes with CBD. Keep it classy, start slow, and enjoy the journey. Be careful. Overdo it, and it can be a long and arduous journey back from Outer Space.

There are 1,200 slang words for cannabis.

Grass, boom, joint, zol, dope, skyf, weed, hash, majat, poison, ganja, Swazi Gold, Malawi Gold, mabange, insangu, imya, lebake, splif, rooibaard, Durban poison, marijuana, electric spinach, pot, ganja, dank, doobi and broccoli.

Doggie Dash

11am, Friday 5 January 2023, Quays Please join Raffy for a leisurely canal canine cruise (any non-motorised craft, any pet) at 11am on Friday, 5 January, for our Doggie Dash at Quays for an excellent cause, St Francis Animal Rescue. It’s only R200, and Pam Golding and Quays will match all donations.

Richard Arderne from Pam Golding So Richard, why do you SUP with your dog??

I like paddling a SUP with Raffy.

He likes it, too.

I like that he likes it.

My wife likes me more if I entertain Raffy.

Great upper body exercise, especially into the wind and/or tide.

Good core workout, balancing on the relatively unstable board, especially with a 30kg dog near the front, with me near the back.

It is more sociable than paddling a canoe/surfski, which is often too low to chat with people on the banks of the canals.

It’s fun to watch Raffy looking around, resisting his urge to bark at birds and dogs (barking can lead to him falling in!).

Chantel James from Quays, the Doggie Dash co-sponsor: Grab your Doggie and paddle board/SUP/surfboard/canoe/kayak and join us at our annual ‘Doggie Dash’ at The Quays Restaurant for our canal cruise in aid of St Francis Animal Rescue.

It’s all happening on Friday, 5 January, at 11am, when water-loving pets on non-motorised crafts will participate in our human and canine procession on the water to celebrate the start of a New Year and help SFAR raise funds to improve the quality of life of the cats and dogs of Sea Vista through sterilisation, vaccinations, medical care, feeding and grooming.

The entry fee per person and pet is R200, and all funds raised are tripled on the day as Pam Golding and The Quays will match the amount raised!

We look forward to seeing St Francis Bay’s animal lovers on a day that promises to be fun for a good cause.

All photos © Louis

Kai Stubbs

5 events, three days each, about 7 hours of surfing daily.

That’s 105 hours of surfing.

Up to 150 surfers entered, but

Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point

this includes some doubleentry heats. Venues included Long Beach, Scottburgh, Port Alfred, Victoria Bay and Seal Point. Waves were good at all contest sites, with Port Alfred being the biggest.

Presented by The Cape ST Francis Resort and supported by TCS Wi-Fi Jack Erlank

The Rip Curl GromSearch 2023 was the most successful element of surfing in South Africa for 2023. While The Corona Open JBay and the Ballito Pro were resounding success stories, they were Championship Tour and Challenger Series contests, respectively. They did very little for local surfers, as the entries are closed and restricted to those who qualify for the tournaments.

second in this Seal Point tournament, and the goofy-footer was a popular winner.

The premier division of the Rip Curl GromSearch is the Under 16’s. They are the heroes of the series. Levi Epenetos (Melkbos) and Louise Lepront (Scottburgh) were the Rip Curl GromSearch Premier U16 Division 2023 Series winners. At the culmination of the series finale at Seal Point, Cape St Francis, when all the points had been tallied, the two emerged victorious to take their trophies and prizes.

As mentioned, the Seal Point tournament started the finals day at the beach break.

However, as the day progressed and the new swell started filtering through, the event returned to the Point and some excellent rides. After a few low-scoring heats on the beachbreak, the first wave on the point, ridden by Nate Tayler, scored an 8.17, vindicating the organiser’s decision to move. Moving a contest during a surfing day is always tricky, but the Point was the prime venue, and the beach was the backup only.

The Seal Point contest had some challenging conditions, including moving the heats to the beachbreak on the final day as the waves at the Point were too small in the morning. It was a sold-out event in what has fast become the most popular surfing series in South Africa and the most well-attended series of surfing contests in the country.

With over 150 competitors, the Seal Point contest had the biggest entry of any event in the country for 2023 outside national champs. Seeing the interest, passion, excitement and competitive spirit around these events is incredible. Rip Curl has committed to a third year of the series in 2024.

Levi Epenetos from Melkbos had an excellent year on the Rip Curl GromSearch Series 2023, with a win in Cape Town and Victoria Bay, a second at Scottburgh and a

Similarly, another goofy-footer, Louise Lepront from Scottburgh, secured a victory in the Scottburgh event, Victoria Bay and Port Alfred. These wins, along with a third in Cape Town and a second in the Seal Point contest this weekend, secured her victory.

Exciting surfing from Remi Fourie saw her win in the Premier U16 Girls Division. At the same time, Rory Dace continued his utter dominance of competitive surfing at his home break by taking the double and winning the Premier U16 division.

The Rip Curl GromSearch Series 2024 calendar dates are on the www. surfingsouthafrica.co.za website. There is also talk of a new contest called The Rip Curl Cup to join the contest calendar in 2024.

Charlotte Copson stood out in the U12 Girls division at Seal Point, banking an 8.33 for her highest-scoring wave and the win. The U12 Boys saw Marcello Zedde continue his dominance in this division.

Emily Jenkinson continued her winning ways with a comfortable win in the U14 Girls. At the same time, Adam Faclier took his maiden victory in the GromSearch series in the U14 Boys.

The U18 Girls division saw Louise Lepront emerge victorious. At the same time, local Cape St Francis surfer Rory Dace snatched the win in the U18 Boys. Cover page surfer Dace has had a stellar surfing year. When you read this, he would have returned from the ISA World Junior Games in Brazil, where he represented his country.

Rylan Jarvis

THE ST.FRANCIS ALPHABET

There is so much going on in St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis that we decided to make a song out of it. It didn’t take us long to realise that it would be hard to make a song out of where we live and love without sounding contrived, so we decided to do the slightly less contrived concept and write a St. Francs Bay alphabet.

It’s fun and informative. Thanks to those who helped in putting this together.

for the Rip Curl GromSearch surf event at Seal Point Beach and Point. In that event, local surfer Rory Dace won the U16 and U18 divisions, but a big thanks to Cape St Francis Resort for all the event and other support during the year.

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Denude refill grocer. What we need right now. Their policy is: ‘At Denude, we strive to strip our impact on the earth at every level, from source to supply, allowing the opportunity

A Anchor Garden and shipwreck museum in Cape St Francis. The new shipwreck display in the so-called Anchor Garden at the entrance of Cape St Francis was opened at a small function by Kouga’s Mayor, Hattingh Bornman. The site is at one of the main entrances to the FOSTER-managed Irma Booysen nature reserve. It is a treasure trove of maritime history, displaying artefacts, stories, and memorabilia from these dramatic voyages.

B

It was discovered by Bruce Brown in 1963 while filming Endless Summer. One of the international surfers found the actual wave, but the ‘sand dune discovery’ scene that came out when the movie was released in 1966 was filmed weeks after the discovery and was a fake.

Bruce’s Beauties is the jewel in the crown for local surfers wanting to taste what Bruce Brown discovered in 1963. It has had quite a good year this year, but not as good as previously, possibly due to so much rain from the southwest and fewer swells from the south. Still, there were some epic days and two local surfers were injured and out of the water after mishaps on the tricky jump rock.

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Cape St Francis Resort is always behind anything and everything that it can. This year, they hosted the Adventure Racing World Champions and were the presenting sponsor

Pig and Rooster

for our community to lessen their footprint while consuming and using quality, ethical products.’

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Evenings in and around St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis. Over the last couple of years, WildSide’s sunset dops have become increasingly popular. Last year, at every good sunset in season, the car parks were packed to capacity, with so many people hanging out, having drinks and taking selfies. It’s a good joke. You should try it this year if you haven’t done it yet. Get there early, bring plenty of dops, and take your time when everyone leaves.

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Full Stop Pub and Restaurant The Fully has been around the village in so many iterations, but this feels like the final one, and it is so good. The food, under chef JP, is fantastic, the bar is impressive with all sorts of drink specials, and the staff and ambience are also very cool. The best place to hang after a surf, blunt your appetite with an ice-cold whettie and shove one of their delicious pizzas into your gob.

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Groynes. This year’s winter storms did incredible damage to the coastline in St

Francis Bay. The groynes are the only hope to save houses on the canals and prevent catastrophe. They will also create new waves, which might help dissipate the incredible crowds that sometimes happen at Seals, as there is only one beach and one wave to go to.

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High Tides are fun in Cape St Francis but less fun in St Francis Bay. If you are tidesavvy, remember that there are no beaches in St Francis Bay at high tide apart from the little strip at Grannies Pool. So it’s over to Cape St Francis for the high tide beach. Just

remember that the rip alongside the rocks at Seals can turn into a raging current at high tide, so always be careful.

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Ice cream is available all day, all around Cape St Francis. Jill’s Groovy Scoops Ice Cream is pretty incredible. Still, there are also Trade Winds, Coastal Convenience, The Beach Kitchen, The Resort shop and more, offering ice cream for the kids and the young at heart.

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Joe Fish Restaurant inside the Cape St Francis Resort has much going for it.

Apart from delicious 50 licks to finish one food and scoop of ice cream. a relaxed The ice cream cone was ambience, an accident. In 1904, an they have ice cream vendor ran a pool out of bowls, so a waffle open for maker rolled his pastries patrons and into the cone to help. live music 19th-century chefs throughout made ice cream in all the holiday kinds of flavours, like season. oysters, asparagus, and They offer parmesan cheese. special meals over the festive season, so check out Joe Fish on socials for updates on their calendars, prices and booking procedures.

It takes approximately

K

Kouga Local Municipality has a new executive mayor in Hatting Bornman, and the man has done an excellent job in his first 5 months or so on the job. This will be the former speaker’s first Christmas season as mayor, and we expect good things during a hectic period for the municipality.

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The Links is the place to be if you want a top-class round of golf, a few drinks and snacks at the bar or an evening meal at the Restaurant. It is busy though, so booking is essential for most activities. They have a fabulous breakfast menu, and a trip to the Links wouldn’t be the same without someone in your party trying the Santa Burger. We’ll just leave it at that.

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Morning strolls on the beach are the most divine times during summer. Usually, the beaches are quiet, with most kids still sleeping after a big night at Billy’s or some other jol. Those dedicated surfers trying to get an uncrowded dawn patrol are the only people around. Keep your morning eyes peeled, though. There have been bags of cocaine washing up on our beaches as well.

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Nevermind Restaurant under Wesley Randles has gone from strength to strength. It is now one of the most popular restaurants in the area, and for good reason. An incredible setting and worldclass fare have seen it nominated for an Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Award 2023.

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Oysters are one of nature’s delicacies and can be found on various menus in and around St Francis Bay. Some people love

know about), e-bike rentals, a convenience store and even off-sales. It could all be quite exciting.

them so much that they go a little giddy when they see them on the menu, while others liken them to flavourless mucus. It’s your call, but they are plentiful in this zone.

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The Pig and Rooster is the latest venture at the Lighthouse Precinct, along with Nevermind Restaurant and SALT Place To Be Studios. A quaint little old-school pub with charm and style, it will be the hot spot for a few quick drinks in the summer season. It might be small, but with good weather and light winds, people will chill outside, on the leeward side, every evening, enjoying a few cold ones.

Surfing keeps this town humming, and it buzzes the loudest during the summer season. It does get crowded, but the mornings are generally ok, and if you keep your wits about you and watch the conditions, sometimes a little wave forms up somewhere that is not as well known as the prime venues. Think of the long white beaches and the far corners of some of them, and think of what happens when it goes easterly.

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Q

The Quays is a remarkable place with a unique setting. The food is delicious, and the chilled evening atmosphere cannot be beaten when there is little wind. Their Christmas lunches and other culinary offerings are to die for and are also very popular. No visit to St Francis Bay will be complete without a visit to The Quays.

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River Club is the latest hub to spring up in St Francis Bay. Formerly Waterberry Park, the River Club offers accommodation options, 3 x Padel Tennis Courts, an 8 lane 25m waterpolo friendly pool, a restaurant, The Bok Bar (that many people already

T

Trails are all around us. There are walking trails through the reserves under FOSTER’s oversight, running tracks on the wild side, and MTB trails. It’s an excellent idea to utilise them as the roads can get pretty busy in summer.

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Umbrellas are an absolute necessity in summer as the sun beats down and the earth gets hot. You’ve got to watch those rays as the years and years of sun damage will catch up to you at some stage in your life. Take an umbrella and some suncream, smash it on, wear a hat, etc.

V

Umbrellas at Pig and Rooster

Apparently, vodka is the drink of the summer, as it is light, can be mixed easily with fruit juices, and can be made into some delicious, healthy cocktail-style drinks that everyone loves. Everything mixes with vodka. Just don’t drink and drive, nor drink and swim.

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Workout city. We have everything good to go for a big workout or to start a bit of a sweat. We have The Pound and Liquid Lines in CSF and the coastal gym in SFB. If you’ve had a big night and want to work it off, head for the Liquid Lines area and join a morning class. They are not easy, and you will soon have all of last night’s shit kicked out of you, and you’ll be ready to start again.

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Xenodochial means ‘friendly to strangers’, and plenty of people in the neighbourhood fit that description. The visitors are only here for about three weeks, and they are the lifeblood of our village. So let’s all be as xenodochial as we can, why don’t we?

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Yoga classes. The village has a lot of yoga, with studios, classes and beach sessions during summer.

Keep your eyes on the leading social media hubs (St Francis Official Community

Facebook Group, I Like St Francis, St Francis Vibes, etc. to keep tabs on yoga happenings.

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Zinc in various organic forms is the current choice for surfers trying to prevent sunburn. It’s not the old thick zinc of our youth that used to take half our faces off every time we removed it, but a better version that is more powerful yet soothing on the skin. Now it’s time to get out there and enjoy summer.

Xenodochial means ‘friendly to strangers’, and plenty of people in the neighbourhood fit that description.

The Swedish Armed Forces Are The Adventure Racing World Champions • Number of teams: 109 • Participant nationalities: 36 • Bicycle boxes to be transported: 440 • Number of Men: 312 • Number of Women: 124 • Youngest participant:16 (racing with his dad) • Oldest participant: 76

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hey completed the epic 840km Expedition Africa course through the Kouga region of Eastern Cape in a time of 118 hours 33 mins 26 seconds. Along the way, they beat 106 teams from 30 nations on the start line with them.

The team comprises John Karlsson, Malin Hjalmarsson, Oskar Svärd and Per Vestling, and for all of the group, it is a second world title. Vestling won the title in 2011 (with the Thule Adventure Team in Tasmania) and came out of adventure racing retirement to join SAFAT. The other three team members were all on the winning team in 2021 in Spain.

The team opened up a significant lead on the 5th day of racing on a challenging 124km cycle ride through the Kouga Mountains. They completed the final 32km coastal trekking stage overnight before reaching the finish line on the morning of day 6 of the race.

Some of the final checkpoints were in the Sand River Dune Fields, and with the finish line only a short distance away, the team became lost in the night. They were searching amongst the dunes in the dark and battling with strong winds while going around in circles. “You think the checkpoint is over the next dune and the next,” said team captain John Karlsson. “I think we looked over every dune! Then I said we had to do something different and told the guys to imagine we were navigating on the ocean, to think in another way. We found the checkpoint, but it was after searching for 3 hours.” The team then decided to stop and wait for daylight before continuing, despite not knowing how close the next squad was to them.

Combined with an injury to Malin Hjalmarsson’s foot and their exhaustion and lack of sleep, the final stage was a slow one, and the team took 14 hours instead of the expected 7!

Adventure Racing World Champions The morning finish did mean there was a large crowd waiting to cheer them on from the last checkpoint at the Cape St. Francis lighthouse, and the wife and children of Per Vestling ran to hug him.

He and Oskar Svärd cried as they walked along the beach and into a noisy and joyous finish line reception at Cape St. Francis Resort.

More tears were on the finish line stage, and Adventure Racing

World Series CEO Heidi Muller greeted the team. She said to the crowd that they were great champions and incredible human beings. Hjalmarsson joked that the team “was enjoying the course so much we spent an extra night out there.”

I Am A World Champion Team captain John Karlsson addressed the excited schoolchildren who welcomed the team. “When I was small, I dreamed of being a world champion, and now I AM A WORLD CHAMPION! It shows you all that you can follow your dreams and achieve what you want if you work hard.”

Choking back his emotions, Oskar Svärd said, “This is what we worked together for all year. It feels so good now. It’s the best feeling.”

The team has had to overcome extreme weather, suffering temperatures of 30C+ one day and icy conditions the next. Coping with heavy rains that caused the cancellation of a canyon stage towards the end of the race. Hjalmarsson said, “We had a hard time in the heat and were jumping in every stream to cool down. At one point, John rolled in the mud and was all brown!”

Sand dunes, savannah and semi-desert The team has coped with all of the challenges of the 840km Expedition Africa course. Trail running and mountain biking along the coast, over mountain ranges, and through dunes, savannah and semi-desert. They paddled the rapids of the Fish River and raced day and night to reach the finish line.

The team wins a cash prize and free entry to the next Adventure Racing World World Championship, which will be held in Ecuador in November next year.

CLIENT CARE LIFESTYLE FINANCIAL PLANNING Shop 12, Village Centre, St Francis Bay

Crafting a Personalized Investment Philosophy: A Path to Financial Clarity

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nvesting wisely is akin to constructing a house; it requires a solid plan. In the realm of finance, this plan is your personalized financial strategy. It’s not a one-time task but an ongoing, dynamic process that mirrors the changes in your life. Without a comprehensive financial plan revisited and updated annually, investing becomes akin to navigating without a map.

Red Flag #1: Absence of a Personal Financial Plan If your financial advisor hasn’t crafted a dynamic financial plan tailored to your life, consider it a red flag. Financial planning should not solely revolve around your money; it should revolve around you. A solid plan is your guiding force, helping you make sound decisions in alignment with your life goals.

A well-thought-out financial plan should address your short-term and long-term goals, account for life changes, and consider risk tolerance. This dynamic approach ensures that your investments adapt to your evolving circumstances.

Red Flag #2: The Market Expert Syndrome Beware of advisors claiming expertise in market timing and fund selection without the qualifications to back it up. The financial industry

often talks about the “behaviour gap,” the difference between market returns and what the average investor gains. In trying to outsmart the market, some advisors end up eroding value rather than adding to it.

It’s essential to distinguish between informed advice and attempts to predict shortterm market movements. True expertise lies in understanding your unique financial situation rather than attempting to predict market fluctuations. A qualified financial planner focuses on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, steering away from unnecessary risks driven by short-term market predictions.

The 2% vs. 6% Conundrum A recent conversation with a fund manager unveiled a startling revelation. Clients who directly managed their investments lagged the market by 2% annually. Shockingly, those working through advisors lagged by a staggering 6%. This exposes a harsh reality: constant fund changes and market predictions rarely lead to market-related returns.

While it might be tempting to engage in frequent portfolio adjustments based on market news, studies suggest that a more passive, long-term investment approach often outperforms the constant churn of portfolios. The value of professional advice shines not in predicting market movements but in providing a steady hand amid market volatility.

Simplify Your Investing Philosophy Your investment philosophy should be straightforward: invest in the great companies of the world, represented by the stock market. Let time be your ally in growing wealth.

An advisor’s role is not to obsess over market intricacies but to focus on you and your family. They should guide you in controlling what you can and help you live your best life with the resources you have.

Beyond simplifying your investment strategy, embracing a holistic approach to financial well-being is paramount. Your financial planner should consider your investment portfolio and help you manage debt, plan for education expenses, and strategize for retirement. A comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your financial life contributes to your overall well-being.

Conclusion: The Road to Financial Wellness In the investment world, simplicity often trumps complexity. A personal financial plan revisited regularly, coupled with a straightforward investment philosophy, can be your roadmap to financial wellness. Choose an advisor who understands that your journey is unique and focuses on steering you toward a future where your money works for you, not the other way around.

Ultimately, it’s not just about growing your wealth but about using it to live your best life.

Green Trends: Making Our Planet Hip and Happening

by Jackie Heard

Human Hair Mats Hair is a natural oil collec-

Today, being green isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s a lifestyle.

We’re diving into the world of eco-friendly trends that are giving our planet a fresh and fabulous makeover. From sustainable farming to turning human hair into pollutionbusting mats, here’s your backstage pass to the green revolution.

Sustainable Agriculture: Mother Earth’s Spa Day

Picture this: your plate is loaded with delicious grub, but how that food got there matters. Sustainable agriculture is all about growing the good stuff without being too harsh on our dear Mother Earth. Farmers are ditching the harmful chemicals, saving water, and giving the soil some love. It’s like a relaxing spa day for the planet.

Ecosystem Restoration: Nature’s Big Comeback

Sometimes, nature needs a helping hand, and we’re here for the encore. Ecosystem restoration is like a grand return tour for Mother Nature. We’re bringing back forests, wetlands, and coral reefs – well, at least we’re trying our best.

Green Building: Homes That Give Earth a Hug

Back in the day, we’d use things and toss ‘em away. Not anymore! Enter the circular economy – it’s like recycling on turbo mode. Old stuff gets a second chance at life, from clothes to furniture.

Nothing goes to waste. It’s like turning last night’s braai leftovers into a gourmet feast – smart and eco-friendly.

Our homes are getting a green makeover too! Green buildings are like the superheroes of the housing world.

They’re super energy-efficient, using less electricity and water. Imagine your home giving you a cozy bear hug without being an energy glutton. Some companies in St. Francis are leading the charge, taking homes semi-off the grid, one step at a time.

Carbon Neutrality: Slimming Down Our Carbon Footprint

Renewable Energy: Catching Sunshine and Wind

Circular Steroids

Economy:

Recycling

on

We humans are infamous for pumping out tons of carbon into the air. But don’t sweat it; we’re on a mission to make amends. Companies and individuals are setting goals to cut down on carbon emissions and planting trees to suck up the excess. It’s like hitting the gym to burn off those extra beers – a work in progress.

Say goodbye to fossil fuels like coal and oil – they’re so last century. The future is all about renewable energy. We’re tapping into the power of the sun, wind, and even waves (in some places) to fuel our gadgets and keep our homes warm.

Those waves in winter could light up America if we figure them out – it’s like catching lightning in a bottle.

tor. You shampoo because it becomes greasy. In a study by NASA, human hair is shown to adsorb five times its weight in oil. Hair mats in water will soak up oil rapidly, working faster than any polypropylene booms.

Electric Vehicles: Smooth, Clean, and Green

Watch out – electric cars are taking the road by storm! They run on electricity, not gas, which means no nasty tailpipe pollution. They’re sleek, clean, and they’ll save you a bundle on gas money. It’s like driving a sporty golf cart, but with a serious dose of zippiness.

Human Hair Mats: Hairy Heroes Against Pollution

We’re getting pretty creative with this one. Human hair is turned into mats that soak up yucky stuff in water, like oil and chemicals. According to their website, https://hairrecycle.be, the company claims that a piece of hair can support up to 10 million times its weight. It doesn’t break down in water and can stretch a ton. It’s like a superhero sponge for the environment, giving a whole new spin to a “bad hair day.”

So there you have it, our little whirlwind tour of the world of green trends. The best part? You can hop on the ecotrain too! From recycling your old jeans to cruising in an electric car, every small step counts. Let’s keep this green revolution rolling, one eco-savvy idea at a time. Who would’ve thought that saving the planet could be this hip?

Reception: 042 940 6779 Email: wayne@sfbuildit.co.za website: www.sfbuildit.co.za Corner of R330 & Tarragona Road, Sea Vista Industrial, St Francis, 6312

St Francis A DIVISION OF SPAR GROUP LTD | SOUTH AFRICA

DIY Firepit Kit

R4499.99 WHILE STOCKS LAST!

We cover a wide range to help you in your garden.

• Golf was banned by the Scottish • Golf Was Invented in Scotland • Tiger Woods Made His First Hole-in-One at Eight Years Old. • There’s a 12,500 to 1 Chance of Making a Hole-in-One • Golf Balls Were Originally Made of Feathers and Leather

PGA 2023 Rupert Kaminski had nerves of steel during the thrilling final day of the SA PGA Championship at St. Francis Links on Saturday. He managed to stay cool and composed throughout, even with Matthew Spacey right on his tail the whole day. Ultimately, he clinched victory by just one stroke, making his first Sunshine Tour title a huge success.

Saturday was a real race against the clock, with extreme winds expected on Sunday. Both the third and fourth rounds were played on the same day, with groups of three teeing off simultaneously in a shotgun start.

In the morning’s third round, Kaminski and Spacey delivered fantastic six-underpar 66s. This put them just one stroke behind the leader, Peter Karmis, who carded a 71 and ended up at nine-underpar.

The afternoon turned into a head-to-head contest as Kaminski teed off on the first hole and Spacey set off on the 18th. They quickly separated themselves from the rest of the field.

Unfortunately, Karmis could only manage a 77 in the final round, finishing at four-

under-par and in a tie for third with Ryan van Velzen (72) and Adam Breen (73).

Spacey faced a shaky start with two bogeys in his first four holes, while Kaminski played some fantastic golf on the front nine, notching up three birdies in the first six holes.

Spacey fought back with birdies on the 12th and 14th holes, while Kaminski made a couple of bogeys coming home.

Kaminski sealed the deal with a level-par 72, while Spacey came up just short with bogeys on the 15th and the closing 17th.

After his win, Kaminski shared, “I’m still extremely overwhelmed, and I don’t think it’s ever going to really sink in. I’m blown away by the way I played, and it’s such a privilege for me to lift this prestigious trophy.”

He continued, “Par was definitely a good score today. I thought two-under for the whole day would be good enough, but I was six-under for the third and fourth rounds, which is really tremendous. I was just very calm throughout the day and had a lot of trust in everything I was doing. I hit the ball well, putted well, and had faith and belief. I continued to focus

on what was in front of me.”

Kaminski added, “In the last couple of years, I’ve been in a position to win a few times, but I let it get the best of me. I let the occasion get to me. But I was impressed by how in control I felt today.”

Kaminski now finds himself in a new world of golf, joining the ranks of legendary players who have won SA’s secondoldest professional golf tournament. It’s an incredible achievement and opens the door to big events for the rest of the season.

He said, “Apart from moving into fifth on the Order of Merit, I’m also into all the big events for the rest of the season, the cosanctioned tournaments at the end of the year. Hopefully, this will be the start of big things, and it’s a nice step in that direction.

And I love coming to the St. Francis Links.

There’s something about this place. I really enjoy the course and the people.”

This year’s R2 million event received significant support from the Eastern Cape Tourism and Parks Agency and the African Bank. It was a day of fierce competition and triumphant victory.

Photo by © @gumbootcamera

Kookslam at Bruces

By Craig Jarvis

Worst jump-offs in the world include Lennox Head (Aus), Grajagan - there is no channel (Indonesia), Bruces Beauties (St Francis), Burleigh Heads (Aus), Supertubes on a solid day (JBay) and Buffels Bay in the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

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to speak. A quick thumbs up to the onlookers,

his year, I was blessed to enjoy three extended trips to Indonesia. It was my

We watched a few guys jump. There were

son’s first time in Indo, my first time

some close moments, but no one really came a

back in 14 years - my travels stopped when

cropper. It looked relatively harmless.

and it was round two.

I proceeded back toward the big rock to get some shelter from the oncoming dangerous-

he was born as many years ago. Most people can’t afford to look after kids as well as traipse

(Did you know that the saying ‘come a cropper’

looking sets. As I attempted to climb a tiny shelf

around the world selfishly chasing waves and

is derived from the Old Norse word kropp,

to get to safety, something in my groin broke.

moaning about onshores.

the name of a hump or swelling on the body.

I collapsed, screaming for help as I started to

The Oxford English Dictionary graphically

disappear under another set.

It was quite a shock to get back home to

describes a crop as a ‘swollen protuberance

South Africa and hit the end section of the

or excrescence. This will become important

Some more people came to help, but each time

worst winter in 40 years. Our 8-year drought

later.)

they tried to lift me, I screamed so loudly that they stopped, and some spectators started

had finally been somewhat alleviated, but the

filming.

storms and unfavourable southerly winds

When the swell comes from the south, the

continued unabated, along with the news that

waves pour through. Still, a friend spotted

the JBay Open had been cancelled.

a gap and sent me scurrying. It was quite a

“Can you please ask them to stop filming me?” I

dramatic day, so throngs of spectators watched

asked some kind gentleman who was definitely

Then, the swell of the year started approaching

me clamber down, jump onto the left rock, hop

a non-surfer but was very concerned about

the Eastern Cape area. While a 9-metre west

onto the right rock, and slip and fall on my butt.

my well-being.

much to get into the sweet spots around here

As I grovelled back to my feet, a 2-foot surge

“Ignore them, don’t worry about them,” he said.

that no one was alarmed. That was until the

with 20 seconds of power behind it came, took

“You were very brave and did tremendously

period forecast jumped to 20 seconds, and

my legs from under me, and sent me into a

by even trying to surf these giant breakers.” By

the swell forecast started looking like the swell

little hole in front of the main rock. As I climbed

using words like ‘brave,’ ‘tremendously’, and

would come straight from the south. Then it

out of the pool, a bigger wave bore down on

‘breakers’, he was making things worse.

became an ‘oh my golly gosh’ kind of forecast.

me. I just relaxed, knowing there was no way

swell is startling, it must bend and twist so

The waves at Bruce’s Beauties were booming

of fighting and winning with that amount of

As I was carried out by three able-bodied

power behind the swell.

friends, I saw a friend and asked her to phone my wife.

on the second day of the swell. There were some excellent waves at Bruce’s main break

The wave engulfed me and moved me

and some solid barrels at Killers. While

horizontally underwater in a sitting position at

“Can I help you get out of your wetsuit? I’ll just

watching the sets, I bumped into one of the

speed before I hit a flat rock with my butt with

rip it off you quickly?” offered another friend.

original Bruce’s locals, Trevor Hansen, and

sickening force.

I was in so much pain that the idea of ripping my suit off was too painful to contemplate.

we chatted. “It’s a relatively easy jump off, bru,’ said Trevor as we watched a set totally engulf

‘That did not feel good.’ As the wave receded

the jump rock. “It’s just all about the timing.”

and the throngs of spectators started shouting

“Please get me some clothes, and I’ll just do

Trevor’s right. At Bruce’s, it is all about timing,

at me, I clambered to my feet, somewhat

it slowly,” I asked my friend. She passed me

actually. Get a gap, clamber off the big rock,

shakily.

some undies and a pair of tracksuit pants from my car. There was quite a crowd by now,

then hop to the left-rock, right-rock, left-rock, right-rock, and launch. What could possibly go

My board was unscathed. My butt felt

wrong?

unusually sore but was still in one piece, so

concerned about my well-being,

The funniest surfing channels on Instagram are Barrel Dodgers Anonymous, Kook Of The Day and Kookslams, with 2,2M followers.

They also sell kookslam merch.

Getting out of my wetsuit was punishing.

my son’s underpants

Getting into my undies and trackie pants was

off my swollen loins

unbearably painful. Still, I managed it alone

with

without falling around the car park naked.

palpable relief. Then they took me to the car

My wife arrived and was terribly worried.

in a wheelchair.

immediate,

More so at my attire. “Are you ok?” She asked .”

“Not really” I replied. “I think I have already

When I got home that night, my son looked at

got some swelling because these pants

me and asked, “Are you alright?”

have become so tight.” I looked down. I was obviously delirious and in shock, but the

“I’m cool,” I said, pouring several fingers of

trackies were unbelievably restrictive.

whiskey into a short glass to mix with the schedule sixes. I’m just really sore, and I lost

“I think you’ve got your boy’s pants on,” she

your underpants.”

said. I looked down, and she was right. I had

“Those were brand new,” he said. “I’m going to

squeezed into some stove-piped pants, size 14

play Fortnite.”

Boys, and not my comfortable 34s or even my loose but very comfortable 36s. “Not a very

The next day, the scan revealed a minor hernia,

good look,” I acknowledged before I started

apparently from an old injury, and a kropp -

whimpering again. I got the tracksuit pants off,

that swollen protuberance or excrescence

and we headed to the ER.

- of torn ligaments, damaged tissue, internal bleeding, and excessive bruising in my groin,

After about a 3-hour wait, the X-rays revealed

my butt and my thighs. My feet were a bit

no broken bones. By this stage, I was awash

shredded from the barnacles, and a small

with some Schedule 6 painkillers. The nurse

haemorrhoid had appeared due to the impact.

suddenly strode up to me, whipped out some

It was unpleasant, and my body was damaged,

surgical scissors and said, “I’m really not happy

but there was nothing to be done except rest.

about those tiny undies,” and suddenly cut

The waves continued to fire for the next few

days, and as my son surfed with all my friends, everyone was concerned about me. “What happened to your dad,” they all asked.

“He fell off the rocks at Bruce’s and went to the ER with haemorrhoids,” he told them.

“HERNIA, son! It’s a hernia.” I blurted when he told me that evening, and everyone started laughing.

“This is not helping the situation,” I said to the room, but three out of four people found it funny, so it was.

So, the surf year is over for me, but it has been a good year. Three surf trips that no one can take away from me: epic adventures with my son, travelling with my family, surfing with my daughter.

But what lingers is the ignominy of my son paddling out the Bruce’s slipway on that fateful day, getting out to the backline with his head dry and getting an awesome opening wave, while I slipped on the rocks, and spent Sunday arvo in hospital in his underpants.

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COFFEE: THE MAGIC ELIXER

by Bobby Crabbe

Debunking Common Myths and Unraveling Caffeine’s Mysteries

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here are so many amazing coffee shops in St Francis Bay and Cape

by Bobby Crabbe St Francis that it is sometimes hard to choose where to go in the morning for your cup of joe. One things that is for sure though, is that we are a village of heavy coffee drinkers, and that hit of caffeine after early morning training is much enjoyed. Before you go for a morning cup, we took a long and hard look at coffee, at caffeine, and some of the myths that surround them.

Coffee is more than just a morning ritual; it’s a beloved beverage that has become an integral part of our daily lives. Beyond its rich aroma and comforting warmth, coffee offers a dose of caffeine, a natural stimulant that has fascinated scientists and coffee enthusiasts alike. In this article, we’ll explore what caffeine is and what it does and then debunk some common myths associated with coffee.

and Caffeine: 1. Myth: Coffee Causes Insomnia

Many believe consuming coffee, especially in the afternoon or evening, can lead to sleep problems. While it’s true that caffeine can interfere with sleep, it doesn’t necessarily cause insomnia in everyone. Insomnia is characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and not everyone who drinks coffee experiences this.

Caffeine has a half-life of around 3-5 hours, meaning that it takes this amount of time for the body to eliminate half of the caffeine you’ve consumed. So, drinking coffee late in the day can interfere with your sleep patterns. However, it’s essential to recognize that individual sensitivity to caffeine varies widely. Some people can drink coffee in the evening without any adverse effects on their sleep. In contrast, others should avoid it within a certain time frame before bedtime.

Debunking Common Myths and Unraveling Caffeine’s Mysteries

What Is Caffeine, and What Does It Do?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound found in the seeds, leaves, and fruits of certain plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao pods. It is a central nervous system stimulant which can temporarily enhance alertness and reduce fatigue when consumed. When you drink coffee, you essentially ingest caffeine, and its effects can be noticeable within minutes.

Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for promoting relaxation and sleepiness, from binding to its receptors. As a result, caffeine promotes the release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which increase alertness, improve mood, and boost cognitive functions.

Debunking Common Myths about Coffee

2. Myth: Caffeine Is Addictive

While caffeine can lead to physical and psychological dependence in some individuals, it is not as addictive as drugs like opioids or nicotine. Caffeine dependence is often characterized by mild withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue, which can be relieved by consuming caffeine again. The key to avoiding caffeine addiction is moderate and responsible consumption.

3. Myth: Caffeine Causes Dehydration

There is a common belief that caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes increased urine production and, consequently, dehydration. However, this belief is only partially accurate. While caffeine can have a mild diuretic effect, the fluid intake from caffeinated beverages typically

offsets any extra urine production.

In fact, a study published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine” found that moderate coffee consumption does not lead to dehydration and can contribute to overall hydration. So, as long as you’re not consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, there’s no need to worry about it dehydrating you.

4. Myth: Energy Drinks Contain an Excessive Amount of Caffeine

Energy drinks often receive a bad reputation for their caffeine content, with concerns that they contain excessive amounts of the stimulant. While it’s true that some energy drinks can have high caffeine levels, not all energy drinks are the same. Some energy drinks contain similar or even lower caffeine content than a standard cup of coffee, while others may have much more.

It’s essential to read the labels and be mindful of the caffeine content in any beverage you consume. Moderation is key, and excessive caffeine intake, whether from coffee or energy drinks, can lead to unpleasant side effects like jitteriness, increased heart rate, and anxiety.

Conclusion Coffee, with its caffeine content, is a delightful and complex beverage that has a special place in our lives. Understanding the role of caffeine in coffee and debunking common myths associated with it is crucial for making informed decisions about your coffee consumption.

While caffeine can have both positive and negative effects, it’s essential to use it responsibly and in moderation to fully appreciate the pleasures of coffee without falling prey to misconceptions. So, the next time you savour your cup of coffee, do so with the knowledge that you’re enjoying a fascinating and multifaceted beverage.

Out & About

Calamari Classic Pam Golding Best Dressed Foursome - Teletubbies

Pam Golding Ladies Golf Open winners Carol Sharman (left) and Lynda Mynhardt (right)

Best Dressed Foursome

St Francis College MTB Race Podium

Letter from WILDFIRE the DRAGON.

By Liz Spowart

During the year, there were a few contests on St Francis Today, and the article below was the winner of the writing contest. Part of the prize was that it would be published in Wildside TIMES.

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o the people of Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay and the Greater St Francis area.

My name is Wildfire the Dragon…

I was born on the 23rd of January 2016 in Sea Vista. I remember my mother was wearing red and yellow, and we were at a rally in the township. Eish, but me, I was not planned.

I was an unwanted baby, born on the grass at the side of the road; my mother left me there and ran away. I was all alone, and a few of you already tried to kill me. You thought I was dead. But while I was scared and small, I was still warm and dry, and that is when you underestimated my power…

Some of you looked at me as you drove past, but you did not stop to kill me. Your apathy let me live. So that night, I grew, and I grew fast. I still had no name; I was still just a fire. But I had a game… already I could be seen from far and wide. I glowed in that Saturday night sky, getting bigger and stronger by the hour, and still, you did not recognise me. Still, you did not want to know about me.

On Sunday, when I had grown big and strong, I went through the farms and back to your village. Only then did some of you see me for who I was; only then did you begin to challenge me. But it wasn’t enough for me.

So that night, I crossed the road to Cape St Francis. By then, I was enormous, ubiquitous, big enough to fight you from every direction. Like a ninja, I attacked you at night. I was everywhere.

I tried to break into your houses and scare your children; I blew fire in your gardens and roofs; I filled your lungs with smoke and your eyes with ashes.

I wanted your full attention.

I took it out on Rebelsrus; I didn’t mean to do so much damage.

I was a raging inferno, and things got out of hand. I was wild with anger, hungry and looking for attention. I did send smoke signals to warn the animals; I’m sorry tortoises don’t run fast (it seems to be a design fault), and everyone knows snakes don’t listen well. But most of the animals were clever enough and fast enough. They have instincts. They saw me coming, and they did not hesitate, they did not take pictures, they did not pack… They just left.

But you… You did not leave. So, on those days and nights, you felt my anger, witnessed my hunger, and heeded my need for attention.

I got lots of attention after that! I felt like I was on the red carpet.

You were all in awe of me, your faces glowing in the heat of my radiance. You were screaming and shouting, climbing on roofs to get a look at me. You were taking pictures of me and filming me from every angle, like the paparazzi. You were all talking about me, and that really built my confidence. I was on the TV, in the newspapers, and all over social media. I was in a firing

The big fire that raged through St Francis Bay in 2012 took out 77 houses.

It was thought to be started from a braai that jumped onto thatch.

The howling westerly saw the flames engulf the village, but it eventually blew itself out when it reached the sea.

frenzy; you made me feel like the rocky coast star.

But I definitely had you scared; I scared you so much that you named me…. I was Wildfire the Dragon…. I was a wicked, firebreathing monster of staggering proportions. I grew bigger and bigger.

The more I braaied, the more I ate; it was like hell kitchen out there. I got fat and greedy and fast.

You’ve got to admit I gave you a good fight, a taste of war, and made you stand up together and be counted. I tested you hard, over and over.

Grovesnor CSF regiment. Hats off to you; you boys are a credit to the CSF force; it was like special ops down there, undercover tactics, spies and secret communications. The camaraderie was outstanding; you boys are tight! You had allies, old friends and local knowledge; you had ex-military, airforce, anonymous arms suppliers and vigilante troops. You had it all!

Everyone was representing CSF; one night, your secret agents tried to lure me in with my twin flame. What was her name again? Miss Backburn… Oh wow, she was big, beautiful and smoking hot. I almost fell for her when you sent her after me.

Night after night, you tried to beat me into the ground; you even drove me underground. But I kept escaping your clutches and jumping up again. I threw shots from the east and west; I loved catching you by surprise. You never knew where I was coming from.

For 8 long days, I pushed you hard. Night after night, under darkness, I tested your patience, boundaries, and airfield; hey, I even melted your boatyard. But you didn’t back down; you stood firm against me, shoulder to shoulder, and defended your

village; it was amazing how you pulled together.

You put together an army of masked ninja warriors. You had tanks, choppers and planes. You had strategists, researchers and spies. Some of you really showed amazing bravery, strength and skill. You fought me day and night, tooth and nail, with everything you had.

Men and women, young and old, all races, colours and nationalities, fighting alongside each other against me. Taking care of each other against me. You were all Ubuntu at that time.

United as one against a common enemy. You were almost a cliche.

That was me, Wildfire the Dragon. I did that…

You had each other’s backs, and this is the lesson I taught you.

Your differences fell away for those 8 days… nothing mattered anymore…not material objects, work, money, or school; everything returned to the community. Strangers spoke to each other, and rich men and poor men fought alongside each other.

Blood, sweat and tears were shed along with status and colour.

For a moment, you were all equal and never gave up. Some of you on the frontline did not sleep for a second. Only pausing to lean on each other.

Your village was under fire, and your warrior crew of hundreds were up in arms, on red alert, guarding their posts with the tenacity of a honey badger.

St Francis Bay was quite the war ally. Man! You guys were like the United Nations! You had fire trucks, ambulances and specialists.

You had food, photographers, reporters and transport. You had mattresses, masks, medicine and updates. You almost drowned the troops in sarmies, cool drinks and eyedrops! There was nothing you hadn’t thought of, nothing was too much trouble, and you put your money and time where your mouth was. Even your children drew pictures to boost the troop’s morale. I mean it seriously; the humanity you showed was truly mindblowing.

You guys didn’t need a government; in hours, you became your own government, a government made up of “people”. You took back your power, took control of your community, planned, organised, fought and funded everything by yourselves, and it worked.

Your real government were too far away, and they were grounded for much of the fight; they had so much tape around them that even their chopper blades could not cut it. The irony burns, doesn’t it? Those army airforce boys were only allowed to take a few shots at me, and I was close to my last dragon breath by then! Yes, you did fight amongst yourselves a little; some

The fire that poured through St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis in 2018 took out 11 houses, with many more damaged.

It was presumed that it was started by a flare, but this was never proven.

After fighting the fire for 7 days, the locals were eventually relieved when helicopters arrived to water bomb the stillburning veld.

proper tempers were lost, but what good family doesn’t have a blow-up sometimes? And yes, on occasion, there were too many Captains. Alpha males and females bump heads and jostle for control. But some true leaders rose to the surface and took charge.

We had heroes and action, drama and comedy. It was a horror and a thriller all rolled into one. All the players performed their stunts, and no special effects were needed. It was all live and unscripted. There were plot twists, some fast-and-furious driving, and romance.

Anyway, the final scenes eventually came, and like all good movies, you, “the good guys”, won.

Good overcame Evil. You ultimately figured it out and slayed me. “the bad fiery dragon”. You bought those angry birds and bakkie cookies? – I mean, what even is that thing? Some kind of “Boer maak a plan” effort?

Well, it worked as planned. You drowned me into a soggy, ashy mess. I am barely alive to fight another day.

So, I will leave you guys to pick up the tab for that 8-day drinking binge! Those chlorine shots were deadly and expensive. You made me drink too many of them, and I don’t even like chlorine!

And that rancid one from the pond by the tip! Cheap shot, boys!

Gees, what was that stuff?!

So anyway, I know you have more hangovers to recover from, and you’re probably feeling a bit “drunk verdriet” by now.

Good luck with the mop-up. There is so much mess everywhere!

Eish! But don’t worry, Mother Nature Mavis is coming. Soon, it will be all clean and green again. And she will put some pretty flowers out to cheer you all up.

I’ll pull in and see you chaps in a few years, and we’ll go all out again.

The moral of the story….. don’t play with flares. You might find a dragon inside. And as we know, It’s all fun and games until somebody sets fire to your village.

Check you.

Wildfire…

I scared you so much that you named me…. I was Wildfire the Dragon

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o you might still need to get your beach body, or you might not have managed to get that six-pack to start appearing, but before you know it, there will be some New Year’s resolutions to initiate. Although they generally only last a few days, or in some cases a few hours, they are still a cool little tradition the world over. To make your diet decisions more accessible, we broke down some of the most popular diets out there in case you want to look at a bit of a lifestyle recalibrate after the upcoming party season.

In the grand symphony of life, diets often take centre stage, each offering unique notes in pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

So, let’s embark on a culinary adventure through the landscapes of six diets that have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many: the Mediterranean, DASH, Flexitarian, Keto, Paleo, and Banting.

Buckle up, grab a snack (preferably a carrot stick, for now), and let’s navigate the diverse world of diets with a sprinkle of nutritional wisdom.

Mediterranean: Where Olive Oil Flows Like Water Picture this: You, lounging on the shores of the Mediterranean, surrounded by azure waters and the aroma of olive oil wafting through the air. While reality might not be as poetic, the Mediterranean diet brings you pretty close. Bursting with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and a generous pour of olive oil, this diet is as heart-healthy as Instagram-worthy. Fish, lean proteins, and a moderate intake of red wine complete the Mediterranean symphony, proving that sometimes, life’s zest lies in a drizzle of olive oil.

DASH: Not a Sprint, But a Dash to Health DASH into the world of balanced eating with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Renowned for its focus on reducing blood pressure, DASH emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Picture a plate where leafy greens hold hands with lean proteins, and whole grains do the tango with nuts.

It’s a dietary dance where sodium takes a backseat, making your heart sing in

gratitude. DASH away from processed foods and dive into the colourful palette of wholesome nutrition.

Flexitarian: The Flexible Foodie’s Delight Are you that person who can’t commit to a movie genre, let alone a diet? Welcome to the flexitarian feast! A flexible vegetarian, or flexitarian, diet offers the best of both worlds—plant-based goodness with occasional flirtations with meat. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, or in this case, having your kale and the occasional burger. This diet encourages plant-based domination while leaving room for meaty rendezvous when the craving strikes. Flexibility is the name of the game, making it perfect for those who can’t resist the siren call of a baconwrapped anything.

Keto: The Low-Carb, High-Fat Maverick Keto, short for ketogenic, isn’t just a diet; it’s a lifestyle, a commitment to low carbs and high fats that would make your grandma question her baking choices.

The goal? To achieve a state of ketosis, where your body becomes a fat-burning machine. Picture plates adorned with

avocados, bacon, and eggs—a ketogenic symphony that might raise an eyebrow at the bread basket. Bid farewell to sugar, embrace healthy fats, and ride the keto wave into a world where butter isn’t the villain—it’s the hero.

Paleo: Channeling Your Inner Caveman (or Woman) Palaeolithic humans might not have had Instagram, but they sure knew how to eat (we assume). The Paleo diet channels our ancestors, urging us to dine on what could be hunted or gathered. Picture this: a plate filled with lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Say farewell to grains, dairy, and processed sugar; your inner caveman is not a fan. It’s a throwback to the basics, an ancestral dance of nutrition that invites you to embrace the simplicity of prehistoric pleasures—sans the mammoths.

Banting: A South African Low-Carb Fiesta Named after William Banting, a 19thcentury undertaker turned diet guru, Banting is South Africa’s low-carb darling—big thanks to Prof Tim Noakes.

Picture a rainbow of veggies, a generous serving of protein, and healthy fats joining the party. Banting kicks sugar and refined carbs to the curb, welcoming whole foods

the

•Diets do not lead to permanent weight loss for over 95% of people.

•The evidence says that less than 5% of people who lose weight keep it off for more than five years.

So, the diet industry is a R1,2 Trillion per year global industry with a 95% failure rate, so there is that to think about.

and natural fats with open arms. It’s a nutritional fiesta where cauliflower rice and avo-toast reign supreme, proving that even in the realm of diets, we South Africans know how to throw a flavourful bash.

Intermittent Fasting One of the easiest diets to understand and stick to is Intermittent Fasting. I.F. works because it focuses on when you eat, not just what you eat. Taking breaks from eating helps your body burn stored fat for energy, aiding in weight loss. This method improves insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of diabetes. It’s simple and flexible, fitting into different lifestyles. The breaks in eating also trigger a cleanup process in your cells, promoting overall health. Plus, it’s easy to stick to, making it a successful and sustainable approach for many people looking to improve their wellbeing.

Closing the Buffet: Diets on a Plate As we digest the feast of diets, it’s

crucial to remember that the journey to a healthier lifestyle is as unique as a fingerprint. Each diet we explored today brings its flavour to the table, catering to different tastes, preferences, and health goals. Whether you’re savouring the Mediterranean breeze, dashing toward heart health, flexing your dietary muscles, keto-carving your own path, embracing your inner caveman, or enjoying a South African low-carb fiesta, the key is finding a sustainable approach that nourishes both body and soul.

So, let’s raise a symbolic toast to the kaleidoscope of diets, acknowledging that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In this culinary adventure, may you find a diet that fuels your body and brings joy to your taste buds. Here’s to a healthy, flavorful journey that makes every bite a celebration of life! Cheers to diets—may they be as diverse, vibrant and weird as the people savouring them.

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