Wildside TIMES #1

TIMES

S T FR ANCIS B AY AND ENV IR ONS COMMUNI T Y M A G A Z INE - FR EE

WILDSIDE

KITING WITH THE DACE BROS Who is Conrad Gallagher?

Jeffreys Bay Surf Festival Nexus Yachts - After The Fire Black Harriers: Close To Extinction

© Mike Ruthnum

M DU AN AL DA TE

E IV US TE CL DA EX AN M

Lorrin

Kathy

- 072 950 9805

- 082 388 6213

20 Arago Road, Cape St Francis | R2,300,000

15 Walton road, St Francis Bay Village | R4,100,000 4

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E IV US TE CL DA EX AN M

EX M CLU AN S DA IVE TE

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Enid

- 082 773 8064

22 Leighton Hulett Drive, St Francis on Sea | R3,200,000

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Jenny

- 083 321 2405

21 Cowrie Crescent, St Francis on Sea. | R6,320,000

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St Francis Bay & Cape St Francis

Where you belong.

St Francis Bay Cape St Francis Jeffreys Bay Humansdorp

Liaan Haupt

Marsha Haupt-Cooper Principal

Enid

Principal Rentals

St Francis Bay

Jenny Masterson

Berdine Burger

LorrinJarvis

Yolandé Stanton

Martie Luther

Chrizell Neill

St Francis Bay

Roux Wessels

St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay

Kathy Brady St Francis Bay

Les Peens St Francis Bay

Jeffreys Bay & Humansdorp

St Francis Bay

Pretorius

St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay

Diane

Walters

Jeffreys Bay

Ian VanDerWalt

oyster@harcourts.co.za

Jeffreys Bay

Sandra Hattingh

St Francis Bay

AnneliseFerreira

Jeffreys Bay & Humansdorp

Jeffreys Bay

SataishBronkhorst

www.oyster.harcourts.co.za

Jeffreys Bay & Humansdorp

Shirley Jeffreys Bay & Humansdorp

Uli Terblanche Joubertina & Surrounds

+27 42 204 0921

WHY PRINT?

Some people like digital media, others like print media, and others like Marmite and others like Pecks Anchovette, which is a pity, as it no longer exists.

Some people just like to hold a print mag, especially while on the John. This is for you guys.

Why now?

COVID has changed everything, and our village was not spared. Rapid growth and expansion, families flocking to the area, and lifestyle villages lining up to be developed. Along with this growth comes business growth. More people need more things, and along with this is the need for people to communicate. That’s where we come in.

Why quarterly? Three months is a long time between drinks.

That’s going to change. Not sure how, but it will change. Maybe bi-monthly, maybe monthly, maybe weekly, maybe annually. This isn’t helping much, is it?

Why full colour?

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread, as the one very apt cliché goes, to use a cliché within a cliché.

Digital read?

We’re also sitting on Issuu as a clickable magazine. Just for those who aren’t here in the village and want to get a glimpse. Not as convenient while on the John.

Social media?

You can find us on Facebook and on Instagram. You might have to search, as we don’t have many friends yet. If you do perhaps find us, please like us or follow us or engage somehow.

Advertising and editorial contributions/pitches?

Contact us through Facebook for now. Might have to search as we don’t have any friends yet. If you do, perhaps find us, please like us or follow us etc.

The Team at Wildside TIMES

WHAT’S INSIDE Wine on Water

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Kiteboarding with the Dace Brothers

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Plight of the Black Harrier

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Who is Conrad Gallagher?

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Sporting Events Return To Jbay

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Things We Lost in the Fire

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Happenings

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Closer to Pod

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Creative Director: Mark Campbell Publisher/editor: Craig Jarvis Contributions: Maggie Langland, Mike Ruthnum, Kody McGregor, Andrea Paarman, Sandy Coffey and a list of others too numerous to mention.

Wildside TIMES magazine is a Wildside Marketing production.

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A Freedom like no other Move to St Francis Bay and spend your time in the waves.

If you are thinking of moving, contact us today.

St Francis Bay 042 294 1188 stfrancisbay@pamgolding.co.za Arderne Properties CC t/a Pam Golding Properties St Francis Bay Registered with the PPRA. Holder of a Business Property Practitioner FFC. Operating a Trust Account.

A Franchise of Pam Golding Franchise Services (Pty) Ltd.

Live Remarkable.

WINE ON WATER A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

All photos by Sandy Coffey photography.

To say that the first stop got us into the mood for Wine On Water would be an understatement.

A

fter a pandemic-delayed star, the

behind it. The barge rides were cool, and we

cannot be repeated in this family magazine in

charity event, Wine On Water,

had loads of fun and banter, interspersed by the

their entirety.

finally took place on Friday and

occasional nervous comments from non-locals.

Saturday 25th and 26 February. It

St Francis Bay people are not shy of having a

As we continued around the loop, the time

was an extraordinary success.

good time.

flew by until it was time to hang up the tasting glasses and head for the Quays. The party

On paper, the wine festival looked like it was

On a few occasions, we decided to walk, if the

continued for a while before the combination

always a success. Still, the logistics behind it

stations were close enough, to allow the wine to

of gin, wine, sun, laughter, and good times

did seem at times insurmountable.

filter through our systems and get our steps up

started climbing all over our collective brains,

Many punters, 24 wine stations, food stations,

etc.

and it was time to retreat.

parking areas, river barges and tuk-tuks,

St Francis Rotary and all the organisers and

people to be fed, and loads and loads of wine

Without wishing to detract from any fantastic

assistants, workers, and wine stations have

to be consumed. It was quite a feat.

wine stations, our favourites were the amazing

set the bar for this event. Well done, and

De Grendel and Mt Vernon stations, Warwick,

congratulations. Also, well done to Investec for

Keermont, Mellasat and the Eagle’s Nest station.

having the vision to support such a festival.

We decided to do it differently and started off at the One33 Station. Our journey, therefore,

My only advice would be for everyone to be

started off some autumn gin, dark rum, a sniff

An amusing diversion was a barge filled with 20

quick on their game when next year’s tickets

of brandy and then the new and delicious

young girls having a bachelorette party. As they

are released because they won’t be available

Rosemary and Black Olive Gin.

drove past us, the bride-to-be shouted out to Us,

for very long.

‘I’m about to be married, what must do? I need To say that the first stop got us into the mood

some advice, pleeeeeaaassse....”

for Wine On Water would be an understatement. Thanks, Rodney Milford.

The comments from our wine station were plentiful and hilarious and might or might not have

We got going and headed off to the next

contained words like, ‘have you go a few hours?

stop. The wine stations were amazing, with

‘lots of porking, ‘don’t ever get off that boat’ and

each station having a personality and a vibe

‘shame you poor thing’, but these comments

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IN THE AIR

WITH RORY AND JOEL DACE

you can actually get barrelled kiting too,your lines cut through the waves, and it’s pretty sick.

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Rory busting moves. © Mike Ruthnum

shallow water or dry sand. Joel agrees.

“When I first started, I jumped, got picked up by a gust of wind, landed on a dry bank, and broke my foot.”

When moving to St Francis a decade and a half ago, the first thing one gets told is to take cognizance of the wind in everything you do. Think about the wind when designing a house or placing a door or windows. When installing a braai, think about the wind.

When walking on the beach, think about the wind because they say that in St Francis Bay, if the wind isn’t blowing, then it’s about to start blowing.

Both Joel and Rory are sponsored by Core. “I’m so stoked ‘cos I have such epic gear from CORE,’ said Joel of his equipment choices. “I’m currently riding (depending on conditions) - Twintip Board - “Choice 4” 135cm - 2x Wave Boards - “Greenroom” 5’10” - “720” 4’11” My kites are: - 8m(squared) NEXUS (2) - 10m(squared) NEXUS (2) - 12m(squared) NEXUS (2)

For surfers, this is both good and bad.

The wind brings swell, but sometimes too much wind does the opposite and blows it all out to sea. If the swell is from the west and the wind is howling, we can sit on the beach and watch it go straight past the bay.

The NEXUS is a CORE all-around kite.

My brother and I like them ‘cos we like to ride all disciplines of kiting.”

On the contrary, when the easterly onshore blows, it brings miserable surfing conditions, sand creeping over houses, bluebottles and cold water.

So, what do you do as a surfer in the St Francis Bay area when the wind is up?

According to Joel and Rory Dace, you go kiting.

“I started kiting about two years ago,” said Joel. “In Cape St Francis, it is so boring when it’s onshore. I saw some guys kiting in the onshore, and it looked so fun, so I decided to try it out.”

Is kiting actually similar to surfing, though, or does nothing compare to surfing for a surfer”? Actually, the wave kiting side is super similar to surfing, but the wind gives you a lot more power,” reckon Joel.

Rory reckons that the moves that give you the best feelings are loops. ) Definitely kite loops because of the adrenaline rush when you’re up in the air,” reckons Rory. “You start to free fall, and you have to get your kite to catch you, and then you land back on the water. It’s really fun.”

© Mike Ruthnum Joel Dace, Kromme tricks.

The ultimate rush in surfing must be getting a big barrel or even a medium-sized but intense one. But, unfortunately, that must leave a significant gap in your kiting experience, knowing that you can’t really get barreled and feel the adrenaline rush of a big tube.

“The thing is, you can actually get barrelled kiting too,” said Joel. “Your lines cut through the waves, and it’s pretty sick.”

Rory has also had his fair share of kite barrels. “You can get fully barreled on a kite,” said Rory. “It’s really insane.

But, obviously, this is when you’re wave riding in the sea and using a surf-style kiteboard.”

That said, kiting definitely holds more risks than surfing. You’re moving faster, flying through the air at great heights, and you’re a lot close to very

Rory is on a similar game. “Most often use my CORE 8m(squared) NEXUS kite. All my equipment is CORE. I’m lucky to be sponsored because it’s amazing, high-quality kiting stuff. I have a wave riding board which I use strapless freestyle riding. It’s called a “720”, and it’s 4’11’. I use my Twintip CORE “Choice 4” 137cm for more flat water kiting styles. I also have a 10m(squared) and 12m(squared) CORE “NEXUS” kite for gentler wind days.

When it comes to the best kiting spots in the country, both the brothers looked away from St Francis Bay. “The best place to kite is Kite Beach Blouberg in Cape Town because the wind is super strong, and the waves make such good kickers to launch off,” said Rory.

“I have to choose Blouberg as well, said Joel. ‘The wind just pumps there in the season.”

Kiteboarding, like surfing, can be highly competitive, and both brothers have enjoyed podium finishes enough WT

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© Mike Ruthnum

times in surfing to know how cool it feels. Rory is keen on getting into the competitive side of kiting when the time is right.

“There haven’t been any comps for juniors in SA since I started kiting,” said Rory. “Still, I watched some of my older teammates compete in the Red Bull King of the Air event at the end of last year, which was insane. Hopefully, I’ll get to compete in the Strapless Freestyle/wave GKA kite world tour sometime soon.”

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I watched some of my older teammates compete in the Red Bull King of the Air event at the end of last year, which was insane.

LEARNING TO KITE

Joel Dace, leaning to fly

Kev & Sons Kite School Kev Boucher and his sons run a cool Kite School, and have taught many people to get going in this fast, action-packed sport Contact details (Kev) 082 449 6807

On offer:

Introduction/beginner lessons through to intermediate and advanced. Flatwater/freestyle with twin tip and wave riding / strapless directional.

Advice on all aspects of kiting, safety and do’s and don’ts, and conditions and spots to enjoy or avoid.

All gear supplied while advising on purchasing equipment, brand choice, and where to shop.

Lessons:

Two-hour lessons, usually a maximum of 2 hours per day. This can be extended to a 3 or 4-hour lesson, based on the wind, tide and general conditions.

Pricing:

R1200 for two hours R1400 for advanced lessons.

Contact Kev for package deals.

Instructors:

Main instructors: Kevin, Miles and Duncan Boucher Assistant instructors: Oliver Boucher and Ruby Spowart. Helpers: Joel and Rory Dace.

Safety Protocols:

© Mike Ruthnum

require travel as the Kromme is not kitable in the westerlies.

Westerly winds are kitable 12 months a year with a bit of travel.

Why St Francis?

St. Francis is a consistent and reliable kiting destination. The best season for St Francis is October to March because of the easterly winds.

The Kromme River mouth is a great spot. One just needs to time it with the tides. If the wind is not blowing too hard in season, remember that kiters share it with holidaymakers enjoying the river.

Safety protocols are of the utmost importance.

If it is too gusty or dangerous conditions, lessons are postponed.

No water time in the introductory lessons.

In the water, flat water options instead of the ocean.

Kev and Sons Kitesurf

The main operations are in the St. Francis Bay area, with the Kromme River as the first choice. The easterly wind is good for the Kromme.

Westerly winds are also good but

kev & sons KITESURF

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SAVING THE BLACK HARRIER The Kromme Enviro-Trust is on a mission to save these endangered birds.

Written by Maggie Langlands.

T

he Black Harrier, or Witkruisvleivalk, is found mainly in the Western Cape and in the Kouga region.

We are fortunate indeed to have Black Harrier in our area.

But unfortunately, it is the most endangered of the raptor species: there are estimated to be only 1300 remaining individuals globally.

Compare this to a rhino population of around five and a half thousand, and you immediately realise this bird’s danger. It is the world’s most range-restricted raptor, endemic to South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia.

The biggest threat to the harrier is habitat loss due to agriculture, urbanisation, and invasion of its habitat by alien 12

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Dwindling population.

The experts estimate a reduction of 2.3% in Black Harrier population numbers every year. In the Overberg, for example, only about 60 pairs remain from a population estimated at 1500 pairs in the 1800s. If nothing is done, this species will go extinct in 75 years.

Posioning through rodenticides These birds rely on pristine, unfragmented patches of vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom, so conservation of this vegetation type is critical. The biggest threat to the harrier is habitat loss due to agriculture, urbanisation, and invasion of its habitat by alien vegetation. Other threats are wind turbine collisions and poisoning through rodenticides. The

Black Harrier is a specialist predator of mice and birds, so the use of rat poison is a severe threat.

Education and monitoring We need to mobilise to raise awareness of the Black Harrier’s plight and raise funds towards tracking and monitoring the local population. We also need to educate our kids about this amazing and charismatic bird that we are so lucky to have sharing our corner of the country. We need to avoid using rat poison, and above all, we need to conserve what remains of the natural vegetation.

Kromme Enviro-Trust Members of the public can help and assist by joining the Kromme Enviro-Trust. The latter are fighting to protect the Black Harrier and its habitat. The public can also help by watching out for these birds and sending details of their sightings (date, time, GPS coordinates) to the Enviro-Trust (https://stfranciskrommetrust.co.za/). Sending photos where possible is also a great idea. In addition, they can help by avoiding rat poison. And they can help by telling other people about the danger the bird is in.

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Home Of Wagyu

Boutique Wines

Shop Online

We stock the widest range of high quality MS 7-8 Wagyu beef, including T-Bone steaks, sirloin, sausages, burger patties, biltong & droëwors, to name a few.

We have carefully curated South Africa’s top boutique wines to bring you the best of the Cape Winelands.

Our retail store is online. You can shop all your favourite products from luxury oils and condiments to cookbooks and our collection of wines.

We also offer free local delivery.

Join Our Food & Wine Club to enjoy exclusive benefits

The Village Shopping Centre, St. Francis Bay info@offthemenufoodemporium.com | 060 866 9178 | 041 010 5451 www.offthemenufoodemporium.com

WHO IS CONRAD GALLAGHER?

An interview with the multi-talented Michelin-awarded chef and family man living and working in St Francis Bay

C

onrad Gallagher was born in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland. He is a Michelin Star chef and author who owns Off The Menu Food Emporium and Bistro Vin De Boeuf in St Francis Bay. Conrad won his Michelin Star when only 24 years old. He currently shares his time between Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and South Africa.

He is a wealth of knowledge about cooking and cuts of meat. Many of us don’t know the basics, so we chatted to Conrad about his restaurants and the various cuts and dishes he has on offer.

What is the difference between Jersey, Angus, and Wagyu beef, for the inexperienced carnivore among us?

Jersey, Angus and Wagyu are 3 distinctly different breeds of cattle.

They, therefore, have numerous differences primarily due to where they originate and what they are bred for.

Jersey beef originates in the British isles and is bred primarily for milk production. Its meat is, therefore, less common than other varieties.

However, it is darker in colouration, has larger amounts of fat and marbling and has a higher nutritional value due to its grass-fed diet.

Angus Beef is originally from Scotland but gaining popularity in the states. Its meat is lighter in colour with excellent marbling, making the meat tender and juicy.

However, Wagyu is in a class entirely of its own. Wagyu refers to all Japanese cattle of which Kobe beef is the most famous, having set the standard across the globe for taste profile and tenderness. In addition, wagyu beef has a natural propensity for excellent marbling due to its slower growth rate. This marbling gives Wagyu beef its excellent taste profile and tenderness. continued on next page...

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French Champagnes French Champagnes We offer a carefully curated Wecollection offer a carefully curated of premium collection of premium champagnes including Dom champagnes Perignon andincluding ArmandDom de PerignonBrignac. and Armand de Brignac.

Private Dinners Private Dinners

We host private dining We host private experiences wheredining guests experiences where guests have an exciting front-row have an exciting front-row seat to a unique culinary seat to a with unique journey ourculinary Chef. journey with our Chef.

Wood-Fired Grill Wood-Fired Grill

We are dedicated to serving We finest, are dedicated to serving the aged Angus, 100% the finest, aged Angus, 100% Grass-fed and Wagyu beef, Grass-fed and Wagyu beef, cooked over wood-burning cooked over wood-burning chargrills. chargrills.

Nestled Nestled Above Above Off Off The The Menu Menu Food Food Emporium Emporium || The The Village Shopping centre, St. Francis Bay Village Shopping centre, St. Francis Bay Now Accepting Accepting Reservations Reservations Now 066 425 425 5453 5453 || 041 041 010 010 5452 5452 || eat@bistrovindeboeuf.com eat@bistrovindeboeuf.com 066

What actually accounts for the price difference?

This is mainly due to supply and demand and the time it takes to raise the animal to maturity. Being the least readily available across the globe, Wagyu is obviously the most expensive.

What is unfailingly the most favoured item on the Vin De Boeuf menu?

Our Wagyu bone-in Sirloin is extremely popular.

Why do you think this is?

Everyone can appreciate a delicious cut of Wagyu Beef. There isn’t much that can beat the succulence and tenderness of this cut.

Francis is full of beautiful restaurants serving delicious food.

Do you have a personal favourite dish in the world?

My favourite is a chilled seafood platter for two. Still, I also particularly enjoy our bone-in sirloin cooked medium-rare.

What pleases you the most about meeting a new customer in your restaurants?

I think it’s the opportunity to showcase a beautiful concept that we are very proud of. Also, we can provide the opportunity to taste dishes and wines that you will not necessarily get elsewhere else.

Prawn spaghetti Aglio Olio

Your Beef Marrow Truffle sauce sounds delicious.

It is one of our speciality accompaniments.

What does it go best with?

Our Beef Marrow Truffle Sauce is most appreciated when served with a delicious prime cut, a side of buttered mash paired with a beautiful merlot.

How important is wine pairing for a meal at Vin De Boeuf? Some people just want some red with meat, some white with fish. Are they doing themselves a disservice?

A good wine pairing brings the whole dish together. It allows the diner to fully experience the blend of flavours.

Have you had any strange requests from any local St Francis customers yet?

We did have a ‘what’s your vegan special?’ It is a strange question in what is most definitely a meat restaurant.

Which is your favourite local St Francis Bay restaurant and why?

We really enjoy supporting the local community and experiencing other restaurants cuisine. I can’t say I have a favourite place to eat at. If I feel like delicious Italian, I will make it to Mauros. If I feel like some tasty Greek cuisine, Big Time Taverna is obviously the place. Clive’s Chokka Block, of course, is the king of seafood. St.

WE REALLY ENJOY SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND EXPERIENCING OTHER RESTAURANTS CUISINE. WT

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Shop the latest collections at our Rip Curl Flagship Store, 37 Da Gama Rd Jeffreys Bay

© Kody McGregor

SPORTING EVENTS RETURN FOR THE JEFFREYS BAY SURF FESTIVAL

Corona Open JBay Remains The Anchor Event

I

t has been a while, but the World Surf League will definitely be returning to JBay this year.

Of course, there will be a few changes, and it’ll be same-same but different, but events are coming back to JBay, and for this, the town of JBay and environs can be well and truly stoked.

Surfing

The dates for the surfing event are set in stone. Well, the waiting period.

It is July 12-21, and once again, the event will be known as the Corona Open JBay. So if you’re keen on heading towards the Kouga region to watch your favourite surfers and suck on a few Coronas, it’s time to book those dates. So ringfence the days you want to be in the hood, and WT

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start looking for accommodation. It goes fast.

However, there is much more than just surfing when JBay gets going. It could actually be called the By The Water festival because so much goes on around on the beach or near the water. This year there is quite a lot in store for everyone.

Live Music

IT’S ALWAYS FUN WHEN THE BIKES COME TO TOWN!

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Of course, there will be music. The music festival is the central theme around those two weeks during July.

It is impossible to say which bands and singers will be performing at this early stage. Still, of all the disappointments and frustrations over the pandemic restrictions, live acts have been some of the most affected.

There are only so many Facebook Live events you can run before the reality that likes and share don’t buy breakfast kicks in. So we can expect a full house of local acts, of all different genres and music styles, performing by the water.

Motocross Up the road will see the regular return of the motocross event, with Slake Adventures returning to the fold. Slake Adventures motocross days is an offroad motorbike fun day aimed at the whole family and riders of all ages and skill levels. It is a fun day out and always attracts hundreds of riders, and their families, to have some fun and spectate. The regular Slake Pit and Expression Session categories are exciting to watch. It’s always fun when the bikes come to town.

Trail running Trail Running has always been an event that attracts the hardcore and the newbies and the up and comers.

The popularity of trail running has grown at 15% each year for the past decade, going back to the mid-1990s.

The future looks even brighter as new countries and entrants discover the joy of running in the environment, current estimates at 20 million

trail-runners worldwide. The countryside of JBay and environs lends itself to trail running. The runs are always guaranteed to be a spectacle and a challenge in winter.

Mountain Biking The town of JBay also embraces Mountain Biking, and the environment is also suited to riding on tracks and through farms and game parks. The mountain biking crew are hardcore and passionate and mostly devoid of egos in a bid to ride hard and get the job done. Riders from Cape Town and Jozi are often the first to sign up for the JBay Mountain Bike Experience, so watch the press for details if you want to get a slot into this race.

Fishing Tournament There will always be fishing in JBay. The local fishermen and their friends are like one big, happy family. So they don’t really need any excuse to have a fishing tournament. Still, the gathering in JBay is a perfect excuse for them to gather as a crew, round up the support of the fishing industry, and compete in a whole list of different categories for a wide array of prizes.

The commonly caught fish in JBay are Bronzebream, Stumpnose, Poenskop Elf, Musselcracker, Leerfish, Grunter and Kabeljou.

The event is always catch-and-release, and all competitors will need valid fishing licenses to compete.

Side Events There is always a whole array of side events that go with the main events. There are usually a few surf film premiers, wine tasting sessions, board demos, interview sessions and events like book launches and surf shop signings. Also, look out for restaurant specials and surf shop specials/board specials during the festival. On the events side, there is the possibility of a bowls tournament. This year, there might be a Malibu paddle event and other activities by the water.

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is yours?

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New Look Surf Tour There have been many changes in the top echelon of Championship Tour surfing when it comes to the surfing event. A significant new contingent of fresh faces on the tour and the perennial Kelly Slater, who won the year’s first event. In addition, Jordy Smith and Matt McGillivray will be in the fray among a throng of rookies, some of who will be surfing Supertubes for the first time.

Another important note is that the surf contest is now the second last event on tour, followed by the final event, the Tahiti Pro at Teahuop’o.

Then the tour moves back to Trestles for the Rip Curl WSL Finals.

Quick Facts about Surfing In Jeffreys.

JORDY SMITH AND MATT MCGILLIVRAY WILL BE IN THE FRAY AMONG A THRONG OF ROOKIES...

So bank those dates of July 12-21st, book accommodation if you need to, and see you by the water.

• John Whitmore discovered JBay as a surf spot in 1959.

• The Cape Town crew attempted to surf Supers in 1964 but got a bit crunched on the rocks and went down to Point.

• Bruce Brown discovered Bruce’s Beauties in 1963 and told the world about it in the movie Endless Summer in 1966.

• A good wave at Supers comes in at about 300 meters on a GPS watch.

Chances of you getting one of these 300-meter waves and not getting dropped in on are very slim.

• A R20 million stash of A-grade cocaine (apparently) washed up at Supers late last year in front of what is known as ‘The Car Park’ section.

Live music will be returning to Jbay for this year’s event, and there will be a selection of top bands and musicians performing.

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THE THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE. Nexus Yachts Are At Full Strength

We were working on 6 boats, and we lost 2 complete boats in the fire and some other damages to the building.

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MAGAZINE

All photos © Andrea Paarman

The Nexus Yachts story has been a great success in St Francis Bay. So many incredible yachts and catamarans are coming out of the assembly line. Unfortunately, it also had terrible luck with the factory fire last year. We chatted with the company manager, Roger Paarman.

no longer had to walk from Bakoven to the greatest wave in the world, Glen Beach.

In the early days, you and your boets and the Paarman clan grew up at Glen Beach and surfed and worked in Cape Town. Tell us about those days.

When I finished my military service, I started making fins for the growing sailboard market. Luckily, my brother Jonathan was shaping plenty of sailboards, and fins were hard to come by. I called it Fins for Africa, and they were all hand-shaped, so I spent my days covered in dust.

Camps Bay in the early days was the most fantastic place to grow up. My folks owned a bungalow on Bakoven Beach (Big Beach). When I was born, the youngest of 6 boys, the cabin was too small, and they moved up the road to a bigger house on Victoria rd. The entire Paarman and extended family lived in the area back then. When I was 15, my Granny, who lived on Glen Beach, was getting too old to walk the steps, and we did a house swap. My Uncle Mervin needed a bigger house, my Gran a smaller, so my dad agreed to go back to the place he grew up in at Glen Beach. I was in my element. I

Because Glen Beach was such a challenging, unpredictable wave, it produced some of the best surfers to come out of South Africa.

I tried to get the surfboard shapers to buy from me, but they all wanted to do their own thing. So when the sailboard boom started to slow, I joined my father in law in the awning business.

I was in this industry for around 20 years.

What brought about the move to Cape St Francis/St Francis Bay? Cape Town was changing and not the same as we had enjoyed in our youth,

so my wife Andrea and I decided to sell up in CT and move to Wildness. As luck would have it, my brother Mark and his partner John Henrick were going to build catamarans. They needed someone to run the show as they were still very involved in the chokka industry. So they asked Jonathan and me to come up and do the honours.

What is your position, and what does it entail?

I am the manager. My day deals with the clients and making sure what they have ordered, Jonathan, and the team are building. I also do a lot of the procurement and daily running of the factory. I have a background in composites and working with my hands, so I also get involved in layouts, changes, and improvements. It is crucial to keep the designs current.

Tell us about the early days at Nexus.

The early days were challenging as we were an unknown brand in the yacht industry. Orders were slow when we decided to partner up with Phil Berman from the USA and rebrand the Nexus 600 to the Balance 601. We also introduced the Balance 526 into the range, things became more consistent, and the orders began to flow. The company still remains Nexus yachts cc building the Balance 526, 580 and 620.

How many orders are on at any stage, and what is a boat’s average cost?

We have 5 boats in build with a 6th in the mould. The 526 fully kitted will cost around $1.8mil USD. When I say fully kitted, upgrade sails, water maker, fully air-conditioned, generators, and home comforts. A full liveaboard boat.

The bigger models can reach up to $3mil USD Then the fire.

We were working on 6 boats, and we lost 2 complete boats in the fire and some other damages to the building, but we are back to normal now, and things have continued to escalate. We now have orders through till 2025. So it’s going to be a very busy year ahead.

The yacht industry is not an easy business. It comes with a lot of hard work...

There has been a little bit of controversy in the St Francis Bay boatbuilding industry. How did this affect Nexus?

The Yacht industry is not an easy business. It comes with lots of hard work, and you need a good product and a good accounting team. We had all, so our company was not really affected.

It’s all about getting products out the door and happy clients.

Then the Nexus orders suddenly kicked in, the factory was too small, and you didn’t have enough staff.

What was the growth? From what to what?

We started with 1000sqm. As we slowly grew, we added another 1000Sqm and today, we have about 5000sqm of floor space. We are looking to streamline the work area and add another factory soon.

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What you do between vacations is your business.

What you do on vacation is our business...

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No better way to relax while on holiday than having a treatment from Nicole and her team.

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Riverbreak Adventures Canal Cruises River Cruises Day Trips & lunch Teambuilding Silent Soul Experience

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Cape St Francis Resort Amanzi Challenge The latest event to come to St Francis Bay is the Cape St Francis Resort Amanzi Challenge brought to you by St Francis Tourism. Scheduled for 18-20 March, this weekend will see a very exciting schedule of events, with a few old faces in the mix, a few regulars, and some brand new and exciting happenings.

National Inflatable Boat Racing

The Amanzi Challenge will be anchored by the National Inflatable Boat Racing tournament. The first time this event has come to St Francis Bay, it will be an exciting addition to our events calendar.

Trail Running

There will also be a trail running event. Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay are both perfect locations for trail running events, but the Wild Side of Cape St Francis has some of the best and most scenic routes around.

Paddling and Open Water Night Swimming

The paddling events in St Francis are always popular, but the most thrilling new event is the Open Water Night Swim. In what must be a first in our area, open water swimmers will take to the dark waters at night, under strict safety protocols, to embark on a nighttime open water swim. You’ll need to be brave for this one.

Bodyboarding Tournament

Finally, there will be a bodyboarding competition. It has been a while since there has been a bodyboarding event of any significance, and this tournament is sure to get the bodyboarding ball rolling and could lead to many more events of the sort.

For more details on the Amanzi Challenge, follow the St Francis Tourism page on Facebook.

Five Quick Minutes With Lorraine Maree Lorainne Maree Is Our Ward 12 Ward Councillor (Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay and Paradise Beach)

Where do you come from, and what brought you to St Francis?

I matriculated in Nelspruit. Studied Industrial Engineering in Pretoria, where I met my husband. He bought Knipes Thatching from his uncle in 2003, and that is how we ended up in St Francis Bay.

What is your title?

I am Ward 12 ward councillor (Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay and Paradise beach). I am also serving on the Mayoral Committee - Infrastructure and Engineering.

What does your daily work entail?

Loads of phone calls and email. I joke to my husband that my emails are like a Vegas slot machine. I am the link between the community and the municipality.

Being on the Mayoral Committee, I am also tasked to oversee the infrastructure and Engineering of the entire Kouga.

What are your short-term plans that will benefit this town?

With the worst drought in 50 years, water security is my no 1 priority.

My aim is to have more roads resealed.

I would also be happy if we could start to get the rest of town on a waterborne sewerage system.

In St Francis Bay, “everyone is watching.’ So how does this make you feel?

I just smile. It was such a lovely feeling that so many people showed their support in voting for me. I love this town. I joined the political life because I love all the outdoor activities in our area. I would like to be part of preserving it and feel safe doing these activities.

Bonus question: Do you have a final word for our community?

Yes. I now realise there are big shoes I need to fill. I have gained a new respect for the previous councillor Rheeder. Alderman Rheeder has been and still is my mentor.

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CLOSER TO POD

As the world becomes busier, the podcast format has become incredibly popular

Wildside TIMES will not be just a print magazine, Facebook Page, Instagram feed and digital magazine. It is also going to run a Podcast that will soon, we are sure, become wildly popular.

smaller bite-sized chunks perfect for daily commutes or busy routines.”

Popularity Stakes According to Brandastic, “as the world becomes busier, the podcast format has become incredibly popular. Audio content allows the listener to multitask. A recent study showed that 49% of podcast listening happens at home, 22% happens while driving, 11% at work, and 8% while exercising.

In addition, the length of a podcast typically allows a deep dive on topics or an extended conversation between two people.

Shit Or Shop For our podcast, we have such a diverse array of people in our communities that we will try and be open to everyone who has something to say.

We know, don’t you worry, that there is always someone who has something to say in St Francis Bay and environs. So we will give people the option to either “Talk Shit or Talk Shop.”

If you want to just chat about the regular stuff that’s going on in our village and your bubble, then that’s cool. But, if you’re going to instead talk about your business and how it will benefit the people of St Francis Bay, then that’s your schpiel.

One of the most appealing aspects of listening to downloaded episodes of a podcast episode is that the listener has playback controls. Especially if listening to an interview podcast it is much easier to choose your own pace and to be able to rewind and fast forward.

Podcast audio content gives listeners the ability to dive into topics without setting aside time to read or watch a video. Podcasts also offer articles in

Thanks for that, Brandastic. Awesome stuff.

Invite Only The Wildside Times Podcast will definitely be an ‘Invite Only’ activity, so we can pick the right people to follow trending happenings in and around the village. There are so many people out there that have amazing stories to

tell. We want to get through to them all and get them all to have their say, so to speak. Our village has an incredible history and a shining future. We need to record more of it through our local raconteurs and visionaries.

What’s In A Name We’re running with Closer To Pod as our podcast name until we start getting complaints. If you know you know.

If, however, you have any other ideas that are less rude or offensive and don’t contain too many swear words, we would be delighted to hear them.

That’s it for Issue One of Wildside TIMES. When Issue Two comes out, the weather will be cold, and should you run out of blitz you can also use the magazine to light your fires.

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St francis Virtual www.stfrancisvirtual.co.za

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