KZN shows ocean support
More than 130 conservationists, divers, surfers, scientists, anglers and paddlers celebrated World Oceans Day 2013 by 'Paddling Out' to the shark nets at Scottburgh Beach to collectively call for an improvement in shark management in South Africa.
Sister events were held at Port St Johns and Shelly Beach, but a Paddle Out planned for Millers Point in Cape Town was thwarted by inclement weather.
The support for the Paddle Out was overwhelming and showed that more people are becoming aware of the need to conserve sharks in particular and our oceans in general.
Fifteen freedivers with differing levels of experience met at Ocean Worx in Umkomaas on World Oceans Day. Each participant estimated the depth they would be able to dive to on one breath and raised funds per metre through family and friends. Together the team managed to dive 469 metres with all the money raised going to the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Emergency Dugong Protection Plan in Mozambique. For more info please visit www.iamwater.co.za or www.ewt.org.za
The elusive Dugong can dive to 39 meters and hold its’ breath for six minutes, but with less than two hundred individuals left in the Western Indian Ocean they need friends in the water too!
The Durban Surf Carnival presented by Jeep Apparel at New Pier came to an exciting close at the weekend. This multi-disciplined three-day surfing event, which is in its 11th year, drew great crowds who enjoyed good waves throughout.
The carnival winners were as follows: Dylan Frick (SUP Junior), Tammy Robarts (Ladies SUP), Justin Maisch (Forgotten Soul Retro Division), Hugh Thompson (Over 50 Longboard), Brandon Ribbink (Men’s SUP), Justin Bing (Men’s Longboard), Heather Klug (Ladies Longboard), Grant Gilmour (Over 35 Longboard) and Grantley Reid (Over 45 SUP):
For more results and images go to durbansurfcarnival.blogspot.com
The weather is going to warm up in Durban today with a maximum of 27 degrees Celsius. Tuesday will also see WNW winds blowing up to 28 km/hr and clear skies.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
- OJ Symcox
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