Hi everyone, its was our last weekend in J-bay and it was a awesome fun filled one. I caught up with George Hall to find out how his weekend was.
George: "Our last weekend was action packed. After a drive down a dirt track we parked the van and took a short walk down to a waterfall and we were greeted by an incredible setting, a small waterfall which you can slide down, a long zip line and on one side the jump into a deep pool (I tried getting to the bottom but got scared and came back up, its seriously deep!).
We unpacked the beers and got the braai going ready for the vast amounts of meat we brought with us. Some of the guys got started on the zip line and had lots of fun landing in the surprisingly warm water. It wasn’t long before their attention turned to the big jump! A few of the guys headed up and psyched each other up to do it. Eventually one by one they all did it and were super stoked (unfortunately I wasn’t able to do the jump because of my ribs but I’d like to think I’d have done it). The beers slowly disappeared, the braai was dwindling and it was soon time for us to leave this beautiful place, I think we all could’ve spent all day there, but after a few more jumps and zip lines we left for home and to get ready for what was to come the next!
Bungy day! A fragile group emerged after a late night at island vibe and piled into the van for the journey to Bloukrans bridge and the 216m bungee jump that awaited us. Once there we headed to reception to get weighed, given a jump number and a jump time. From the viewing deck you get to fully appreciate just how big the bridge is and the nerves started to kick in. Jump time soon approached and we started the walk over to the jump platform, which was an experience in itself, walking along a metal grated walkway with the full height/drop fully visible for the first time (nerves really kicking in at this point). You then get to a big platform with a DJ playing songs to get you pumped for the jump. We had a dance and a nervous laugh whilst our jump numbers slowly approached. A couple of the guys went before me and after seeing how stoked they were and on such a high it put me at ease for my jump. My number was called and I went up to the front for them to get me ready. Once they’d attached the rope to my feet I shuffled to the edge, took in the view and then 3, 2, 1 BUNGEE! The feeling was indescribable, bouncing underneath a bridge in a beautiful canyon was an incredible experience. Once back at the top I was full of adrenaline and my hangover was magically cured!"
Our Monday started off slow, and was much needed after an action packed weekend and a few late nights out at the bar, playing beer pong and meeting new people from all over the world. Its was raining and the group kept indoors most of the day. In the afternoon the clouds parted and a couple of the group went down to the beach to do some training whilst others went for a paddle out at kitchen windows. That night we had a great dinner, which is made every evening by the staff at island vibe, there are pizzas also available, which are always enjoyed.
We awoke to clear skies and the day was looking good for some waves, so we headed out to St Fransic bay just a 30 min drive out of Jeffreys bay. There are many fun waves in the area, we picked at Hullets and saw a fun 2 ft running right. It was perfect for the group. After they suited up and Etienne had given them the run down at the new break they paddled out. The group all did really well, Beth and Emily had their fair share of great rides with the boys. Our new member to the group Peter also was out there having a ball. Tim and Graham where enjoying the long rides and putting some great turns in. Jamie was in the zone and had some of his longest rides of the trip, everyone else was shredding and loving the fun sand bottom right. After the surf we headed to a local pie shop for lunch before heading back to J-bay.
That afternoon it was time for some community work, we went out to a local nursery school, “ Mommy’s Day Care”. We have done some work there before, and a fence was needed now, the group worked as a team and built a fence to keep the kids safe. They meet the school kids who are always so happy to meet new people. It was an awesome way to end our stay in Jeffreys bay and give some back to this beautiful community.
We woke up Wednesday morning and packed the trailer, with our boards and luggage, before heading on the road, we said our good byes to the welcoming staff at island vibe. They are really accommodating and know how to show you a great time.
On our drive we stopped at Nanaga farm store where they sell the best pies and pastries around. Fudge that melts in your mouth and pure fruit juice. The drive to Chintsa (East London) was smooth, and we arrived at our new home for the week, Buccaneers Backpackers. Its a great place to stay and is situated out side East London and has many activities from walks through township, yoga classes, massages and quad biking through a nature reserve. We had bolognaise for dinner and settled into our own house.
Thursday was our first full day in East London, we had breakfast all together and looked over the beach from our breakfast deck. We went down to the beach, which is only a 5minute walk, and had a debriefing on the set up and what’s the plan when surfing out at Chintsa. We didn’t surf but went into East London central for a swimming training session at john Harrison pool. The crew enjoyed being back in the pool and trained hard. That afternoon we spent it at the pool and ping-pong table, we played a few rounds of volleyball against the other guests at the backpackers. It was an awesome chilled day, which ended with a great Mexican dinner. The group was all stoked with their first day and the new surrounding areas.
Thanks for reading,
Klee Strachan