So we’re currently in Jeffreys Bay and a lot has happened since I’ve last posted, We’ve made our way up the coast from Cape Town along the very scenic Garden Route where we had our routine stay in Plettenberg Bay which without a doubt is my favourite holiday town in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Plett truly has something for everybody, this makes it a great place to be especially at this time of year. We had exceptional weather to match our exceptional schedule throughout our stay and time literally got away from us as we attempted to dabble in everything Plett had to offer.
Home to the worlds highest bridge bungee we again set out to conquer our fears at the Bloukrans Bridge. I have been fortunate enough to have done the jump a number of times but every time I see that bridge I get nervously excited and somewhat anxious. For the crew though It was a lot more intimidating being their first time, a daunting task to even the bravest. It was interesting seeing how peoples faces and opinions on the concept changed pre to post jump. You really have to dig deep to calm yourself, testing your resolve under the extreme circumstances as you suddenly find yourself far outside of your comfort zone standing on the ledge of a 216m high bridge in an ultimate test of character, facing a very real fear. The countdown starts and all at once you have to let go as you leap and liberate yourself from everything and anything, the rush of adrenalin makes you feel more alive than ever and before you know it its over and you’re back up top wanting to jump again!
After the bungee we thought ‘why not take it a step further?’ and in one week we’d gone from doing the worlds highest bridge bungee to jumping out of a plane at 10 000ft. An exceptional week it was in the extreme department and Plett is one of the few places you’d be able to experience both so close to each other and with such incredible scenery and natural beauty around.
We’d been busy testing ourselves out of the water but testing ourselves even more where it mattered most, in the line-up. It’s well know that Muizenberg is arguably the best beginner wave in the world and with two weeks in Cape Town the whole crew got themselves established and comfortable with the friendlier waves there, in Plett however that comfort was no more and our adrenal glands weren’t done yet. The trip and all our stops are strategically selected to aid in the progression of each individuals surfing and the new set of challenges that Plett offered in the water was a great test for everybody. The wave offers a lot more power, is steeper, hollow and can be very quick, quite the opposite to what everybody was used to at Muizenberg. Luckily we had the support of John, Donna and Levi, our local coaches in Plett who have infinite knowledge of the area and a great skill set and strategy to help us learn in the new conditions. It was a testing week but another badge on the blazer for everybody as the got to experience a different setup and type of beach break.
Between all the extreme we also managed a few activities that were far more relaxing. When I said Plett had something for everybody I truly meant it and a big part of visiting South Africa and Africa in general is the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural Environment. We headed to the nearby Monkey Land which is a conservation area for rehabilitated monkeys and apes who roam freely in the forests of the region. We got to learn a little bit about the conservation and protection of monkeys and their environment whilst enjoying their humorous company.
Another truly special experience we had was visiting the Keurboom’s River where we were able to rent small 5 horsepower boats and cruise up river, visiting picnic areas and empty white sand beaches along the way. The weather was exceptional and the views were even better. After a few adrenalin filled days it was the perfect way to relax and have fun while truly experiencing the raw beauty of the region. We anchored our boats mid river with nothing around us for what seemed like miles, we swam and had a bit of a river boat party, basking in the beauty of where we were.
We ended our stay in Plettenberg Bay by helping out at a local volunteer program, we visited a nearby school in a township that unfortunately has a real lack of infrastructure for the demands and size of the community. Lack of a quality education is a big problem for South Africa’s underprivileged and it was great to go and give back, spending time with young kids in the process of moulding their futures and who like us have dreams and aspirations for experiences like we’d enjoyed during our stay in Plett. We helped out teaching English, Math and Natural Sciences to the year 4 classes. They loved us visiting and our brief time interacting and exchanging culture with them was heartwarming and rewarding for all involved.
As I said we’re in Jeffrey’s Bay right now and the waves have been firing, we’ve been making the most of the great conditions and surfing plenty. I wish you all well as you start your new week, I hope it is as magical as ours and you find some waves.
The view from our private pathway to the beach
Till next time, Shakka’s
Luke