Welcome to Plett’s playground, where jumping waves and soaking up the sun create the vibe for another typically long, lazy summer in our slice of paradise. Breezy brollies, cossies filled with sand, forgotten buckets and spades, kiff surf conditions, binocs, bros, and banana lollies. It’s a feeling!
As the seasons shift, there is a sense of loss as we say cheers to another special summer, but we got you! So come and play at this year’s, running in its fourth year in our beautiful town. A space that encourages curious humans of all ages who want to learn more, to join us where the Indian Ocean meets our front garden. An opportunity for us ‘regular’ people, guided by knowledgeable leaders in their field, to get a deeper understanding of how we can play a role in protecting our oceans for future generations, as citizen scientists for marine conservation. It’s also about fun … lots of it!
This festival has to be one of the coolest community events on the calendar, as it quite literally takes place slap-bang in the middle of winter. We ain’t afraid, as the programme is guaranteed to keep you toasty and on the trot. Packed with activities and excursions putting rock pools under the microscope, ocean art workshops and sporting events on the agenda, and trips to get up close and personal with what lies above and what lies below.
The ‘Ocean Aweh-ness Kids Club’ will kick off again as part of the young learner educational programme. While the ‘Black Mermaid Foundation’ educational underwater workshops, where local kids get sand between their toes in partnership with the Adopt-a-Swimmer organisation, opens up a whole new world of possibility for their future.
The Plett Ocean Festival is anchored around the Marine Science Symposium hosted from the well-known Beacon Island Resort. A key objective of the Symposium is to lead the discourse on ocean observation, conservation, preservation and action, both locally and in a broader sense. Don’t let the title make you second guess your attendance. Rest assured that researchers, marine biologists, oceanographers and conservationists will brainiac their insight into practical, fascinating formats scattered with ‘what the heck’ moments that will blow you away.
Of particular interest this year will be the latest updates on our Cape fur seal population and the rabies outbreak. Along with other equally important deep dives around shark research and how Plett is partnering these magnificent creatures. Whales will be a hot topic having arrived in the bay by then, making their grand entrance breaching, lobtailing, and spy-hopping. Our delicate, critically endangered seahorses will be in the spotlight. Along with our dolphins, birds, and beaches, and how we can minimise our impact, and how the Plett community is involved in protecting this ecosystem with integrity, respect and purpose.
But wait, there’s more! For your competing and viewing pleasure the Plett Board Riders Association is proud to present the ‘Wedge Classic Surf & Bodyboarding Contest’. As part of the festival programme, this iconic event is taking place from 7 to 12 July at the Wedge on Hobie Beach. A much-loved surf spot, you’ll be able to check out fan favourites as entrants make hectic double rollos, front flips and unavoidable wipe-outs. To enter or to keep up to date with the action, check out the Plett Ocean Festival website or read up on Facebook.
The full programme is available and tickets are on sale via www.plettoceanfestival.co.za.
