by SFT | Nov 15, 2023 | St Francis
Van Life Eksé- Photo by Jeremy Bishop
Life at the beach in a van is a serene tapestry of sun, sand, and freedom. Picture a cozy camper van by the coastline, doors open to endless ocean views—a harmonious blend of nomadic living and rhythmic waves.
Waking up to surf sounds in this seaside haven is a daily ritual. The sun, a reliable companion, paints pink and gold skies. The beach is your ever-changing canvas, revealing seashells and playful dolphins during morning strolls.
A laid-back affair
Mealtime is a laid-back affair, with coffee aromas and sea breezes. Cooking in the van’s compact kitchen, meals are savoured with sand between your toes. The beach transforms into a living room, a cozy nook for reading, napping, and sharing stories.
Van life’s heart at the beach lies in the freedom to chase tides. Surfing, beachcombing, or basking in the sun—the day unfolds freely. Evenings bring a symphony of fading sunlight and starlit skies, as the van’s interior becomes a snug sanctuary for rest and reflection.
Freedom To Chase The Tides
Van life at the beach is an ode to simplicity, a rebellion against modern complexities. Trade possessions for experiences, deadlines for tides, and the mundane for the extraordinary. With the beach as a constant companion, each day unfolds as a nomadic tale, where the only schedule is the rise and fall of the sun and the ebb and flow of the tide.
Van Life Eksé
Embracing the simplicity of life, van life at the beach unfolds as a serene tapestry of sun, sand, and freedom. Picture a cozy camper van parked along the coastline, its doors swung open to reveal an unobstructed view of the endless ocean. This is the essence of van life by the beach – a harmonious blend of nomadic living and the rhythmic cadence of the waves.
An ever-changing canvas
by SFT | Nov 15, 2023 | St Francis
WSL Celebrates Global Impact – Today, the World Surf League (WSL) and its non-profit partner, WSL PURE, celebrated the impact of the projects. Also the milestones achieved by its WSL One Ocean initiative in 2023. The WSL has released its 2023 Annual Purpose & Impact Report to provide a deeper understanding of the league’s efforts. This report details the league’s environmental and social impact initiatives during the 2023 season. It offers a comprehensive view of its commitment through the perspective of WSL One Ocean.
WSL One Ocean Activations Create Positive Impact in 2023 and Beyond
Over the 2023 Championship Tour (CT) season, WSL One Ocean partnered with local communities, Indigenous and First Nations peoples, surfers, and a coalition of over 100 organizations to host over 16 local impact projects and activations, which focused on protecting and conserving our global ocean and its ecosystem.
This season the WSL delivered the following impact:
- 45,374 hectares of land protected or restored, including the protection of surf ecosystems in Hawaii, Australia, and Brazil. Long-term reforestation projects in Uruguay through WSL’s carbon offset portfolio
- 100,000 corals planted through efforts with Coral Gardeners
- 2 tons of plastic removed through river intervention projects in Latin America
- 1,635 volunteers engaged across all WSL One Ocean activations
- 3,041 youths educated on cultural and environmental stewardship
In addition, WSL One Ocean received six awards in sports sustainability, including the prestigious Leaders In Sport Sustainability Category Award and the Green Sports Alliance Waste Champion Award.
Third-Annual WSL PURE Grant Program Supports Projects Around the World
As part of WSL One Ocean, WSL PURE hosts an annual grant program to fund local impact projects in key regions. These are focused on improving the health of global ocean ecosystems. Also, these and supporting the livelihoods and cultures of the communities dependent on them.
In its third year, the 2023 WSL PURE Grant Program supported 16 local impact projects, which varied from funding a compost machine for the North Shore of Hawaii and deploying seeded kelp lines to restore kelp ecosystems in Portugal, to removing plastic from rivers in El Salvador and planting a coral nursery in Tahiti. The grant program is also dedicated to inclusion and environmental stewardship through meaningful collaborations with Indigenous and First Nations communities, and organizations such as Native Like Water.
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 10: Johanne Defay at the WSLOO Activation coral restoration at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro on August 10, 2023 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia. (Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League)
“We are extremely proud of the sustainability impact we’ve achieved. This by working with our WSL athletes, WSL PURE Grantees, WSL One Ocean partners. Also our global employees over the past year,” said Emily Hofer, WSL Chief People and Purpose Officer. “As we reflect on our accomplishments, we remain steadfast in our commitment. Further, sustainability is not just a goal; it is a way of life. Together, we can create a positive impact that extends far beyond the shoreline.”
Engaging Communities
In 2024, the WSL One Ocean initiative is looking forward to engaging communities at each CT stop. So, it will continue to fund critical local impact projects through its WSL PURE Grant Program. While the WSL is celebrating all that was achieved in 2023, there is still work to be done. Therefore the WSL remains committed to protecting and conserving our one ocean.
WSL One Ocean is proudly supported by global commercial partners SHISEIDO, YETI, and AB InBev; Also regional partners Mananalu Water and Hydralyte; and WSL PURE grantees and WSL One Ocean coalition partners.
View the WSL’s 2023 Annual Purpose & Impact Report.
For more information, please visit worldsurfleague.com/wsloneocean.
by SFT | Nov 15, 2023 | St Francis
The Rotary Club of St Francis partnered with the organisers of the Adventure Racing World Championships last month for Soccer Ball Distribution donated by the Race participants.
60 Balls and Pumps
This week 8 St Francis-based clubs received their share of the 60 balls and pumps allocated for our town while their excited players cheered on.
Soccer Ball Distribution
Rotary’s project leader, Errol Burman thanked ARWS CEO, Heidi Muller, for the opportunity to participate. Over the next two weeks the balance of the balls and pumps collected are to be handed out to the various clubs identified along the Race route in Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikama, Hankey and Patensie.
43 Clubs To Benefit
In all 109 teams representing 40 different countries took part covering approximately 800 kms in between 4 – 9 days, with over 100 media representatives following the race. All competing teams were asked to donate soccer or rugby balls for soccer ball distribution to underprivileged communities along the race route. 43 clubs involving 1800 players which were identified in the Kouga region are set to benefit from these donations.
See also: Rotary Family Health Day in Sea Vista
by SFT | Nov 15, 2023 | St Francis
Christmas in the Park
KOUGA – Deck! The halls – and trees, walls, doors, and roofs – with boughs of holly . . . Fa la la la it’s Christmas time.
Retrieve those boxes packed with vibrant decorations and begin adorning your space as Kouga is gearing up to shine this year. Be it with vibrant lights, shimmering baubles, playful elves, or dazzling tinsel.
In a bid to spread some holiday cheer, Kouga Municipality in conjunction with Jeffreys Bay Tourism, is rallying everyone – residents and local businesses – to join in spreading the holiday spirit by illuminating their homes or premises this festive season.
“The ambience created by Christmas trees, lights and decorations is unparalleled in fostering a festive atmosphere,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman. “This will significantly contribute to ensuring that the holiday spirit radiates throughout our region, even amidst the numerous challenges we are encountering.”
With the consent of home and business owners, establishments will be incorporated into an exciting light route, with the park situated at the corner of Noorsekloof Road and Dogwood Street as the central focal point.
Christmas in the Park
The park will undergo a metamorphosis into a stunning display of lights and merriment – and authentic Christmas in the Park.
However, residents’ assistance is needed to illuminate the park.
If you have spare Christmas lights, decorations, or any red items in good condition, kindly consider dropping them off at BayMEd Pharmacy or reaching out to Sam at 074 795 3073.
More information
Home and business owners who would like their premises to be included in the tour, can contact Leilani Coetsee at 084 681 3702. Alternatively, send an email to leilanicoetsee19@gmail.com.
See also: Paradise Beach water tower to be repaired
by SFT | Nov 15, 2023 | St Francis
PARADISE BEACH – In a concerted effort to safeguard water resources and fortify conservation endeavours, Kouga Municipality is currently undertaking the restoration of the Paradise Beach Water Tower at a cost of close to R9.7 million.
This project encompasses not only repairing the tower, but also involves replacing outdated pipelines and installing a new perimeter fence.
It is estimated that work, that commenced in October 2023, will be completed in May 2024.
Integrity Of The Tower
“The repair work aims not only to reinforce the structural integrity of the tower, but also to enhance its efficiency,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman. “By repairing the tower, we can ensure better water management and decrease the risk of wastage due to leaks or inefficiencies.
“This undertaking stands as a testament to the municipality’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible resource management – ensuring that the tap never runs dry for our residents.
Water, the lifeblood of Kouga
“Water, the lifeblood of Kouga, requires diligent care and attention, especially in the face of environmental challenges and growing water scarcity concerns.”
According to Bornman, the municipality urges residents to continue to use water sparingly and implement practices that contribute to the preservation of this invaluable resource.
See also: Kouga Holiday Season Events
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