by SFT | Dec 29, 2023 | St Francis
St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape – Issue Seven of the local magazine Wildside Times is free from various outlets. You can find your copy at the SUPERSPAR Village Square in St Francis Bay, The Bakery in the old village, and Blue Bottle Store.
Alternatively, you can read it online at issuu.com
In a time when print media is dying a slow death that seems to be picking up speed, Wildside Times still offers a print version of their magazine to be read over your morning coffee or in the afternoon when you are planning your jols. There is a schedule of all the Kouga Region events, interviews and look-backs, stories and reports on the local area, and all that will happen in the new year.
The Shipwreck Museum, Cape St Francis
As a world-famous surfing destination, St Francis has so much to offer. With the demise of all surfing print mags in the country (goodbye Zigzag and BoardTalk), we decided to run a cover photo of local Seal Point surfer Rory Dace during his impressive double win at the Rip Curl Grom Search in Seal Point earlier this year. East London photographer Louis Wulff took an excellent photo.
Other articles in the mag include:
St Francis Bay – A Treasure Trove of Unique Experiences.
St. Francis Bay is more than just a picturesque destination. It’s a playground for the curious, the sporty, the adventurous, and those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of St. Francis Bay’s most captivating and unconventional things to do.
https://issuu.com/wildsidetimes/docs/wt07/s/41328503
Kookslam At Bruce’s
During the most potent swells this year, wreaking havoc on our beaches and the spit, our dear editor decided to wear his young son’s underpants to the hospital.
Kookslam!
Coffee: The Amazing Elixir
We have many world-class coffee shops in St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis, but many myths are attached to the drink. We bust a few of them here > Coffee Myths.
Wildfire The Dragon
Wildfire the Dragon
This article, written by St Francis local Liz Spowart, won a St Francis Today writing competition. It is an excellent read about when the dreaded St Francis fires came to life. Wildfire The Dragon
The Coastal Gym
There is a new gym in the industrial area of St Francis Bay, and it is busy and popular and doing things right. With only an R200 / month membership fee, how does the Coastal Gym operate? It’s an incredible story, give it a read here:
Coastal Gym
Key College
This article is a yearly wrap of the new St Francis High School at the end of their first year. It was an exciting year, and there were many highlights. It looks like an even bigger year for the school in 2024.
Key College
The Relentless Hunger For Edibles.
Edibles are here. If you’re not hungry, you soon will be.
Cannabis is 2,500 years old.
There are about 100 cannabinoids in the marijuana plant.
Bob Marley was buried with marijuana.
George Washington was a grower.
Shakespeare used to have a toke while writing.
You can get CBD and THC edibles delivered to your door, you can pick them up, or you can shop them, all in St Francis.
This article has been our most widely read story this month by far. Read it here >
Dagga Chappies
The fully interactive online version, including video embeds and other bells and whistles – Wildside TIMES #7
Editorial or advertising queries
e: news@stfrancistoday.com
WhatsApp: 0823764443
by SFT | Dec 29, 2023 | Photo Of The Day
If you ever thought you had seen a perfect wave, have a look at this little slice of perfection. HT’s. Katiet, Mentawai Islands, Indoneisa. Photo courtesy Rip Curl
See also: Elvis has left the building
by SFT | Dec 29, 2023 | Notes From The Editor, St Francis
Well, that’s it for 2023, a veritable Annus Horrbilis for many and a good year for others. We had such a great start to the year and enjoyed a few memorable trips overseas with my family.
This season of bliss came to an abrupt end after an incident at Bruce’s, followed by a fairly intrusive medical procedure and then a bout of man-flu (the worst kind of flu) over the festive season. This, combined with an unusually long period of easterly onshore, has tried hard to dampen our spirits.
Still, no complaints. We live in a very special place, and we are very lucky to call it home. Next year, we will see some amazing events and happenings in our town, as we continue to grow towards being the events capital of the country, and there is lots of excitement over that.
St Francis Today will be taking a break for next week and possibly a bit further, depending on the surf. Here’s to a blessed New Year and all the best wishes and good luck for 2024.
Don’t forget the Flash Float today. With 3,500 people attending, there are a few rules and guidelines that need to be adhered to. Enjoy your float, and see you all soon.
For those new to the event, here is a quick recap on how it works:
Our team of car guards will be helping you park from the fire station, along sunset drive and canal road. Drop & Go at corner of Sea Glades Drive & Canal Road. NO THRU TRAFFIC TO SHORE ROAD. Expect traffic congestion!
Walk to the Float Launch at the pumphouse. Only bring items that you can float with!
Float Launch will be to the right of the pumphouse. Our team will guide you as to where to go!
Go with the Float towards the Cove to the finish
·
We are expecting 3,500 people and safety is our number one priority. We will have NSRI, lifeguards, medics, as well as numerous volunteers onsite. However, please be vigilant and have eyes on the people around you to be sure everyone has a safe float.
Please review the Float Rules and Indemnity notice, as a participant of the event and by purchasing a wristband you have agreed to the following terms, which are detailed within your tickets –
All Floaters MUST be competent swimmers
All children under 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult and on a have life vest.
NO ALCOHOL is permitted at the event
ALL participants take part at their OWN RISK
The Organisers accept no responsibility whatsoever for injury, death, loss, or damage of belongings, even in the case of negligence. Due care has been taken to make this event safe and secure.
by SFT | Dec 28, 2023 | St Francis
We are in the middle of end of year festive season, sometimes called the silly season. Furthermore, in the financial services world, it is almost time for the silliest season of all, that of predicting what the markets will do over the next 12 months.
Have some salt nearby
Get ready for predictions from all the major investment houses and even the large auditing firms, but when you read them, make sure you have some salt nearby.
Just to show how wrong predictions can be. The USA was said to be on the brink of a recession, causing many asset managers and investors to lighten their exposure to equity; the result? S&P500 does around 25%?! (annual average is about 10%)
Short-term unpredictability of markets
The folly lies in the inherent short-term unpredictability of markets. They are influenced by various factors ranging from global economic shifts and geopolitical events to unforeseen crises. The complexity of these variables makes accurate and consistent predictions nearly impossible.
Markets are dynamic and respond to a multitude of stimuli, often in ways that defy conventional wisdom. Attempting to forecast their trajectory annually is akin to trying to predict the weather a year in advance. While some broad trends may be discernible, the specifics remain elusive.
Impulsive decisions
Moreover, the psychological impact of market predictions can be detrimental. Investors may be swayed by overly optimistic or pessimistic forecasts, leading to impulsive decisions that may not align with their long-term financial goals. The constant ebb and flow of market sentiment can induce unnecessary anxiety and stress.
A more prudent approach involves adopting a long-term perspective and focusing on fundamental principles of financial planning. Diversification, risk tolerance assessment, and periodic portfolio reviews are more reliable strategies than attempting to time the market based on yearly predictions.
The importance of tailoring financial strategies to individual needs and aspirations and embracing a holistic, lifestyle, goal-oriented approach rather than succumbing to the allure of short-term market forecasts is key.
In conclusion, the annual prediction game in financial markets may be an entertaining spectacle, but it’s usually a fool’s errand. Thus, focusing on the fundamentals, maintaining a long-term perspective, and avoiding the pitfalls of market speculation can lead to a more stable and fulfilling financial journey.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Plannert.
Previous Columns:
by SFT | Dec 28, 2023 | St Francis
Last night saw the premier of Jordy Smith’s new movie at Billy’s Beach. Surfers visiting the area from all over the world congregated to catch up, say howzit to Jordy and filmer Nick Christy and watch some A-grade surfing.
The movie, Plus 27, was some of the most radical and inspiring surfing seen from Jordy over the year, as well as some footage of some new right-hander that was seriously massive, with Jordy charging hard as the gathered surfers cheered on.
The 2024 Campaign
Jordy has been chilling at home in JBay while hanging out with his family and preparing for his 2024 campaign on the World Championship Tour of surfing. He had an average year last year, with a 5th place at Pipeline as his best result. Jordy was runner-up to the world title in 2016 and came third on the world tour in 2019, so a world title is still in his grasp.
No Event In JBay
This year is Jordy’s ‘serious’ year; he has been training and getting fit and ready for the gruelling year on tour. The only bummer is that it is a year that we will not see an event in JBay, and the JBay event is the one contest that Jordy usually excels in.
The Demise Of Surf Media
Still immensely popular, the surfers came out in their droves to see the movie, and with the demise of both Boardtalk Magazine as well as Zigzag Magazine in South Africa, there isn’t too much in the way of specific surf media anymore apart from Insta and Tiktok. Hence, seeing the amount of hard work and effort put into this production is gratifying.
Local Filmer
Nick Christy, a St Francis Bay local, has worked with Jordy for several years as his filmer and has amassed some incredible footage. This was his moment to put the unseen footage together and edit it into a package that the surfers would love, which they did.
Seal Point legend Nick Godfrey (left) and filmer Nick Christy
Billy’s Beach Big Jol
When it was over, it was time for everyone to leave Billy’s arena, as the big jol was set to kick off at 8 pm. As another surfer, Wade ‘Needles’ Lewis, got behind the decks for the first set of the night, we all headed home, inspired by the radical surfing we had witnessed of Jordy in top form.
See also Jordy Smith’s Profile on the World Surf League.
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