Olivia Jones, Author at The Sardine News

Posted on May 11, 2021May 11, 2021 by Olivia Jones — Leave a comment

All Systems Go for 2021 Ballito Pro Presented By O’Neill

Dylan Lightfoot 2021 Ballito Pro by Ryan Janssens

2021 Ballito Pro — Image from 2019 of O’Neill surfer Dylan Lightfoot. Credit: WSL/Ryan Janssens

About Surfing South Africa

Surfing South Africa is the official National Federation for surfing in South Africa. SSA is a member of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and is recognised as the governing body by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Surfing South Africa is responsible for the development of the sport, the hosting of National tournaments, the sanctioning of International events and the selection of National teams in all the disciplines that are part of SSA.

SSA is one of the 146 members of the International Surfing Association (ISA), the World governing body for the sport.

About the WSL

Established in 1976, the World Surf League (WSL) is the home of the world’s best surfing.

A global sports, media and entertainment company, the WSL oversees international tours and competitions, a studios division creating over 500+ hours of live and on-demand content, and via affiliate WaveCo, the home of the world’s largest high performance, human-made wave. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, the WSL has regional offices in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA.

The WSL annually crowns the men’s and women’s surfing World Champions. The global Tours and Competition division oversees and operates more than 180 global contests each year across the Championship Tour, the development tiers, including the Challenger, Qualifying and Junior Series, as well as longboard and big wave properties.

Launched in 2019, WSL Studios is an independent producer of unscripted television projects, including documentaries and series, which provide unprecedented access to athletes, events, and locations around the world. WSL events and content are distributed on linear television in over 743M+ homes worldwide and across digital and social media platforms around the world, including WorldSurfLeague.com.

WaveCo includes the Surf Ranch Lemoore facility and the utilizing and licensing of the Kelly Slater Wave System.

The WSL is dedicated to changing the world through the inspirational power of surfing by creating authentic events, experiences, and storytelling to inspire a growing, global community to live with purpose, originality, and stoke.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Issued on behalf of: The 2021 Ballito Pro Presented By O’Neill Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

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Posted on May 3, 2021May 5, 2021 by Olivia Jones — Leave a comment

KZN diver discovers ‘cleaning station’ of highly-endangered devil ray at Aliwal Shoal

KZN diver discovers ‘cleaning station’ of highly-endangered devil ray at Aliwal Shoal

Devil Ray: Aliwal Shoal, one of two Marine Protected Areas (MPA) on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, is a world-renowned dive site attracting adventurers looking to swim with hundreds of sharks of varying species including black tips and ragged tooth sharks. And while it certainly ticks the boxes on all shark divers’ bucket lists, Aliwal Shoal has recently been found to home a number of the highly endangered shortfin devil rays which use the area as a cleaning station.

Michelle Carpenter, a local KZN diver and PhD student specializing in sharks and rays, discovered the Aliwal Shoal devil ray cleaning station back in 2020: “At the time, I didn’t realise how many rays lived in and frequented Aliwal Shoal. But I’ve been working on my project for over a year now, which means visiting the site almost daily for field work, and have been overwhelmed by the incredible ray diversity as well as the numbers being encountered. In fact, Aliwal Shoal has even more diversity in terms of rays than it does sharks.”

Rays, which are the dorsal-ventrally compressed, or flattened sharks, do not always draw as much attention as sharks. However, both sharks and rays actually both belong to the cartilaginous group of marine fishes called ‘elasmobranchs’.

Carpenter said this site is fortunate to be home to one of the world’s first discovered devil ray cleaning station, following another such discovery at Bazaruto Archepelago: Cleaning stations are important areas on a reef where a marine animal – such as a ray, turtle, shark, or fish – will visit to have parasites removed or wounds cleaned by cleaner fish. These sites function as resting areas and mating grounds for hundreds of marine life species.”

Aliwal Shoal, which can be located just 4 kilometres off the coast of Umkomaas, is one of two MPAs found in this region. The other is Protea Banks, which can be found 7.5 kilometres off Shelly Beach. MPAs have been established to keep marine ecosystems working harmoniously while protecting the ocean life under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. These two are home to a variety of big marine life such as sharks, whales, turtles, rays, king fish, yellow fin tuna and barracuda.

Commenting on shortfin devil rays in particular, Carpenter said it was a massive discovery to find them in such large numbers, considering they are classified as ‘highly endangered’ along the southern African coast.

“Some places, such as Tofo in Mozambique, have experienced a decline in sightings of these rays by more than 90% the past few years,” she explained. “This makes the discovery at Aliwal Shoal that much more profound. But it’s not only the numbers of devil rays, it’s also the diversity of ray species that is so astounding.”

She said there are common sightings of spotted eagle rays, honeycomb whip rays, reticulate whip rays, leopard whip rays, blue stingrays, bluespotted stingrays, Jenkins stingray, round ribbontail rays, and even the critically endangered whitespotted wedgefish. Although not seen as regularly, divers can also see giant manta rays, reef manta rays, longhorn devil rays, the enigmatic and under-studied bull rays, as well as the extremely rare bowmouth guitarfish.

Carpenter’s ocean-based research sees her using scuba diving equipment as well as freediving as a way to gather the necessary information while getting close enough to the marine life. She said that, while scuba diving has been the most useful tool in achieving research tasks such as deploying remote cameras to collect footage of cleaning rays, and performing transects of the reef communities including coral and fish, she prefers freediving for close ray interactions.

“Sharks and rays have two additional senses that we do not possess,” explained Carpenter. “These are the lateral line which detect water displacement, and ampullae of Lorenzini which detect electric pulses. I find that the bubbles generated while scuba diving often scares the ray before it approaches you. In various freediving encounters I have been immersed by a school of 50 devil rays, hugged by a giant manta ray, nearly sandwiched by two barrel rolling giant manta rays, and been face-to-face with spotted eagle rays. It is truly magical.”

Her freediving fieldwork is supported by Freediving South Africa, which is owned by her partner, Kent Taylor. Taylor has been freediving, spearfishing, and skippering boats his entire life, and launched Freediving South Africa, the first fully eco-dive business on the KZN South Coast in 2019. Michelle and Kent are based primarily in Umkomaas although they frequently travel to Sodwana Bay and other South African locations to teach freediving and perform research.

Michelle is supported by several scuba diving operators, sponsors, and non-profit organisations, without which, this sort of research would not be possible. These include the University of Cape Town, Freediving South Africa, Agulhas House Dive Centre, Marine Megafauna Foundation, ScubaCo Dive Centre, Blue Ocean Dive Resort, and the Rufford Foundation.

For more information follow @sol.fins.photography_ on Instagram or email Michelle on crpmic001.

Devil ray swim by with the talented Michelle carpenter behind the lens.

Honeycomb whip ray by Javi Parejo.

Round ribbontail ray by Michelle Carpenter.

Short fin devil ray fly by with Michelle Carpenter behind the lens

Spotted eagle ray and round ribbontail ray by Michelle Carpenter.

Spotted Eagle ray by Michelle Carpenter.

The Sardine News runs a YouTube Channel which you can join for FREE right here. And stay up-to-date with the sardine run news each year!

Posted on March 30, 2021April 10, 2021 by Olivia Jones — 1 Comment

Take the plunge with a South African-based conservation couple in this epic Freediving Diaries TV series

Take the plunge with a South African-based conservation couple in this epic Freediving Diaries TV seriesWith nothing between them and 15-tonne whale sharks but the blue ocean, South African-based freediving couple, Beth ‘The Mermaid’ Neale and Miles ‘Aquaman’ Cloutier go on an unimaginable underwater journey that lets viewers experience marine life that needs to be protected. Featuring on PPL°WX – People’sWeather (DStv – CH180 and Openview – CH115), from 3 May 2021, the 10-episode Freediving Diaries is the first-ever freediving reality TV series, which follows Beth and Miles’ experiences of freediving with just one breath from the surface, off the coasts of Mozambique and the Maldives.

Beth, a four-time South African freediving champion from the KZN South Coast, explained that one of the series’ goals is to promote the many dedicated people and organisations at the forefront of ocean conservation and eco-tourism: “We also want to show that freediving isn’t just an extreme sport for elite athletes. It’s the fastest-growing water sport and simply requires you to hold your breath underwater. You don’t have to go deep or hold your breath for a long time. We want to inspire people to safely explore the underwater world and understand the incredible need to protect our oceans and the life they hold.”

Miles, who is Canadian-born, describes freediving as ‘your passport to a whole new world’, said: “We enjoy capturing the magic of the underwater world, and our incredible experiences. In the early days of lockdown, we planned an amazing freediving expedition to the unexplored coasts of Mozambique. Some months later, it became a reality, and we have had the opportunity to share this dream with others in the hope that they will be inspired to get out and connect with nature. The impact of lockdown on these local communities has been devastating, and we know this will encourage more eco-tourism.”

Beth and Miles also introduced many people to freediving while on their trip: “Anyone can learn to freedive. We teach beginners and first-timers how to hold their breath for two minutes in a short session. It’s great that anyone can have these experiences.”

Filming of Free Diving Diaries

In partnership with PPL°WX – People’sWeather – Africa’s first and only 24/7 weather, environmental news and lifestyle channel – the series was filmed between late November 2020 and mid-February 2021. Beth and Miles were some of the first to cross the border into Mozambique to begin filming the series when lockdown restrictions eased.

“Just before Christmas, we flew out of South Africa to the Maldives a day or two before travel restrictions were imposed on South Africans,” recalled Neale. “At the end of our trip we were ‘stranded’ in the Maldives for two weeks, but I think in terms of places to get stuck, we could have done a lot worse!”

All of the filming was done by Beth and Miles with freedives up to 20 metres using regular action cameras. “While there is plenty visible light below that level, the colour doesn’t show how alive everything is on camera, so we prefer to capture in shallower waters,” explained Miles.

Beth considers this ‘recreational freediving’ since she holds the South African and African Continental Record for freediving in the ‘no-fins’ discipline, which is breast stroke down and back up, to a depth of 50 metres.

“From the playful and inquisitive wild dolphins of Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique, to the tiger sharks of Fuvahmulah island in the Maldives, we checked a few bucketlist species,” continued Miles. “Fuvahmulah is a world-class dive location and a tiger shark hotspot, and we were some of the first freedivers in the world to visit this site. It is extremely accessible and perfect for freediving. Most importantly, the tiger sharks are protected since it is now a UNESCO world heritage site.”

An action-packed first season

Season one of Freediving Diaries focuses on the couple’s exploration of the Mozambique coastline from Ponto to Ouro to Vilankulous and Bazaruto, and the pristine atolls of the Maldives. And the couple made an exciting discovery – it wasn’t just going to be the two of them on this journey!

“We never expected to be sharing the most special experience that we have had together as a couple in the first episode,” admitted Beth. “Just before crossing the border into Mozambique, we found out that we are having a baby! It was an incredible surprise, but also a shock as we had planned this expedition into some very underdeveloped areas. But it turned out to be the best timing ever because my little mermaid has already dived with whales, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, tiger sharks and nurse sharks all from the comfort of my belly!”

On discovering the new addition, Beth and Miles spent time researching, connecting with professionals who have had experience with freediving and pregnancy: “I was never a freediver who pushed my limits anyway, but now that I am having a baby, I do shallow, short and easy dives. I am very fit, strong and healthy… and so is my baby!”

Miles wasn’t concerned at all: “It was pretty much the best timing ever. I couldn’t have imagined it any better. It was also a huge relief, because we had thought Beth was sick from eating at my favourite sharwama restaurant – so we can keep going back there!”

Despite the motion and morning sickness, Beth was able to enjoy the marine adventures: “From tiny sea horses to the biggest fish in the sea. My life’s dream came true when I had a brief swim with the highly-endangered and elusive dugong in Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, which brought me to tears. The Dugong is the original mermaid, with its iconic tail.

“We had another unexpected experience during a night dive off of the yacht in Maldives with whale sharks and manta rays. They placed lights off the back of the boat which attract plankton. It’s so surreal to see mantas emerging from the darkness and swooping through the light! The whale shark also stayed, feasting off the back of the boat within a metre of us for hours. It was an out-of-this-world experience.”

Stephan Le Roux, CEO of PPL°WX – People’sWeather, commented on the extraordinary first series, saying: “From the moment I met Beth and Miles and heard about what they do I thought it was completely crazy! Beth has had some unbelievable sports’ accomplishments in freediving, and it’s so amazing the three of them are now sharing these adventures.

“This series epitomises the role weather plays in adding drama and unpredictability to great adventures. The coast is especially susceptible to rapid changes in weather conditions, and the pair embarking on this extraordinary adventure while navigating uncontrollable conditions creates a great viewing experience.”

In addition to all the marine-based action, the series will feature the couple’s interactions with the many inspiring conservationists and guides they meet along the way. Viewers will get to experience the highs and lows of such exotic travel, with Beth and Miles overcoming many challenges, and even discovering their life changing piece of news on the journey!

Catch Freediving Diaries which premieres on PPL°WX – People’sWeather (DStv CH-180 and Openview CH-115) from Monday, 3 May at 18:00. The series will be shown over two weeks with new episodes daily from Mondays to Fridays at 18:00, with a repeat at 10:30 and 14:00 the following day. There will also be an omnibus shown on the weekend.

For more on PPL°WX – People’sWeather check out:

Website: www.peoplesweather.com

Facebook: @PeoplesWeather

Instagram: @PeoplesWeather

Twitter: @Peoples_Weather

LinkedIn: @People°sWeather

#PPLWX

#FreedivingDiaries

Follow Beth @onebreathbeth and Miles’ journey on Instagram at @freedivingcouple or @aqua.souls to start your own freediving journey.

/ENDS

High resolution images are available upon request.

South African-based freediving couple, Beth ‘The Mermaid’ Neale and Miles ‘Aquaman’ Cloutier.

(Image credit: Don Hunter)

Beth ‘The Mermaid’ Neale, a four-time South African freediving champion from the KZN South Coast.

(Image credit: Don Hunter)

South African-based freediving couple, Beth ‘The Mermaid’ Neale and Miles ‘Aquaman’ Cloutier.

(Image credit: Bryan Hart)

South African-based freediving couple, Beth ‘The Mermaid’ Neale and Miles ‘Aquaman’ Cloutier.

(Image credit: @onebreathbeth)

South African-based freediving couple, Beth ‘The Mermaid’ Neale and Miles ‘Aquaman’ Cloutier.

(Image credit: @onebreathbeth)

NOTES FOR EDITORS

PPL°WX – People’sWeather

PPL°WX – People’sWeather has repositioned from a weather service channel to Africa’s first and only 24/7 weather, environmental news and lifestyle channel; striving to make Africa’s nature more inclusive for all; focusing on our affinity and connectedness with the environment to tell impactful stories with insightful narratives; and using weather, which connects us all, as the conversation starter. Available on (DStv CH-180 and Openview CH-115), viewers can look forward to a wide range of programming that focuses on nature and the outdoors, food, travel and eco-tourism, farming and agriculture, science and sustainability, as well as Live – a new take on eco-sport. The world consumes so much of Africa’s nature and wildlife with most Africans unable to see the content produced locally. PPL°WX – People’sWeather opens up this opportunity to expose and educate a broader audience to the role weather plays in our day to day lives and how through the stories the channel shares it connects communities and people to the environment. We truly believe that the more we have access to our own stories or experiences around wildlife, nature and conservation, the better informed and equipped we become to protect our rich natural heritage as South Africans. As a channel, we are fundamentally aligned with where conservation is in Africa, and the vision for its future. PPL°WX – People’sWeather appeals to cross-cultural and cross-generational audience; a viewer who enjoys engaging, entertaining, credible, informative and purposeful content and stories; the eco-conscious and progressive individual who aspires to live sustainably, nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, ethical travellers, farmers and hobbyists, scientists and institutions, environmentalists and eco-savvy humans. People living the Weather!

About Beth Neale

Beth Neale is 4x South African National Free Diving Champion and African Continental Record Holder, Ocean Conservationist and Filmmaker. In September 2019 she broke another record with a no-fins free dive to 50M/164ft raising over $20,000 for the Bermuda Zoological Society’s ocean education programs for children. Beth has dedicated the last six years to ocean conservation initiatives in South Africa, Mozambique and Bermuda. As a Master Instructor, she has taught hundreds of adults freediving, and over 3 000 children ocean conservation and free diving. Beth founded her company Aqua Souls – with the goal of sharing the transformational power of her greatest passion. She also uses unique videos to entice people with the beauty of our underwater world, leading them to take the plunge for themselves! Her videos have been viewed over 50 million times on Instagram since the start of 2019. Follow the highlights of her journey on Instagram @onebreathbeth.

Issued on behalf of: PPLWX – People’sWeather

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media

Olivia Jones Communications
19 Norfolk Road Berea
Durban, KZN 4001, South Africa

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Posted on January 29, 2021February 1, 2021 by Olivia Jones — Leave a comment

Top 10 things-to-do on the KwaZulu-Natal Upper South Coast

Kwazulu-Natal shark cage diving shot by John Miller

Top 10 things-to-do on the KwaZulu-Natal Upper South Coast

Just in from Olivia Jones Communications, flying the Kwazulu-Natal flag far wide as they hail visitors to our coastline…

PRESS RELEASE

28 January 2021

Top 10 must-try activities on the KwaZulu-Natal Upper South Coast

The New Year is the perfect time to start afresh by exploring the many incredible family-friendly ecotourism offerings on the #KZNSouthCoast. Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) will showcase the wealth of sites and activities, suited to all budgets, through the #InTheSpotlight feature, with the KZN Upper South Coast first on the list!

“It is fortunate that the many nature-based offerings of the Kwazulu-Natal South Coast fall within the restrictions of Level 3, with our local tourism establishments guided in all the latest Covid-19 safety protocols,” explained CEO of USCT, Phelisa Mangcu. “The Upper South Coast, which stretches from Scottburgh to Mtwalume, has a number wonderful experiences and locations that are easily accessible to all our welcome visitors.”

Here’s a look at what’s on offer at the Upper South Coast!

1. Scuba diving

For those looking to learn how to scuba dive, or for the more experienced divers looking to explore one of the world’s top diving sites, then the Upper KZN South Coast is the place to visit. Aliwal Shoal, just 5km offshore of Umkomaas River, is home to a number of ocean creatures, prompting several international documentaries and attracted an influx of global tourists.

· Aliwal Dive Centre (Umkomaas): Contact 039 973 2233 or dive or visit www.aliwalshoal.co.za

· Aliwal Shoal Scuba (Umkomaas): Contact 039 973 2542 or umkomaas or visit www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.com

· Umkomaas Lodge Dive Charters: Contact 039 973 2542 or umkomaaslodge or visit www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.com

2. Shark cage diving Visitors to the Upper South Coast can partake in one of the most exciting ocean adventures with shark cage diving. With experienced instructors, visitors are able to get close to some of the region’s beautiful apex predators in their natural habitat. An incredibly thrilling and unforgettable experience awaits!

· Cage Shark Dive.com (Umkomaas): Contact 039 973 2572 or aliwalshoalscuba@gmail.comor visit www.cagesharkdive.com

· Shark Cage Diving KZN (Rocky Bay): Contact 039 978 1045 or johnmiller or visit www.sharkcagedivingkzn.com

3. Golfing

Known colloquially as ‘The Golf Coast’, the Kwazulu-Natal South Coast boasts an abundance of well-maintained golf courses, many of which are located in the Upper South Coast region. From the novice to the pros, there’s a green for every golfer – most of which are surrounded by coastal forests with stunning sea views.

· Umkomaas Golf Club: Contact 039 973 1042 or umkomaasgolf or visit www.scottburghgolf.co.za

· Scottburgh Golf Club: Contact 039 976 0041 or finance

· Selborne Park Golf Estate, Hotel & Spa (Pennington): Contact 039 688 1800 / 039 975 8500 or proshop

· Umdoni Park Trust, Golf Club & Nature Reserve (Pennington): Contact 039 975 1615 or rynardt or visit www.umdonipark.com

4. Microlight adventures

Experience the Upper South Coast region from the skies through a thrilling microlight adventure. Organised by experienced pilots, a microlight trip gives visitors an overview of the oceans, forests and other natural wonders found in this part of the world.

· World of Wings flight school (Umkomaas): Contact 072 117 5130 or info or visit www.wowflight.co.za

5. Wildlife experience

The natural abundance of the Kwazulu-Natal Upper South Coast extends to its animal inhabitants as well, with the area renowned for its diverse birdlife, as well as the many unique animal species. At Scottburgh’s Crocworld Conservation Centre, families are able to engage with these incredible animals while the knowledgeable staff share insights and perform daily feeding demonstrations for audiences. There is also an on-site restaurant, Fish Eagle Café, and a fun animal farm and playground for youngsters.

· Crocworld Conservation Centre (Scottburgh): Contact 039 976 1103 or visit www.crocworld.co.za

6. Shop for handmade accessories

Artistry and craftmanship can be found throughout the KZN South Coast with the globally-renowned Polka Dot Coco Fashion conveniently located in the Upper South Coast. The brand specialises in handcrafted accessories using locally-sourced materials, such as the famous Shweshwe.

· Polka Dot Coco Fashion (Scottburgh): Contact 061 415 5075 or info

7. Nature reserves

Visitors have ample opportunity to get out in nature and experience the great outdoors throughout the Upper South Coast. The area is rich with coastal forests and reserves which are home to a myriad of wildlife and local bird species.

· TC Robertson Nature Reserve (Scottburgh): Contact 062 002 5190 or tcrobertsonnaturereserve2015

· Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve (Umzinto): Contact 039 974 2222 or vcrookes or www.kznwildlife.com

· Umdoni Park Trust, Golf Club & Nature Reserve (Pennington): Contact 039 975 1615 or rynardt or visit www.umdonipark.com

· Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve Accommodation (Umzinto): Contact 039 974 2222 or vcrookes or visit www.kznwildlife.com

8. Local heritage

Integral moments of South African history were set against the backdrop of the Upper South Coast, determining a trajectory that has brought us to where we are now. Visitors will get a chance to experience the rich cultural nuances of this area at the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre where local guides bring history to life through story, crafts and song.

· Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre (Mthwalume): Contact 076 861 6074 or email howardmsomis

9. Beach days

As a renowned coastal holiday resort, the Upper South Coast offers visitors expansive golden sands and warm Indian Ocean water at its many beautiful beaches. Even with beach restrictions, visitors are able to enjoy a beachside meal while taking in the stunning sea views and even catching site of the resident dolphins.

Some favourite beaches…

· Scottburgh Beach

· Pennington Beach

· Hibberdene Beach

· Umzumbe Beach

10. Mountain biking and running trails Getting exercise has never been this much fun! The #KZNSouthCoast consists of some of the country’s best running and mountain biking trails that traverse coastal forests and local farmlands for a truly immersive natural experience.

· TC Robertson Nature Reserve (Scottburgh): Contact 062 002 5190 or tcrobertsonnaturereserve2015

· Umdoni Parkrun (Pennington)

· Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve (Umzinto): Contact 039 974 2222 or vcrookes or visit www.kznwildlife.com

· Umdoni Park Trust, Golf Club & Nature Reserve: Contact 039 975 1615or or rynardt or visit www.umdonipark.com

· Rocky Bay Resorts: Contact 039 976 0336 or lodge or visit www.rockybay.co.za

For more information about USCT, as well as events and activities on #KZNSouthCoast, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. USCT is also on social media – follow the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter.

/ENDS

High resolution images are available upon request.

(Images: Supplied by Ugu South Coast Tourism)

Aliwal Shoal is rated as one of the world’s top ten dive sites.

(Photo credit: Aliwal Dive Centre)

Aliwal Shoal boasts some of the best shark diving in the world.

(Photographer: John Miller)

Known as the “golf coast”, the KZN South Coast has a variety of breathtakingly beautiful golf courses such as Selborne in Pennington.

(Photo credit: Selborne Park Golf Estate,Hotel & Spa)

Microlight adventures offer a birds eye view of the KZN South Coast.

(Photographer: Noel McDonagh)

Crocworld Conservation Centre offers diverse wildlife experiences near Scottburgh.

(Photo credit: Crocworld Conservation Centre)

Artistry and craftmanship can be found throughout the KZN South Coast with the globally-renowned Polka Dot Coco Fashion conveniently located in the Upper South Coast.

(Photo credit: Polka Dot Coco)

Visitors have ample opportunity to get out in nature and experience the great outdoors with coastal forests and reserves which are home to a myriad of wildlife and local bird species.

(Photo credit:TC Robertson)

Visitors will get a chance to experience the rich cultural nuances of the Mthwalume area at the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre where local guides bring history to life through story, crafts and song.

(Photo credit: Justin Klusener)

Umzumbe Beach.

Mountain Biking & Running Trails.

(Photo credit: Rocky Bay Resorts)

About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches, and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

Issued on behalf of:

Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media

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Posted on July 2, 2020July 2, 2020 by Olivia Jones — Leave a comment

South African freediving champion films KZN South Coast’s Sardine Run

Beth Neal freediving in Sardine Run 2020

South African freediving champion films KZN South Coast’s Sardine RunBeth Neale, the four-time South African Freediving Champion, the African Continental Record Holder for no-fins freediving, renowned ocean conservationist and filmmaker, headed to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast where she has taken to the water to experience, first-hand #thegreatestshoalonearth. Beth has captured some never-before-seen footage of the Sardine Run which will soon be released (a taste of which can be seen on the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page.) “This year’s Sardine Run has been described as one of the biggest in over a decade,” said CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT), Phelisa Mangcu. “As well as providing food security for so many of our local fishermen and communities, the Sardine Run is a phenomenal experience to witness from both the beachside and within the ocean. We are so excited to have freediving champion, Beth Neale, on our shores, sharing footage of this incredible oceanic migration which has become synonymous with the KZN South Coast.” Originally from Johannesburg, ‘mermaid’ Beth is currently living on the KZN South Coast, having only just broken her own ‘no fins’ freediving record by diving to 50m in Bermuda last year while raising over $20,000USD (more than R340 000) to teach children ocean conservation and freediving. An avid ocean lover, adventure-seeker and passionate conservationist, Beth couldn’t miss the opportunity to experience the planet’s greatest biomass migration – the annual Sardine Run. Using a Gopro camera, drone, and Insta360 360-degree camera, Beth and her team were able to capture a completely unique all-round view of the Sardine Run which will give viewers the chance to experience it from the comfort of home. “What an incredible feeling to freedive into millions of sardines!” she said of the recent diving adventure. “I feel so fortunate, as most people only get to see the sardines as they are hauled onshore in nets, sold in crates on the roadside, or even in a can. Underwater, you get to see these fish in their true glory, shimmering with iridescence as they move, mesmerisingly, together as if one massive organism. Once you penetrate the top layer, they realign above you, blocking out the sun so everything goes dark. It’s quite intimidating!” Beth dived near Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast where she described one of the shoals as being 12 metres deep and the length of a rugby field: “I was shocked when I saw the drone footage, as I had no idea how big the shoal was. I thought it was small and I was managing to keep up with it for an hour as I swam against the current!” She said that, alongside the masses of sardines, she got to experience swimming with some of the apex predators taking advantage of the wealth of food on offer: “There were hundreds of sharks swimming through the shoal, feeding, and they nearly bump into you as they fly by. Luckily, they only have one thing on their minds – sardine snacks!” The annual Sardine Run attracts local and international attention, having featured on wildlife documentaries across the globe. Beth described it as ‘a bucket list item for international travellers and film crews – and for locals too!’. “My hope is that, through my content, others will be inspired to travel to our coasts and experience the beauty of our oceans,” she continued. “As a filmmaker, my mission since lockdown has been to document the impact of the pandemic on coastal communities and inspire others to get back to nature as lockdown restrictions lift.” Beth will also be shooting footage of the Marine Protected Area and world renowned KZN South Coast diving site, Aliwal Shoal, hoping to capture more shots of indigenous shark species and their activities. USCT is keeping everyone connected to the Sardine Run digitally during lockdown by uploading videos, images and up-to-date information. Check out the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page and @infosouthcoast on Twitter for breath-taking images, including aerial and underwater footage, such as supplied by Beth Neale. For more information about the KZN South Coast and USCT, visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za or download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app to find a local supplier. To follow Beth Neale’s incredible adventures, follow @onebreathbeth on Instagram or visit www.aquasouls.com. /ENDS High resolution images are available upon request. IMAGE CREDIT: Dr Ryan Daly CAPTION: South African ‘Mermaid’ freediving champion Beth Neale has captured unique footage of this year’s bumper sardine run on the KZN South Coast. Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is keeping everyone connected to the Sardine Run digitally during lockdown by uploading videos, images and up-to-date information. Check out the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page and @infosouthcoast on Twitter for breath-taking images, including aerial and underwater footage, such as supplied by Beth Neale. For more information about the KZN South Coast and USCT, visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za or download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app to find a local supplier.

About Ugu South Coast Tourism Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is the official destination management organisation of the Ugu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The Ugu District comprises four local municipalities that include Umdoni, Umzumbe, Umuziwabantu and Ray Nkonyeni. USCT’s mandate is to grow tourism within the KZN South Coast. This involves implementing marketing and development initiatives that are aimed at showcasing the diverse offerings and experiences of the South Coast as tourist destination. A board of directors oversees USCT, headed by CEO, Phelisa Mangcu. About KZN South Coast Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches, and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

Issued on behalf of: Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) Disseminated by: Olivia Jones Communications For more information please contact: Olivia Jones Communications Cell: 083 653 1720 Email: media

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