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Umzumbe Backpacker options

Justin Maisch about to paddle Umzumbe backpacker options

Umzumbe Backpacker options

The good old days of living out of a camper van, or in a tent…carpark to carpark…in the sixties, gave us the dream in the first place. Those days are long gone now, and all we have to compensate for the lost nostalgia is the backpacker scene.

Umzumbe back in those olden days was heaven. Nobody. Not even cops!

Surfers lived in the carparks. For weeks/months/years at a time! Surfing. Fishing. Diving. Living.

But that golden birth of the surfing adventure is now way gone. Everywhere seems to be blown up by now…

Including Umzumbe.

And even then, backpacker spots, which were just that, are now, star worthy. If you don’t got en suite for the lady, you are nowhere in the backpacker business. Yuppies and all. There are now a bunch of accommodation offerers around the place, queuing up to serve you a marginal percentage slice of the dream. They even got hot showers?!

Justin Maisch and his highly motivated wife Hayley, run the Pumula Surf Camp. The closest thing to the dream, since Justin’s Dad lived and surfed and fished and dived at the very same beach. Peter Maisch. Nuff said.

Justin works at Wedge Surfboards, where he and his ilk have been thumping out bespoke surfboards of the elitest type, for decades. Justin, Hayley and Roosta run surf tours and coaching, for the lucky few. It’s a small and unique operation. You need to book way in advance. And, you can get hands on and help shape your own surfboard. Packages available.

So, there are remnants of the golden era of surfing lying around the south coast of Natal, you just got to look really hard, through the jungle, to find the real deal.

The rest is just imported capitalism looking for a place to grow money.

Enjoy another surf video shot near Umzumbe, on the way to the Transkei Wild Coast – featuring Calv and The Roosta, remembering the fun times of yesteryear…

Get in touch with us for advice about Umzumbe Backpacker options.

We will make sure you get the right vibe!

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Crazy Cool JBay SurfView action

Jbay Surf View has a 180 degree vista covering the entire point from Boneyards to Kabeljauws

Crazy Cool JBay SurfView action

Our famous Doctor Kurt Mariano of JBay SurfView on the hill overlooking Supers, is handy with a camera too. When he aint out there charging, or on land healing – he films his buddies as they surf across the whole view in front of JBay Surf View.

Deon Lategaan was the test pilot on this magnificent run right through the many sections that make up the JBay point.

And a crazy cool edit with sounds that definitely sound like they come rfom Dr. Kurt’s built in recording studio.

Click on over to JBay Surf View to get in touch, and experience JBay with Dr. Kurt and Brucifire, of Shaloha fame (ha ha).

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Chasing the goose – surfing the KZN South Coast in summer

Surfing the KZN South Coast in summer

Chasing the goose – surfing the KZN South Coast in summer

Surfing the KZN South Coast in summer…Onshore, offshore, side-shore, cross-shore day to day. Bluebottles, sunburn traffic and brown water, dawn patrols and of course chasing the proverbial golden goose. I woke up way too early the other morning again to a sweet and very uncharacteristic offshore careening down the river. A little after dawn I am staring at the sea with a coffee and of course no-one to surf with- again, it get’s a little ‘Groundhog’ around here sometimes especially out of season, I find myself scrambling madly through my phone trying to conjure someone to surf with- no joy, everyone’s stuck in the real world- a curse and a blessing this existence…and no one is answering the phone. Plan B I hunt my evergreen older brother Shonalanga, and phantom Nephew Buzz down and an anxious hour or two scratches by until all three of us are in the car with the camera charged headed to a brand new surfspot! You see I have been hunting new waves- especially slabby reefbreaks my whole life. A little bird told me about a particularly chunky little wave the boogieboarders love to ride, and I had been on a mission to find it. Turns out the wave I thought was ‘Flintstones’ turns out to be just another perfect little bend of reef peeling into a rocky bay just around the corner!

To cut a long story to smithereens Sean drew the short straw and was elected as filmer and we got to finally start shooting for our project in collaboration with Gazo and Justin at Wedge surfboards to film and test these crazy new sleds they are making. Quite literally building chassis into surfboards with crazy concave and Modern Planing Hull technology. Stay tuned for more in this video I am riding the latest C-Link model 5’5 and Buzz is riding the Air-Bender 5’5 as well which is one of the fastest and most responsive boards I have ever ridden- you just have to be completely on your game to ride them properly…

If you see us lurking the KZN South coast surfing this Summer- come check these boards out, if you are interested in buying one we will set you up and you can try a test board for a couple sessions-no more!!!

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One good thing about Bike Week on the KZN South Coast

Freshly Ground at Bike Week on the KZN South Coast

One good thing about Bike Week on the KZN South Coast

“Yip, it’s Bike Week again! 

But this time Vicky and her organisers have achieved a headline music coup with some monster names on the programme.

The music will play on and on through the week, at venues all over Margate, but a particularly interesting place chosen for readers of The Sardine, is the Margate Fishing Pier?!

So you can chuck out a bait and dance the night away!

For anyone seeking accommodation that weekend, click on over to http://umzimkulu.co.za, for some great self catering options” – Xona

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Attention
30 January 2017
 Top musicians billed to rev the crowd at South Coast Bike Festival

The 2017 South Coast Bike Fest #SCBF2017 is set to unleash a multitude of phenomenal musical acts on the coastal town of Margate from 27 to 30 April with every big name taking to the stage.
>
It’s set to be a rocking long weekend with legendary South African musicians lining up to impress the crowds that will be flocking to #SCBF2017. Bands will be performing at two stages within the extended festival site – the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage as well as the Beach Pier Village Rock Stage.

> “We have booked 35 South African artists to perform at the first South Coast Bike Fest which is already attracting huge numbers from across the country,” said event organiser, Vicky Wentzel. “This really demonstrates the magnitude of this event which is set to become an annual festival.”
>
Kicking off the musical extravaganza will be one of South Africa’s best lyricists, known for his non-conformity and unique musical style; Koos Kombuis. Joining him at the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage on Thursday, 27 April will be Jack Parow, another well-known Afrikaans lyricist whose rap has taken over the South African music scene for the past six years. Parow, with his iconically extended peak cap and bling attire, has headlined major festivals in South Africa, as well as touring Europe. Parow has even opened for rap legends, Eminem and Snoop Lion.
>
Consisting of some of the country’s most talented artists, Fokofpolisiekar will also get the crowd hyped when the five-man superstar band puts on one of its explosive live performances. Guitarist, Hunter Kennedy, will feature twice at the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage on Thursday when he joins his electronic band, Die Heuwels Fantasties.
>
The following day will see sonic wizard, Phil Moffet, showing exactly why he’s such an innovator of guitar music, creating an array of sounds from classical and blues to country, flamenco and more. Moffett will be in good company on the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage with South African rock royalty, Prime Circle, completing the day’s set with some of their award-winning songs.
>
The signature vocals and acoustic guitar of songwriting genius, Matthew Mole, will #fuelyourfun on Saturday. Mole’s latest album, Run, was co-produced by Brad and Josh Klynsmith, brothers who form part of the MTV MAMA award-winning band, Gangs of Ballet, which will also be taking to the stage that night.
>
The #SCBF2017 will end on a high note with afro-pop and gospel sensation, Tender Mavundla, getting the crowd going, followed by legendary afro-pop icon, PJ Powers. Contemporary rock group, Just Jinjer, will finish off a sterling line-up.
>
Tickets to the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage will have to be purchased, however, all musical acts performing at the Beach Pier Village Rock Stage can be watched, free of charge, provided the pre-registration is completed.
>
Incredible acts including the Dixieland Jazz Quartet, Kevin Hinds, Brian Finch, Jack Hammer, and the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters, among others, will feature at the Beach Pier Village Rock Stage.
>
In addition to this unbelievable musical line-up, #SCBF2017 has organised high-energy extreme sports at the Gravity Clash Action Sports’ Show where daring bikers – including Nick de Wit and Brian Capper – will perform choreographed magic. The Powasol EnduroX Series will welcome South Africa’s top endure, motocross, trials and fun riders with big names – Wade Young (Sherco Factory Rider), Kyle Flanagan (Proudly Bidvest Yamaha), Blake Gutzeit (Proudly Bidvest Yamaha) and Scott Bouverie (Brother Leadertread KTM) – showing off serious skill.
>
There will also be a number of custom bikes and related accessories, a Mardi Gras Market, Flying Fish Hospitality Deck, Castle Lite Pool Party and much more.
>
All bikes are welcome at the South Coast Bike Fest with free entrance to the four-day event provided pre-registration is completed online at www.quicket.co.za.
>
Tickets to the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage are also available at www.quicket.co.za at a cost of R130 per day or R200 for the cocktail bar day pass. For a VIP four-day pass the cost is R360. Children under 12 enter free.
>
For more information, visit the website at info.
>
Keep up to date on all the event happenings via:
>
Instagram: @southcoastbikefest
>
Facebook: south coast bike fest
>
Twitter: @southcoastbike1
>
South Coast Bike Festival #SCBF2017 Musical Programme

> (Image: Supplied by Freshly Ground)

> (Image credit: Rich Sutherland)

> Disseminated by:
>
> Olivia Jones Communications

 

Thursday 27th April 2017 Classic Bike Club Mass Parade, Official Media Opening 10h00 Official opening parade of Event Site
Thursday 27th April 2017 Mayoral Stage Opening 10h15 Main Beach Stage Margate
Thursday 27th April 2017 Mtwalume Marching Brass Band 10h20 Main Beach Stage Margate
       
Thursday 27th April 2017 Koos Kombuis 13h00 -15h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Thursday 27th April 2017 Jack Hammer Band 16h00 – 18h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Thursday 27th April 2017 Heuwels Fantasties 19h00 – 20h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Thursday 27th April 2017 Jack Parow 20h30 – 21h30 Main Beach Stage Margate
Thursday 27th April 2017 Fokofpolisiekar 22h00 – 23h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
       
Friday 28th April 2017 Gamalakhe Afro Pop Ensembel 13h00 – 14h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Friday 28th April 2017 Phil Moffet 14h30 – 15h30 Main Beach Stage Margate
Friday 28th April 2017 Andile Yenana Quartet 16h00 – 17h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Friday 28th April 2017 Brian Finch 17h30 – 18h30 Main Beach Stage Margate
Friday 28th April 2017 Rubber Duc 19h00 – 20h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Friday 28th April 2017 Freshly Ground 20h30 – 21h30 Main Beach Stage Margate
Friday 28th April 2017 Prime Circle 22h00 – 23h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
       
Saturday 29th April 2017 Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters 11h30 – 12h30 Main Beach Stage Margate
Saturday 29th April 2017 Hinds Brothers Band 13h00 -15h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Saturday 29th April 2017 The Kickstands 16h00 – 18h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Saturday 29th April 2017 The Gus Brown Band 19h00 – 20h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Saturday 29th April 2017 Majozi 20h30 – 21h30 Main Beach Stage Margate
Saturday 29th April 2017 Matthew Mole 22h00 – 23h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Saturday 29th April 2017 Gangs of Ballet 23h30 Main Beach Stage Margate
       
Sunday 30th April 2017 Tender Mavundla 11h00 – 12h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Sunday 30th April 2017 Pj Powers 12h00 -13h00 Main Beach Stage Margate
Sunday 30th April 2017 Just Jinger 14h00 – 15h00 Main Beach Stage Margate

 

 

Thursday 27th April 2017 Winston Smile 12h00 – 13h45 Margate Fishing Pier
Thursday 27th April 2017 Dixieland jazz Quartet 14h00 – 14h30 Margate Fishing Pier
Thursday 27th April 2017 Hinds Brothers 15h30 – 16h45 Margate Fishing Pier
Thursday 27th April 2017 Black Water Band 20h00 – 21h45 Margate Fishing Pier
       
Friday 28th April 2017 Kevin Hinds 12h00 – 13h45 Margate Fishing Pier
Friday 28th April 2017 Andile Yenana Quartet 14h00 – 14h30 Margate Fishing Pier
Friday 28th April 2017 David Marks 15h30 – 16h45 Margate Fishing Pier
Friday 28th April 2017 Phil Moffet 17h30 – 18h30 Margate Fishing Pier
Friday 28th April 2017 Brian Finch 20h00 – 21h45 Margate Fishing Pier
       
Saturday 29th April 2017 Phil Moffet 12h00 – 13h45 Margate Fishing Pier
Saturday 29th April 2017 Wiam Otto 15h30 – 16h45 Margate Fishing Pier
Saturday 29th April 2017 Circle of Stones 17h00 – 19h00 Margate Fishing Pier
Saturday 29th April 2017 Jack Hammer 20h00 – 22h00 Margate Fishing Pier
       
Sunday 30th April 2017 Aden Hinds 12h00 – 13h45 Margate Fishing Pier
Sunday 30th April 2017 Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters 14h00 – 14h45 Margate Fishing Pier
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Self catering accommodation options in Tofo

Surfing Tofo shorebreak: Team Mom and Dad Plomaritis leave a few for the kids

Self catering accommodation in Tofo

There are some great self catering accommodation in Tofo and Tofinho these days.

Since the quiet little beach village became the most fun town this side of the equator, a boom in available self catering accommodation in Tofo and Tofinho area has left us with options aplenty.

Here a few choice spots right close to all the many surf spots, dive operators and fishing charters…

Casa Algodoal – perched right over the main beach at Tofo

Casa Frenzy – a few kilometres along the beach to total privacy in the bush

Lalaland – also tucked away behind a sand dune, very exclusive

Casa na Duna – looking straight up the barrel of the mighty Tofinho surf break.

Each place is unique in it’s own right, so click on over to their respective pages by following the links above, and book away!

Self catering means you can hook into the local mercado downtown beach way, buy a wide variety of locally produced fruit and vegetables at super prices, and flavour that with any choice of a variety ranging from fresh prawns and crayfish, daily caught linefish to other treats like my favourite – clams!

Further back on into town, at the famous landmark junction called Babalaza, there is another market with decidedly more fishy flavour. All kinds of prawns, big and small, can be procured here. Take your own scale! Scallops can be found amongst fresh piles of sardines, anchovies and sometimes even mackerel. The variety of fish to use for bait includes halfbeaks and silkies, or wolf herring to the non-Durban. Funnily enough the locals call them walla walla?!

The supermarkets that have spring up like speedbumps all around the place literally have everything. Along with locally produced and supplied goods like farmed fish (saving the oceans), coconut oils and coffee.

What more could you need? Whatever it is, you’ll probably be sure find it in the market!

 

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