I love the smell of Africa in the morning. Wetsuited up, with jacket and beanie, we left Miller’s Point just before 7am Saturday morning, in time to see the break of the day and the first silver light exposing the over-populated Seal Island. Silently waiting, silently hoping for a great white breakfast show. Meat is meat, and even sharks have to eat. We circled the island for some time, entertained by the island’s clapper crowd and disturbed by their body odour. Heading out a bit further we’re met with an initial small pod of common dolphins. Moments later the ocean was alive with mammals. We simply had to venture into the saltwater, even though the presence of these dolphins did not rule out the possibility of a passing by shark. The excitement and thrill swimming with these common dolphins quickly erased all fear – the beauty was too overwhelming. Not long and a pod of seals joined the water orchestra, which in many ways served for more entertainment. The little ones loved to play bumper cars, or rather bumper boats as they charged directly towards us, bouncing off us in a swift u-turn. Back on the boat, heading back to the shore much much later, our new dolphin friends refused to leave us, jumping, chasing the boat, and allowing us to touch them! What an osim osim day, dolphins, seals, penguins and sharks, a bit of spear fishing and lots of free diving in the company of those who know. Steven Benjamin, marine biologist recently moved down to Simon’s Town and along with free diver Hanli Prinsloo, they plan to package these adventures and have it available to joe public! Go to GALLERY, SALTWATER to view pictures!
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I was there, I saw it with my own eyes, and soon you can too. Winter in South Africa comes with a swell perfect for Big Wave Surfing. The place; Dungeons. The time; August 2008; The Sponsor; Red Bull. The Crowd; Scooter Schalk and who-ever can get their hands on a boat pass. The contestants: Seriously brave Big Wave Surfers.
The Dungeons reef, the first sea bottom that the ocean swells hit on their path shore-wards, has the ability to produce the biggest waves in Africa.
The swells, generated across the South Atlantic Ocean, hit the Dungeon Reefs and rear up into giant right-hand breaking waves for brave souls to attempt to ride.
Apart from the enormous waves, a few other elements to add to the mix of bravery needed to tackle Dungeons: ice-cold water, thick undulating kelp beds that cover the inside waters, and abundant sea life – including a few sharks that prey on the local seal colony.
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