2021 JBay Bucket-list Challenge!

We all have our new goals and challenges set for 2021. Some are creating good habits, others are being healthier and then some are on a mission to give other people FOMO, yes we are talking about those Instagram influencers! I don’t really carry expert knowledge are creating good habits or living a healthier life, but fortunately, I got enough local knowledge to set some goals for those who want to use the hashtags #wild #adventurous #wanderlust #challengeaccepted while in JBay.

So if you consider yourself to be daring and determined, let’s see how many of these you can tick off! I must add some of these may be seasonal or weather dependant, so don’t get too beat down if you aren’t able to get it right.

1. Surf all eight surf spots

We had to start with the obvious. JBay is famous for Supertubes of course, but the rest of the breaks all have their own flavor. It is easy to tick off 5 of the spots on the right day (Boneyards to the Point). It is possible to knock four off on one wave (Supertubes to the Point) but that is for the more skilled, as the waves need to be at least 8ft. A little extra challenge for the skilled ;)

2. Kayak from the Gamtoos River mouth to the “Canyoning Rocks”

This is a heavy one. This is one of those “are you crazy!” things to add. I have personally done it and wasn’t trained or prepared for it but I, fortunately, survived, with major stiff muscles the next day. It is roughly a 5-hour row, maybe longer if you not very fit or if the current is going the opposite way. If you do decide to do this one, please remember to pack all the needed equipment to survive 3 days in the wild, or at least a snack to keep you going with lots of water and a waterproof bag for your phone to contact someone to fetch you when you reach the end. Also, keep your eyes open for many bird species (African Fishh eagles) can be seen en-route.

3. Spear a fish!

JBay is very seldomly known as a strong fishing village, maybe that’s the way the locals like it. never the less, there is plenty of fish in this sea! Spearfishing just has this alarming level of insanity. Swimming deep underwater, and hoping to see a fish or hoping another bigger fish doesn’t see you (yes I’m referring to a shark). Although sharks are pretty rare to see, you still don’t want to be fighting with one over a 10kg Yellowtail. So that’s my challenge, shoot yellowtail.