The 6th annual Velddrif Swim is taking place on Saturday 12 November in Velddrif’s scenic Port Owen Marina. This fun event is open to all levels of fitness and is split into three different categories – with something for everyone.
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The 500-meter Fun Swim
This event is open to all ages and all levels of fitness and is a great way to get the whole family involved. Swimmers for this event can dress up for a shot at the prize for Best Dressed, and swimming aids like lilos and blow-up flamingos are allowed for this hugely enjoyable swim.
The 1.6-kilometre Velddrif Mile
The official Velddrif Mile 1.6-kilometre race is for adventurous swimmers with a bit more stamina.
The 3-kilometre Advanced Swim
The final event is a great training session for open-water swimmers.
The popular West Coast town of Velddrif, which clings to the banks of the Berg River, is a watersports hub.
In addition to the annual swim, some of the watersport activities on offer here include fishing, stand-up paddling, skiing, windsurfing, surfing at Dwarskersbos, canoeing and kayaking, paddle boating in the Port Owen Marina or sailing with Port Owen Sailing Charters.
If you’d prefer to stay out of the water you can lounge on a jetty with a cocktail in hand or visit the art gallery and eclectic shops dotted along this quaint dirt road.
Bokkomlaan – the oldest road in the town that snakes up the edge of the Berg River – is a great place to relax and watch the tide come in while sipping freshly roasted artisanal coffee. Bokkomlaan is named after the salted mullet strung into bunches and hung to dry like biltong. It is the signature local delicacy in this area.
Things to do in Velddrif
1. Dine
Velddrif is a foodie’s paradise! Whether your appetite is calling for a hearty breakfast, wood-fired pizza, hamburgers, crispy fresh salads, artisanal baked treats and cakes, vegetarian dishes, traditional country fare or anything in between – this area offers it all from a wide variety of eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.
The restaurants in town are known for serving up some of the freshest seafood delicacies. Enjoy whilst overlooking the beautiful Berg River with a chilled glass of wine or an ice-cold cool drink. From eclectic and rustic to fine dining or takeaways – there truly is something for everyone here – served with typical West Coast hospitality.
2. Unwind in idyllic accommodation
Places to stay in Velddrif include Happy Campers on the Berg River, the Kliphoek River Resort, Knorvarkie on the banks of the Berg River, Kuifkopvisvanger, the Stywelyne Beach Resort in Laaiplek and the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort.
In the town itself, visitors can choose from self-catering apartments, cottages and holiday homes, as well as B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels.
3. Go birdwatching
This lovely town is one of the most popular bird-watching sites in South Africa, with the tidal mudflats and salt marshes presenting more than 200 species of birds.
In fact, this estuary is the third biggest in SA and is rated as one of the most important birding areas in the world as well as being a key breeding site for many species of fish.
4. Shop
Retail therapy is also an option in Velddrif, with many interesting local shops and gift stores offering a multitude of reasons to splash out and spend some money.
With all that is on offer, it is worth your while to make a weekend of it and book in to stay in Velddrif while taking part in the annual swimming event!
Details:
- Date: Saturday 12 November
- Location: Port Owen Marina, Velddrif
- Time: 500-m Fun Swim: 8am | 1.6-km Velddrif Mile and 3-km Advanced Swim: 8.30am
- Contact: 071 897 6451 | velddrif@bergriviertourism.co.za
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Picture: Supplied