The 6th Annual Velddrif Swim takes place on Saturday 12 November in the scenic Port Owen Marina in Velddrif on the West Coast. This fun event is open to all levels of fitness and is split into three different categories – with something for everyone.
The 500m Fun Swim is open to all ages and all levels of fitness and is a great way to get the whole family involved. Swimmers for the fun event can dress up for a shot at the prize for Best Dressed, and swimming aids like lilo’s and blow-up flamingos etc. are allowed for this hugely enjoyable swim. The official Velddrif Mile 1.6 km race is for the more adventurous, and swimmers with a bit more stamina. Finally, there is the 3km Advanced Swim – 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; wind surfing; surfing at Dwarskersbos; canoeing and kayaking – either with your own equipment or with Canoe & Kayak World or Berg River Kayaks; paddle boating in the Port Owen Marina; or sailing with Port Owen Sailing Charters.
A boat cruise up the river is a must-do experience, and 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. Or take a seat on a jetty with a cocktail in hand. Also visit the art gallery and eclectic shops dotted along this quaint dirt road. 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.
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 suite all tastes and budgets. The restaurants in town are known for serving up some of the freshest seafood delicacies – to be savoured whilst overlooking the beautiful Berg River with a chilled glass of wine or ice-cold cooldrink. From eclectic and rustic to fine-dining or take-aways – there truly is something for everyone here – served with typical West Coast hospitality.
Places to stay in Velddrif include Happy Campers on the Berg River with campers enjoying their own private jetty’s; the Kliphoek River Resort with a slip way to launch your boat; Knorvarkie, another gem on the banks of the Berg River; Kuifkopvisvanger, also on the banks of the river; the Stywelyne Beach Resort in Laaiplek right next to the beach; as well as the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort, right on the beach in Dwarskersbos. Many glorious locations up and down the Berg River offer accommodation which ranges from rustic to luxury. In the town itself, visitors can choose from self-catering apartments, cottages, and holiday homes, as well as B&B’s, guesthouses, and hotels.
This lovely town is one of the post 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 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. Retail therapy is also an option in Velldrif, 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 making a weekend of it and booking in to stay in Velddrif while taking part in the annual swimming event. For more information on the annual Velddrif swim email velddrifmile@gmail.com; or contact 0718976451.
For more information on Velddrif and where to eat, sleep and play visit the Velddrif Tourism website.
