IMPORTANT NOTICE: Alkantstrand Memorial Postponed
To everyone interested in the memorial event scheduled for this Saturday including family members and friends who may be travelling. Please note that due to the huge amount of rain and onshore winds predicted for the weekend the organisers have decided to postpone until Saturday 19 February.
Due to the nature of the event with the family aspect, people coming to pay respects and honour loved ones and the possibility of large swell making a paddle out sketchy we have unfortunately had to make this decision for the benefit of all involved in attending and organising. The deck is currently under construction and will be wrapped up and secured to not be used before the event takes place so that its only open on 19 February.
The organisers would like to apologise for this delay and any inconvenience caused but we feel that this is the correct move looking at the charts and with consultation from members in the port.
So please help us spread the news of the postponement and remember the date is now 19 February 2022. There will be a paddle out, memorial opening, fun contest, giveaways and more. Please remember to bring some flowers for the occasion and your surfboards and bodyboards. We will also be doing a bit more fundraising as we want to put pavers to the deck for the elderly and disabled who want to visit.
Once again apologies for the delay, we appreciate your patience in this and for helping us spread the word. See you on 19 February!
below image is deck construction well underway
ORIGINAL ARTICLE 21 JANUARY
The Alkantstrand Memorial Opening and Fun Contest will be taking place on Saturday 5 February 2022 (NEW DATE 19 FEBRUARY). This event has been postponed a number of times but organisers are confident that all is now in place to have a truly awesome day.
The memorial deck unveiling, and free to enter surfing competition, is open to all. The aim is to commemorate the surfers and administrators from Richards Bay and surrounds who have lost their lives over the years and to have a fun family orientated surf contest.
The programme for the day is as follows,
- Surf Contest Registration at 07:30am
- Official Opening of the memorial at 08:30am
- Wreath and flower laying ceremony
- Fun contest for Over 35s / Open / Ladies / Longboard and Groms
Parents are allowed to help jockey their kids and push them into waves/foamies. There are some great prizes will be up for grabs which include a custom Safari surfboard. There will also be lucky draws. So get the kids ready and practicing, get your surfing up there and enjoy this special occasion.
Updates will be posted on social media so keep your eyes peeled for news on this event.
Thank you all in our surfing family who donated and are involved. Please share to all those who would be interested.
Origins
The idea developed after the passing of Mark Trollip and is being spearheaded by the local surfing fraternity. Funds have been received from donors to make this happen and the generosity has been such that they have more than enough for the construction with money left to make an event of it.
All donated funds will be allocated to the construction of a surfers deck and surplus will be used for some prizes, snacks, flowers and cool drinks at the event. Transparency has been emphasized by the organisers who have all details of donated funds and costs available for viewing.
Parents and loved ones of those lost will be welcomed and are invited to attend and all plaques will be displayed on the benches.
