Ugu South Coast Tourism members, African Dive Adventures and other ocean-fanatic parties invite you to join them and celebrate your love for the ocean, whilst simultaneously supporting shark conservation.

Paddle out for Sharks, now in its fourth year, kicks off at 07:00 on Sunday, 7 June, from the Sonny Evans Small Craft Harbour in Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

Interested parties, families, visitors and colleagues are invited to participate in this highly educational, yet fun, event. Catch a boat ride or jump on a jetski – or would you prefer to surf with one of South Africa’s leading surfers? Join Heather Clark as she leads the paddle out at 07:00 from St Mike's Beach, just south of the Shelly Beach Craft Harbour. 

Clark is the reigning South African Surfing Masters Champ, and is the seven times winner of the South African Open Champs, a multi-time Springbok colours recipient and two times World Masters Champ. 

African Dive Adventures are sponsoring a coffee station to get you on your way. 

Renowned scuba instructor Karen Tredger will be giving a talk at Shelly Beach on the importance of sharks in our ocean, alongside C-Freaks and other local companies, who will be hosting a group of rural children. And to add to the fun of the day, several highly talented sand sculptors will be present to entertain everyone with their amazing art. NSRI Station 20 will also be present, ensuring everyone’s safety.

Aqua Planet Dive Centre and Charter and Viking Extreme Fishing will also be there – offering ways in which you can get involved. There are a limited number of free boat rides are on offer, however should you want to dive, these will be charged at normal rates. To book your ride, contact Beulah Mauz on 082 456 7885 or email her atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Given the limited space, booking in advance is essential.

So why not treat yourself and spend a glorious morning with nature lovers and support ocean conservation? 

About Paddle out for Sharks 

Paddle out for Sharks, established in 2012 as a community platform, uses the day to draw attention to the plight of sharks and other marine life caught in the KwaZulu-Natal shark nets.

"Our message is a collective stance for improved legislation for the protection of sharks. We want to change the way that people think about sharks, and challenge the discourses around sharks. Fundamental to our movement, is our connection with the ocean - this is why we Paddle Out. Thus it is fitting that we come together on each World Oceans Day," said Olivia Jones, Paddle out for Sharks spokesperson.

The first Paddle Out, held in May 2012, saw over 100 people gathered on dive boats, jet skis and surfboards at the shark nets off Scottburgh.

In 2013, more than 130 conservationists, divers, surfers, scientists, anglers and paddlers celebrated World Oceans Day by paddling out to the shark nets at Scottburgh to highlight the lack of management of sharks as a species and resource in South Africa. In 2014 it grew even more with 13 destinations around the world hosting this amazing event. There will be Paddle Out's in Scottsburgh which is the flagship location of the event. 

For more information, visit the South Coast Tourism website. Alternatively, connect with the even via Facebook.