Following the enormous success of last year’s “Surf’s Up” reading by local surfer-authors-poets, we’re returning with another fabulous line-up of surf literature the first Tuesday evening in June. We’ll be launching the re-issue of Byron Loker’s short story collection, New Swell, and getting a teaser taste of his brand-new collection, Heavy Water. Both are published by Karavan Press. Byron is one of “Nature’s gentlemen”, a surfer who never drops in and shares not only the backline, but the limelight. He asked if others could get on board too, so……
Check out our line-up
The rumours that Robin Auld will be there to sing us a few songs are growing louder and stronger! And it looks like Edger Phiri from Project Noordhoeked will also sing for us. He’s one of the guys who collects plastic waste off our beautiful beach, so come meet this local hero.
Tammy Shefer, Viv Bozalek, Nike Romano and friends will be introducing their new project to us: Hydrofeminist Thinking With Oceans. I had to look up “hydrofeminist” (and I’m a feminist myself), but among other things, it’s a way of thinking that recognises our disconnect from the living, breathing bodies of water that make our existence on this planet possible. It addresses that “break” with stories, ideas for action, and by reconnecting with the wisdom of our elders. Karen Graaff will read from her chapter on surfing, and we’ll hear a reading of the famous poem “Ocean Home” by Toni Stuart and friends from the Beach Co-op.
Other guests may paddle out on the night (there’s a good chance of updates from last year’s readers Glen Thompson and Missy Volker). I think that’s enough warm bodies to take the heat off Byron.
World Ocean Month
This event once again coincides with World Ocean Month, and a particularly beautiful exhibition with the theme “Aqua” at the gallery. Our local artists have outdone themselves: the walls are hung with exquisite works (and so many shades of blue) that celebrate the miracle oceans that we’re lucky enough to have in our backyard. Even if you can’t make it on the night, drop in (this time it’s allowed) to see the art — plus we have a small but excellent collection of books that feature surfing, oceans and other marine matters on sale.
Thanks to our Dawn Patrol Wines for sponsoring this event!
Our grateful thanks to Dawn Patrol Wines right here in Kommetjie (support local, everyone). Here’s an excerpt from their website:
Dawn Patrol Wines is dedicated to protecting the ocean environment: from the marine wildlife beneath its waves, to the pristine beaches lapped by its tides. “Dawn Patrol” is a tradition that sees surfers getting up before sunrise to search the coast(s) for the perfect swell. Being in the backline as the sun comes up is hard to explain. For surfers, the stoke of the “dawnie” is sacred. It has the power to inspire and uplift.
But if we don’t take care of our oceans, we lose this source of upliftment and all that the marine environment contains.
Date and Time
Please join us at the gallery on 4 June, 5.30 for 6. Entrance is free, but PLEASE RSVP by 1 June at the latest. Otherwise we run the risk *gasp* of running out of wine. Small snacks provided. See here for our accessibility notes.
PS: Sorry/not sorry for all the bad surfing puns.