Stilbaai

Our annual family holiday was spent at Stilbaai (Still Bay), a charming seaside village on the Garden Route.  It is situated along the banks of the Goukou River.  Although we go to Stilbaai to relax and soak up the sun, there are so many things to do that it is rarely quiet at Still Bay.

 

 

Stilbaai is the perfect holiday destination where, thanks to the shallow bay, the clean sandy beaches, (of which “Lappiesbaai” has Blue Flag status during the Dec – Jan holiday season) the lagoon and the 15 kilometres long navigable Goukou river, every kind of water-related activity can be undertaken: swimming, sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, angling, walking, sailing, canoeing, boating and waterskiing.

 

 

The annual Touchies Rugby Tournament (Touch rugby, Refers to games derived from rugby football in which players do not tackle in the traditional, highly physical way, but instead touch their opponents using their hands on any part of the body, clothing, or the ball.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touch_rugby) tours our coast line from Muizenberg, Strand, Hermanus, Struisbaai, Stilbaai, Mossel Bay and Hartenbos and is a highlight in Stilbaai on 26 December  when an estimated 80 teams play on the beach along the Goukou River. Thousands of people flock to Stilbaai to support the teams.

 

The Trans Agulhas Inflatable Boat Race has been talking place since 1988. On 29 December day 2 of the race takes place from Santos Beach, Mossel Bay to Stilbaai. They arrived during the morning and later in the afternoon they participate in Surf Racing. This exciting event attracts people to the beach to watch the boats navigate a course in the shallow waters of the surf.  “Ooohs and aaahs” are heard from the crowd as the boats fly out of the water as they manoeuvre through the waves.

 

 

New Years Eve also has a tradition in Stilbaai. During the evening people flock to the beaches – West Beach for the more mature group, East for the younger crowd. At midnight a beautiful firework display is launched and it is like a battle of sorts when East tries to outdo West in the magnificent display of light.

 

We wish all our friends, family, guests and prospective guests a wonderful 2012. May South Africa be part of your holiday planning this year!

 

Frans and Liana Venter

 

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