We've got the sea and sand here in idyllic Hermanus, but did you know we have See-en-Sand? It's a top-notch experience for the youth in which they explore and learn to respect our beautiful environment and the strength of our waters - as well as how to save lives. This non-profit organisation is the brainchild of an interesting gentleman, Sparks Esterhuysen, who founded See-en-Sand in 1971. He led the build from the ground up, on a rugged and pristine piece of land fringing the Klein River on the outskirts of Voёlklip, where this facility continues to change lives even today.
The energy and enthusiasm of Sparks was clearly passed down to his son Henk Esterhuysen, who is the charismatic face of the organisation today, with fiancée Elisabet Miller manning the behind-the-scenes admin and marketing. Kids can't get enough of Henk's zest for life. He is a big part of the Hermanus community and was at the Walker Bay Pro 2022 as part of the International Body Boarding World Tour, where he operated as an MC and also gave a speech on currents at the young bodyboarders development clinic. The man has a wealth of information on the ocean, as well as being somewhat of a life coach motivating kids to pursue their dreams.
Henk inspires the kids with the wisdom to know that they can do or be anything they want to be as long as they take responsibility for their actions. They need to figure out what they like, disregard peer pressure and follow their heart, then they will find out who their true tribe is and enjoy real happiness. He emphasises that nature is a tool to be used and enjoyed and unlocks a sense of adventure in kids that will allow them to steer clear of all the peer pressures and negative influences that teenagers are faced with. The challenging element of the camp unlocks potential and creates incredible self-confidence in the young folks.
All See-en-Sand camps provide ocean-related training with life-saving techniques (either the basics or training to become a lifeguard). Important life skills are acquired, such as learning how to swim in currents, reading the tides and what influences them, as well as conquering fears with cliff jumps. These daring jumps range from a 3m jump - that's roughly one storey down - to a hair-raising 15m option - 5 storeys is no light feat!
See-en-Sand offers different camps for varying durations. The weekend camps for 13- to 18-year-olds offer a condensed life-saving course. Here teenagers gain ocean experience to safely enter the water with confidence. This is also perfect for those interested in an introduction to lifesaving. They'll learn about the ocean by being thrown into the deep end - but not to worry, the whole experience is controlled under the supervision of qualified lifeguards. Henk has a phenomenal understanding of nature and guides the entire adventure.
For the love of lifeguarding, there's the intensive 7-day lifesaving program. See-en-Sand has trained thousands of lifeguards and saved over 14 000 lives, as well as attending to over 40 000 emergency incidents. They produce top-calibre lifeguards that service our local beaches and pools. The course focuses more in-depth on understanding waves, breakers, currents and tides, identifying safe or dangerous waters, and what to do if someone is caught in a current or injured. This is an amazing option for learners who wish to earn an extra buck lifeguarding over the holidays. Learners must be over the age of 16 to serve as a lifeguard and are also required to be strong swimmers and fit.
See-en-Sand offers school camps with a variety of programmes, and private camps for birthdays, team building or simply a unique getaway with friends. Choose from a wide selection of activities, including basic lifesaving, coastal foraging and seafood preparation, open water swimming, cliff jumping, hiking (including overnight hikes), trail running, cycling, kayaking, bird watching, diving, wild camping, surfing and bodyboarding. They require a minimum of 10 people for private bookings and can comfortably accommodate large groups of up to 50 adults or 100 children at their campsite in Hermanus. There are 10 wooden cabins with spacious decks that overlook the tranquil lagoon.
There's an exciting new addition to their offerings. Something purely for the adults, or should I say kidults? The See-en-Sand Retreats are fun for singles, friends, couples, or families - provided everyone's over 18 so all can indulge in some bubbly. This is a fantastic way to meet new people who love the great outdoors coupled with a sense of adventure. Reset, be caught in the moment, and take in the splendour of Hermanus. You'll learn some nifty skills too, including navigating the ocean, and coastal foraging prior to a delectable seafood dining experience in a serene setting. And the bravehearts can take on the cliff jumping if you feel nimble enough.
Walk in ready for a challenge; walk out confident with renewed grit. In the words of Henk, "Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you!". These camps are a rewarding experience for the kids - as well as for Henk and Elisabet. The next weekend camps take place in early January, and lifesaving courses take place annually in the April and October school holidays. Keep in mind, all camps are seasonal as winter months can get pretty chilly out there. For more information contact 028 314 0252 or email sparks@hermanus.co.za