Being able to dash into the waves and walk along the beach is something many able-bodied people take for granted.
And we complain when the water is cold.
Well, that’s about to change at Plettenberg Bay’s famous Central Beach.
Moby’s Restaurant general manager, Willow Mullins, and Dolphin Adventures co-owner Kira Primo, are determined that everyone, including those in wheelchairs, are able to enjoy the ocean.
To this end, they are working on a special project — the Mobi Mat — which is set to open up the beach and surf to people who are unable to access it due to their disabilities.
And they’ve just received the green light from the Bitou Municipality.
Mullins and Primo, whose businesses are situated at Central Beach, have seen tourists venture to their small town for many summers.
But, as the beaches fill up, another truth becomes apparent — not everyone can enjoy these natural pleasures in the same way, if at all.
“Spending so much time on the beach with my kids, who love to surf and play, I’ve often noticed how people with disabilities struggle to access the ocean or even the sand.
“It made me realise that everyone deserves the joy of a beach day,” Primo said.
Mullins said: “I was sitting in the beer garden at Moby’s when I saw a family struggling to get their daughter, who was in a wheelchair, onto the sand.
“That moment made it clear to me how much more we need to do to make our beaches accessible.”
And they are now on a mission to give everyone a chance to enjoy a beach day at Plett’s Central Beach through their Mobi Mat project.
“A Mobi Mat is a portable, non-slip pathway made from recycled materials that makes the beach accessible for everyone, especially those with mobility challenges.
“Picture a smooth, stable surface that allows wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers to easily make their way from the parking area to the water’s edge.
“It’s about creating a welcoming beach experience for all and we are so excited about it,” Mullins said.
They are planning to install the Mobi Mat just off the ramp between Dolphin Adventures and Moby’s, in front of the kiosk at Central Beach.
“The thought of people who’ve always wanted to feel the sand between their toes finally being able to do so brings us so much joy,” Primo said.
“Our incredible teams at Moby’s, our lifeguards, and Dolphin Adventures have all committed to keeping the Mobi Mat in top condition, with daily checks and necessary repairs.
“We’re also grateful to Rob Bokelmann, the organiser of the Plett Dinner Clubs, who has generously offered to help with the transportation costs of the mat from France to South Africa through a fundraiser.”
But for this to happen, funds still need to be raised and the organisers are appealing for help.
“The Mobi Mat costs R114,670 to manufacture, and while we have some interest from sponsors, we can’t cover the full amount on our own.
“If you’d like to contribute, whether in a big or small way, please reach out.
“For those who donate a significant sum, there’s an opportunity to have your branding on the sign board for the Mobi Mat, making your contribution visible to all who visit the beach.
“Every bit helps us move closer to making this a reality.”
The Mobi Mat is not only a doorway to accessibility, the project will also champion environmental values as the mat is made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable.
“Using recycled materials was an important factor for us,” Promo said.
“We want to promote inclusivity while staying true to sustainable practices.”
So far, R15,450 has been raised over 21 days for the Mobi Mat project, which will cost R250,000 in total.
Mullins said other countries where the mat was used at beaches included Australia, Spain, the UK, US, Greece, Italy, Japan, France, Germany, and even Finland.
Plett will follow on the heels of the first Mobi Mat in SA at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town, which was installed there on International Wheelchair Day on March 1 2020.
Mullins and Primo are hoping the Plett Mobi Mat can stay out permanently and only be brought in when there are severe storm warnings.
They are also going to include two aqua chairs as part of the project so that the disabled can also immerse themselves in those wonderful waves, and stay safe.
For details on how to help, email marketing@kiraprimo.co.za or call Mullins on 063-693-3497 or Primo on 081-270-1978.
Stop press: Don’t forget the kite festival in Sedgefield this weekend.
The eighth edition of the marvellous RE/MAX Garden Route Kite Festival will be held on Sunday at Scarab Village, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Nonprofit organisation Masithandane is the organiser and also beneficiary of the proceeds that will be raised through the event.
Masithandane, which has been in existence since 2006, is headed by Jacky Weaver.
The NPO provides vital services in Sedgefield, including caring for the poor, the sick, and terminally ill with the Hug (House Under Grace) respite centre.
Over the years, Masithandane has provided food security for thousands, catered for early childhood development and literacy and taught life skills to the members of the community so they can find work.
It’s also a vital conduit to soup kitchens, while meals are served at the centre daily.
About 3,500 people attended the first kite festival, but numbers this year are expected to trump this.
An internationally-renowned kite-maker from England and his wife — Karl and Sara Longbottom — will be participating.
Pieter, Leonie and son Xavier Binsbergen from Gqeberha will be flying their stuff for the eighth time.
They fly big 3D inflatables, as well as artistic stick-kites made by Pieter, and collectable kites from kite-makers around the world.
Mari Ware-Lane, from Cape Town, will be at the festival again for the third time. She also flies her kites in India and Bulgaria.
Her speciality is large 3D inflatable kites, notably a 10m pink panther and a 20m teddy bear, among other kites.
Jacques Fourie, from Pretoria, has flown his kites in India, and has a massive collection of both 3D inflatables and stick-kites.
Keith Mould has been part of the organising team of the Cape Town Kite Festival for 12 years.
He’s a legendary kiter, having attended 49 festivals all over the world and he is hoping to fly his arch of 120 kites joined together, wind permitting this weekend.
