Offering a fun experience in a safe environment has always been our priority at Stoked School of Surf. During this time of COVID-19, we have introduced additional health and safety operational procedures to ensure the safety of our staff and clients at all times. We have spent time consulting business owners from surf school operations around the globe in countries where surf schools are currently open for business again after their respective lockdowns, and along with their guidance formulated our own set of protocols suited to our business. When beaches are open and we are legally allowed to operate again, we will be following these protocols below along with the updated government guidelines for leisure activities (these are updated regularly):

1. Screening prior to attendance:

Contactless temperature readings will be taking place at the beach. No one with a temperature of higher than 37.5 deg Celcius will be permitted to take part.

Clients (and staff) will be requested stay home if they have a fever or flu-like symptoms. See our T’s and C’s should this be the case.

2. Online Indemnity:

Indemnity forms to be completed online prior to the lesson. 

3. Contactless Payment Methods:

All payment to be done upfront online via our website, payment gateway (PayGate) or via EFT. Cash payments are NOT encouraged.

4. Contact Tracing:

All records of customer/staff interactions will be kept to enable accurate contact tracing if required.

5. Check in, personal hygiene and PPE:

Participants are encouraged to arrive at check-in already wearing their swimwear to avoid the use of public communal change rooms. Upon meeting your coach at check-in, participants will have their temperature checked and be requested to sanitize their hands with the sanitizer provided. Face masks to be worn upon check-in and during gear allocation. If participants are not in possession of a facemask, they can be purchased from us at the beach for R60 each. On busy days, we will ensure a staggered check-in process to ensure minimal interaction between different groups of participants. Participants are to bring their own towels, sunscreen and waterbottles. Sharing of such personal items is discouraged. Participants and staff are discouraged to not emit any nasal and respiratory secretions on land or in the water where possible.

6. Gear allocation:

Gear will be packed out and arranged per participant according to the sizing given to us upon booking. The gear participants are allocated at the start, remains their gear for the entirety of the surf/SUP experience. Gear may not be shared/swopped with other participants. Rashvests WILL NOT be used at this time, since these need to be fitted over the face. Only surf school wetsuits that zip up from the back will be allowed to be used.

7. Social distancing:

We encourage participants to book private lessons for family/friends from the same household. We will ensure social distancing is maintained throughout the lesson between participants and staff. Group sizes will be kept to a maximum of 5 participants per coach. Fortunately, surfing and SUPing by nature, is a sport where social distancing needs to be followed to ensure safety in the water. During our land session, your coach will advise on seating/standing arrangements to ensure the spatial regulations are met. These distancing guidelines will also be adhered to in the water.

8. Post- surf socialising:

Whilst under normal circumstances, hanging out after a surf/SUP session is very much a part of the Stoked School of Surf experience, we will unfortunately not encourage this during this time. Once gear is returned, clients will be greeted and staff will leave the beach asap for Head Quarters. 

9. Gear return after the session:

Upon completion of the surf/SUP experience, clients will be required to return their used gear directly to the allocated gearboxes themselves i.e. staff may not handle used wetsuits at the beach.

10. Cleaning/Disinfecting:

All equipment is thoroughly cleaned/disinfected after each use to remove any possible harmful germs before and after each use/hire. Staff will use PPE during this process to avoid any possible direct contact with used gear. Wetsuits will be hung up in the sunshine to dry when possible.

The ocean and it’s negative ions, sunshine and salt is SO GOOD for you. Please join us for a healthy dose of Vitamin D and Vitamin Sea and enjoy one of our Locals Lockdown Deals as a couple, family or group of friends when regulations allow us to operate again. 

If you are looking to keep yourself busy after you enjoyed your stoked surfing lessons, Blouberg is truly the place to explore, filled with exciting and exhilarating activities. 

Whether you’re a tourist or a local from Cape Town and want to continue having fun in the magnificent Mother City, then make your way to Blouberg and enjoy the amazing views and activities that await you.

Get to Know Blouberg a Bit

Did you know that Robben Island is situated approximately 7 km off the coastline from Bloubergstrand? This famous location is where South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, was imprisoned for 27 years fighting for freedom for his fellow South- Africans. The island is also known as one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa and is one of South Africa’s National Heritage Sites.  

That’s not all, Blouberg is well-known for its restaurants and fun activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Take part in activities like kite surfing, Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP), and Paramotoring for those explorers that like to have fun in the water. 

For the more relaxed and romantic type, Blouberg serves the most beautiful sunsets and scenery for beach-walks with your partner. There are unending ocean views to gaze over and reminisce with your loved ones or you can watch the waves break into the rocks, whilst enjoying FrozenYO from the Famous Yoghurt Truck on the Blouberg Shoreline. 

Blouberg also brings shopping convenience to your doorstep with places like Eden On the Bay Mall, the shopping centre that seems to have it all. Here you can find 14 different boutiques, health and beauty places, restaurants and café, picnic spots, and coffee shops. The mall is also pet-friendly so you may bring your furry friends along for a day out and about.  

Let’s have a look at the surrounding places in and around Blouberg that can keep your wild and adventurous spirit happy.

Places to Visit in Blouberg

Blouberg is as magical as its surroundings, located on the shores of Table View, this picture-perfect landmark is surrounded by the most popular suburbs in Cape Town. 

Here is a break-down of the nearby places and what you can do in and around the area. 

Food

Ons Huisie

One of Cape Town’s top-rated restaurants, Ons Huisie (Our Small Home) is a popular eatery located in Bloubergstrand and offers an ocean view while having breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ons Huisie is also an internationally recognised heritage site. The restaurant is pet friendly, provides traditional West Coast cuisine, and provides an amazing view of Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean.

Blue Peter

The Lighthouse restaurant (more commonly known as Blue Peter), the restaurant/hotel is a must-visit for something to eat and drink in Blouberg. 

On the lower deck, the establishment has a pub-style, relaxed atmosphere, whereas the top has a more classic atmosphere to really wine and dine.

Shopping & Other Entertainment

Bayside Mall

If you’re a bit tired of being out and about in the sun, Bayside Mall is a great option to visit. Located in the heart of Blouberg, the  Bayside Mall offers a variety of services and entertainment including clothing stores, restaurants, cafés, eight cinemas, and a food court.

You’ll also be able to stock up on healthy requirements at specialised shops or spoil yourself (or a loved one) at the mall’s jewellery stores.

Killarney Motor Racing Complex

If you want more of an adrenaline rush after you have finished your stoked surfing lesson, then Killarney Motor Racing Complex must be included on your to-do list. 

Grab a few friends and race around on Killarney’s race track in a Formula One car. If that is not enough, you get training experience to upskill yourself and have a head-to-head race with your personalised number plate against others. 

Here you can watch races including stock cars, drag racing, karting, super motards, and motocross.

Studio 46

More of the artsy type? Then you’ll love Studio 46. Here you can expect to find an exhibition of work done by local artists including painters, crafters, sculptures, photographers, and jewellery designers. 

Beach Side

Dolphin Beach

Located in Table View, Blouberg, Dolphin Beach is about 20 minutes away from the city centre. The beach is a popular hangout because of its wind conditions that are perfect for watersports like kite surfing.

Dolphin beach also offers a breathtaking view of Table Mountain, so remember to have your camera on hand when exploring the area.

Big Bay & Little Bay

Big Bay Beach is divided into two beaches, Big Bay and Little Bay, by a rocky point. The beach is mostly known for its awesome watersports fun including surfing, wind-surfing, and kite surfing, attracting hundreds of people from all over. The area constantly hosts annual competitions where men and women from the watersports community participate for excited spectators.

When you’re on the beach, you have plenty of room to explore the stretches of sand as well as a beautiful view of Table Mountain. As you already know, the water at Big Bay is chilly but remains a hotspot for creating great memories with friends, family, and partners.

The beachfront is filled with a variety of dining options and shops where you’ll be able to wine and dine with a spectacular Cape Town sunset.

Some popular places include:

• Moyo – Popular for its amazing cocktails and artsy face painting.

• Eden on the Bay – This is another popular spot located within Big Bay filled with lovely restaurants (including Moyo), Eden Café Restaurant (great for a quick brunch), and Primi (perfect if you love pizza or pasta).

• The Big Bay Waffle Company– Here you’ll find the best Belgian waffles in SA.

Nature

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve

A nature lover? The Blaauweberg Nature Reserve (BBNR)is a great place to explore Cape Town’s beautiful natural elements as well as other historical and cultural sights.

The nature reserve’s vision is to protect the unique diversity of the natural, cultural, historical resources available in the area to ensure present and future generations are able to enjoy it as well.

SANCCOB Seabird Rehabilitation Centre

The Seabird Rehabilitation Centre is a non-profit organisation whose main focus is to help ensure there isn’t a decline in Africa’s seabird populations. They rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured, oiled, and abandoned seabirds, including the endangered African penguin.
 

Blouberg with its surroundings is filled with various activities and sights that can keep the entire family busy and entertained. You can have loads of fun after you stoked surfing experience anywhere in Blouberg. 

Learn to Surf

Come and share our passion for surfing by booking your surf lesson (or surf camp) with Stoked School of Surf. We’ll ensure you know your way around the board and the beautiful Cape Town waters. Get in touch to book your lesson or browse our blog to read up on surfing!

As you’re already pumped to get started with your first (or maybe 10th surf lesson), you can easily forget to do some warm up exercises to ensure your body is primed and ready for the action to come. 

Warming up before you get on your surfboard is crucial for preventing your risk of injury, as well as improving your performance on your board.

Importance and Benefits of Warming Up

There are a few benefits of warming up before any type of physical activity, such as:

Improved Performance

During exercise, the blood flow to your muscles increases by 75%. This ensures the capillaries (or blood vessels) open up, allowing your muscles’ temperature top increase. As a result, more oxygen is released which will help you perform better on your board.

Improved Oxygen

When you are working out or taking part in any physically demanding activity, your muscles require oxygen. When you’re warming up, the oxygen is released more easily.

Improved Blood Flow

When you warm up for about ten minutes, your blood vessels open up, this will help put less stress on your heart.

Increase Muscle Contraction

During a warm up, your body’s temperature rises which helps improve nerve transmission and your muscle metabolism, which results in better performance.

Preventing Injury

Warm muscles contract and release better, reducing your risk of injury. 

Hormones

During a warm up, your body produces more hormones, like cortisol, which helps regulate your body’s energy production.

Focus Your Thoughts

During the warm up, your mind will start to focus more on the activity at hand, thus ensuring you’re focused when you’re ready to start with your surf lesson.

Dynamic Warm up

Dynamic warm ups are a great way to effectively warm up your muscles and are usually better than static stretching. With dynamic stretching, you stretch through a range of motion.

At Stoked, our surf instructors incorporate a few dynamic stretches in the warm up.

To start, our learners will do a short jog to get their blood pumping. Then we’ll form a circle and do the following:

• Arm swings

• Leg swings

• Ankle rotations

• Arm stretches

• Jog in one place

• Upper body rotations

• Bodyweight squats

• Neck rolls/stretching

We try to include various warm up exercises to ensure we warm up our bodies from our heads to our toes!

In conclusion, ensuring you properly prepare your body for an intense exercise like surfing, you’ll decrease your chances of obtaining an injury, like pulling a muscle! 

Remember to cool down as well to allow your heart rate to get back to normal. Try walking at a slow pace on the beach or do some static stretches.

Start Surfing

Want to take your first surfing lesson? Our team at Stoked School of Surf will ensure you have an unforgettable surf experience! Get in touch to book your lessons.