Freediving champ films Sardine Run

BETH Neale, a four-time South African Freediving Champion, African Continental Record Holder for no-fins freediving, and renowned ocean conservationist and filmmaker, headed to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast where she has taken to the water to experience first-hand the Sardine Run.

Beth has captured some never-before-seen footage of the Sardine Run which will soon be released.

“This year’s Sardine Run has been described as one of the biggest in over a decade,” said CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism, Phelisa Mangcu.

“As well as providing food security for so many local fishermen and communities, the Sardine Run is a phenomenal experience to witness from both the beachside and within the ocean. We are so excited to have freediving champion, Beth Neale, on our shores, sharing footage of this incredible oceanic migration which has become synonymous with the KZN South Coast.”

‘Mermaid’ Beth has only just broken her own ‘no fins’ freediving record by diving to 50m in Bermuda last year, featured in Berea Mail, while raising over $20, 000USD (more than R34 000) to teach children ocean conservation and freediving.

An avid ocean lover, adventure-seeker and passionate conservationist, Beth couldn’t miss the opportunity to experience the planet’s greatest biomass migration.

Using a Gopro camera, drone, and Insta360 360-degree camera, Beth and her team were able to capture a completely unique all-round view of the Sardine Run which will give viewers the chance to experience it from the comfort of home.

ALSO READ: Freediver breaks record while raising funds for ocean conservation

“What an incredible feeling to freedive into millions of sardines!” she said of the recent diving adventure.

“I feel so fortunate, as most people only get to see the sardines as they are hauled onshore in nets, sold in crates on the roadside, or even in a can. Underwater, you get to see these fish in their true glory, shimmering with iridescence as they move, mesmerisingly, together as if one massive organism. Once you penetrate the top layer, they realign above you, blocking out the sun so everything goes dark. It’s quite intimidating!”

She said that, alongside the masses of sardines, she got to experience swimming with some of the apex predators taking advantage of the wealth of food on offer:

“There were hundreds of sharks swimming through the shoal, feeding, and they nearly bump into you as they fly by. Luckily, they only have one thing on their minds – sardine snacks!”

The annual Sardine Run attracts local and international attention, having featured on wildlife documentaries across the globe. Beth described it as ‘a bucket list item for international travellers and film crews – and for locals too!’.

“My hope is that, through my content, others will be inspired to travel to our coasts and experience the beauty of our oceans,” she continued.

“As a filmmaker, my mission since lockdown has been to document the impact of the pandemic on coastal communities and inspire others to get back to nature as lockdown restrictions lift.”

Beth will also be shooting footage of the Marine Protected Area and world renowned diving site, Aliwal Shoal, hoping to capture more shots of indigenous shark species and their activities. To follow Beth?s adventures, follow @onebreathbeth on Instagram or visit www.aquasouls.com.

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.