An auction of surfboard art in aid of ocean charities, held during the Wavescape Surf and Ocean Festival, raised R354 000, says festival director Shani Judes.
The festival, now in its 20th year, was held from Friday March 1 to Thursday March 14 and included open-air film screenings in Kirstenbosch and Scarborough, beach clean-ups, a queer surf session, and the Wesgro Ocean Film Symposium.
Comedian Nik Rabinowitz led the Wavescape Artboard Auction at a Diep River taproom, on Wednesday March 6.
Ms Judes said they expected to pay more than half of the auction’s proceeds to the charities – including the NSRI, 9Miles Project, Beach Co-op, Shark Spotters and Ocean Pledge – after deducting all expenses.
Since 2004, Wavescape, an ocean conservation organisation, has collaborated with South African artists who turn surfboards into pieces of art.
“Our ocean charity auction has raised close to R7 million over the years. We have helped fund NSRI vessels and helped the Shark Spotters keep surfers and sharks in mostly harmonious cohabitation,“ said Ms Judes.
This year, shaper Anton Butler, selected as one of the artists, produced the 10 boards, which are 6′ 10″ hybrid twin fins.
Meghan and Ross McCulloch, owners of the brewery and taproom hosting the event, have supported Wavescape for over 12 years, and they successfully bid on a surfboard during the auction.
“Surfing isn’t just a hobby for us – it’s a way of life. My husband, Ross, shapes surfboards, and our family, including our kids, are all passionate about it. So supporting causes like Wavescape, which align with our love for the sea and ocean conservation, is essential,“ said Ms McCulloch.
According to her, when they saw Kabelo Moraloki’s board, Nkululeko, there was an instant connection.
The board portrays a black boy with a radiant smile reflecting dreams of liberation, as described by Mr Moraloki.
“His resilient skin tone and subtle facial lines convey a story of struggle and determination. The title, meaning freedom, embodies generations longing for liberation, a hope echoed in the boy’s smile,“ he said.
Ms McCulloch said: “The emotional aspects of the artwork really struck a chord with both me and Ross, especially considering it’s a portrait… We are so proud to have this board be part of our limited edition. Kabelo has a very bright future ahead.”
