DEVELOPMENT NEWS & EVENT’S

BOAT ANGLING SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM KICKS OFF

The South African Light Tackle Boat Angling Association (SALTBAA) got their development program in the Southern Cape under way on 29 October 2011 using the MBYBC as basis for the presentation of the theoretical as well as practical sessions.

The first module was attended by sixteen pupils ageing between 12 and 14 years and it is the intention to increase this number to 20 – adding a few pupils from the Point High School as from 05/11/2011.

Mr. Paul Kemp, Rear-Commodore of Boating at the club welcomed all on behalf of the club and also extended a special word of welcome to the SALTBAA and Southern Cape Light Tackle Boat (SCLTB) officials who will be on board till finalization of the program which will run for five weeks.

During the program pupils are taught the basic principles of , inter alia, Safety, fishing at sea, on estuaries and inland waters, radio operation, boat launching, club rules – do’s and don’ts, Trace rigging for sea, estuary and inland water angling, knots and first aid, just to name a few. Once the pupils have completed the course they will be fully equipped to angle with 4kg line strength!

During the program each pupil will be provided with rods and reels and a fully stocked tackle box for the duration of the course as well as Development team T-shirts.

On completion of the course a development tournament will take place and teams will fish against one another for honors. Any boat owner who wishes to assist in the competition can contact Frans (073 257 9628) or Martin on 082 450 7049.

The teams that come out tops will be draughted into the Southern Cape LTB league fixtures and will be eligible for provincial selection on merit to participate in the National Championships. If successful here and all criteria is met, National Colors and International participation is guaranteed in future seasons to come.

After completion, a prize giving evening is also planned.

This program is of such a nature that only continuous participation will ensure success. The hard mileage put into the program at present and the results emanating from it will only be evident at the 2013 Nationals in Port Elizabeth where, if successful at Provincial level, the groomed talent will come to the front.

It is the first time that such a program is launched by the Light Tackle Boat facet in South Africa and least to say, will serve as a benchmark for other provinces that follow suit in the future.

A special word of thanks must go to Mr. Joey Daniels and Deon Prinsloo (Ridgeview Primary School) who without any hesitation embraced the program on presentation.

Also thanks to the SCLTB team consisting of Willie Freund, Martin Kritzinger, George Templeton, Gordon Phillipson and Marcel du Plessis who unselfishly has committed themselves to the education of school pupils in LTB Angling Facet.

Frans van Zyl

PRO, DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING

SALTBAA

On Saturday, 5th November 2011 a enthusiastic group of pupils, who form part of the Development Team of the South African Light Tackle Boat Angling Association (SALTBAA) came together at the NSRI station in Mossel Bay for the curriculum that handles specifically with all boat safety related aspects.

Mr. Andrè Frazer of the NSRI, who stood in for Mr. Dawie Zwiegelaar, (Station Commander) unselfishly committed himself to the task from the word go and mesmerized the group of young prospective LTB anglers with his vast knowledge and exceptional gift to carry over his knowledge to them.

The presentation was opened by the PRO of SALTBAA and the first item on the agenda was to present each pupil with his/her unique development shirt. After everyone changed into their new gear Andrè started the morning’s activities with a documentary film on safety and the importance thereof on vessels and at sea, rivers, estuaries and inland waters.

During this presentation pupils were taught, inter alia, the donning of life jackets, basic use of safety equipment, flares, radio usage, i.e. 29MHz and VHF operation, basic first aid measures and usage of anchors but to name a few.

Pupils also concentrated on the physical aspects of boat handling and it was with great interest that they boarded the NSRI vessels. For some it was the first time that they experienced the feeling of been on board a ship.

The presentation of the Module lasted for four hours with fifteen minute intervals on the hour.

The mornings events was rounded of by watching films based on actual situations that become unsafe as weather and tides change, the consequences of such events taking place and what measures should be taken to prevent it. A very informative film demonstrating the artificial breathing techniques was also shown.

SALTBAA would like to extend a special word of thanks to the NSRI for making this day an unforgettable one and one of immeasurable importance in assisting us with the Development of the prospective LTB anglers. Also to the Galley Restaurant and Floris Transport Services – thank you for being on time!

Safety Officers who have been fully accredited by SAMSA to survey LTB vessels from category R to B also attended the course and assisted where they were needed. They are Willie Freund (082 771 4972), Martin Kritzinger (082 450 7049), Marcel du Plessis (082 953 9314) and Frans van Zyl (073 257 9628). Other LTB Safety Officers also rendering this service on behalf of SALTBAA are Gerrie Barnard (083 412 8474) of Knysna and Kabous Oosthuizen (083 380 1357) of Mossel Bay.