Toti to Pipeline Beach Swim for Beach Access

Swimming from Amanzimtoti to Pipeline Beach for Beach Wheelchairs

Two legends in South Africa’s Adaptive Surfing scene, Big Wave Surfer from Cape Town Donovan Kanes who has one leg and Adaptive Surfing coach Wesley Smith who hails from KZN, have joined forces to raise funds for beach wheelchairs and awareness about beach accessibility. The campaign will be hosted by a professional sports commentator in the making, 14-year-old quadriplegic Reece Smith, who they are also assisting with a fundraising campaign for his Youtube Channel “Rolling With Reece”. 

The intrepid two will be swimming 3km from Amanzimtoti Beach to Pipeline Beach and have selected a one week waiting period from 19 - 26 March to ensure that the sea state is perfect for a memorable swim. The swim is being coordinated by Wesley in partnership with the Amanzimtoti Beach Manager Jace Govender and lifeguards who will be manning the safety boat. They will be joined by fellow surfers and supporters in what will no doubt be a flotilla of cheer as they brave the deep sea.

Access for the differently-abled, elderly and temporarily injured to the ocean is the first part of this initiative. There are at present two beach wheelchairs in Amanzimtoti but they both need repairs that will cost R15 000. They would also like to purchase a new one that costs R65 000 including importation. They are also seeking to kit Reece out with the equipment he needs to produce content for his YouTube channel including an iPhone, tripod, internet access, lighting, camera and editing software. They have already had an iPhone and internet donated, the value of the remaining equipment required is R53 000.

Reece is a lifelong Liverpool fan and has at a young age already grabbed the attention of professionals in the sports broadcasting industry. His knowledge of sports and his passion for stats and interesting facts keeps the fans immersed in the game. He has not let that he is differently-abled hold him back from striving towards the lofty goal of being the first born-quadriplegic international sports commentator. 

Donovan Kanes lost his leg while in the Navy working as a Navy Diver. He is thought to be part fish and has on a few occasions rescued people who found themselves in trouble at his home reef of Kalk Bay. It is quite a sight to witness a one-legged man rescue someone who has a surfboard. Donovan's flights to Durban have been sponsored by another Kalk Bay legend, Tony White, the owner of The Brass Bell.

With a lifelong love of the sea coupled with a heart of gold, Wesley Smith has a long history with adaptive surfing in South Africa. His passion for sharing the ocean with all and teaching differently-abled persons how to surf led to the development of an adaptive surfing programme in South Africa with our athletes now competing internationally. Father to Reece, this powerhouse of social good has a deep understanding of what it means to be differently-abled and has put this project together.

The aim of Wheels on Waves is to attract permanent sponsorship and management of beach wheelchairs nationwide. The wheelchairs are currently not manufactured in South Africa but are available through local suppliers from whom the costings were attained. 

Funds will be split between the two beneficiaries until we reach R106 000, thereafter all funds go to Wheels on Waves. If the hardware that Rolling with Reece requires is donated the money will all go to Wheels on Waves. Additional funds raised will be put towards launching Wheels on Waves on more beaches! Our target for this campaign is R150,860. We have a detailed breakdown of the funding requirements available if you would like to sponsor a particular part of the campaign.

You can donate here: https://www.quicket.co.za/fundraisers/166902-toti-to-pipeline-beach-swim-for-beach-access.

Or contact Project Coordinator Wesley Smith on 082 802 1349 / [email protected] if you would like to get involved or donate/sponsor directly. 

Media enquires:

Dylan James 066 206 2109 / [email protected]