SAKFA - South African Kayak Fishing Association    (SAKFA.co.za)                                                          

We have finally got our own recognised association, now the really hard work begins...

After so much confusion and the clear as mud detail that was available to Fishing ski owners we are finally on the right track... well I think so anyway. Keith Hockley and Mick Clarke have tackled all the red tape with a decent pair of scissors and today we find ourselves with our own association. SAKFA was formed to rather protect the sport and it's true spirited angler from future imposed regulations, than to become a watch dog over the sport we all love.

We are still in the early days, the ground work has been done and now it is time to start implementing all the procedures.... SAKFA falls directly under SAFSA the South African Federation of Sea Anglers a huge federation which includes the likes of SADSAA..

We have Safety requirements, Development programmes, Tournaments and many other things to put in place to come in line with the guide lines we have been given. Most of the manufacturers are on board and they will soon be able to offer new and old anglers details of SAKFA requirements when they purchase or repair their ski's.

At present the SAKFA committee is made up as follows:

Chairman: Dudley: Boswell - Ballito

Vice-Chairman: Mick Clarke - Scottburgh

Secretary: Peter van Wijk - Salt Rock

Treasurer: Keith Hockly - Umdloti

Safety Officer: Pete Theunissen - Port Shepstone

Tournaments Officer: Anton Hawkes - Pennington

Development Officer: Brett Challenor - Umgeni.

This is the original committee that was voted in in 2008 and is subject to change in 2009.

How to join SAKFA ....the best way to join SAKFA is through a club, at present there are several clubs that are affiliated or are in the process of affiliating to SAKFA.... Zululand, Anstey's, Umgeni, Mtunzini, Umdoni, Winklespruit, Port Shepstone, Scottburgh, Ballito, Mtwalume and Pennington

If you are a member of a club or would like to start your own club please let me know and I'll help point you in the right direction.... This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   SAKFA is busy putting together a leaflet that will be available at all manufacturers and fishing tackle shops, it'll have details of how to join and all the other relevent details needed.

SAKFA Safety Requirements... each club has been allocated a SAKFA number, on joining the club you will be given a number for your ski. Each club has a KF number with the clubs initials following... Pennington's number is KFPN, Scottburgh is KFSC, Umgeni is KFUG and so on and so on... you number will follow so if you are a member of Pennington your number could be KFPN 78. To get this number your ski will have to undergo a safety inspection done by the club's safety officer... The Club has the right to have extra safety gear but the SAKFA minimum consists of the following:

An approved Bouyancy Aid- appropriate size for person using the craft.

750ml Drinking Water

Unexpired pencil flare set (min 6 flares)

10m Suitable Tow rope

Bailing device

Bouyancy certificate from the Manufacturer

Many Clubs have added to this list and recommend the carrying of a cell phone, droge anchor, small first aid kit etc.

Each year your ski will have to undergo a safety inspection and from next year an annual safety inspection disk will be given to you by your club to show that you have met the safety standards for that particular year....

SAKFA fees... The SAKFA joining fee for 2009 is R75 for the year this will be reviewed at the end of the financial year, being 31 January2010. The R75 is paid to your club and then forwarded on to SAKFA where you membership and your SAKFA number will be recorded.

What we need to understand is that SAKFA is but a mere embryo in the life-cycle of an Association so a lot of the structures are still being put into place... I would say that by the end of the year SAKFA will be a well oiled machine and ready for the challenges ahead. SAKFA hopes to become a voice for all Fishing Ski members....

I will update you on the progress of SAKFA as it happens

 Cheers Anton