Port Elizabeth’s Shark River

Did you know that the little stream that flows through Happy Valley is called the Shark River? The river valley actually extends up through the old Boet Erasmus Stadium and Forest Hill. Back in the early days of Port Elizabeth the Shark River was one of the town's water sources with the Frames Reservoir being … Continue reading Port Elizabeth’s Shark River →

The pipe at Pipe

Pipe at Pollok each is probably Port Elizabeth's best known and most popular surf spot. But have you eve wondered where Pipe got it's name from? The perfect barrel (like a pipe) to surf? Piping hot waves? Waves piping in one after another? (Is there even a saying like that?) Nope, it's very simple. There … Continue reading The pipe at Pipe →

Kings Beach and Fence surf spot

I wonder how many PE people have ever walked all the way down Kings Beach right up to the harbour wall. I did it a little while ago on a beautiful day and took this picture looking back along the beach from on top of the wall.Right next to the harbour wall is a surf … Continue reading Kings Beach and Fence surf spot →

Where did Pollok Beach get its name?

Have you ever wondered where Pollok Beach got its name from? For a start, it is supposed to be spelled Pollok without the "c" so it definitely wasn't named after Graham Pollock. I found the source of the name on the Millers Local blog. Pollok Beach was named after the Pollok Hotel that used to stand where the present Summerseas is … Continue reading Where did Pollok Beach get its name? →

Denville’s

The little beach on the south side of the McArthur Swimming pool complex is generally part of Kings Beach, but amongst the local surfing community its known as Denville's. The name came from a couple of guys, Dennis Buchman and Neville Mandy, that used to surf here around the 60's. Its still a favourite surfing spot, … Continue reading Denville’s →

Jellyfish at Fence

The surf spot at Kings Beach next to the harbour wall is called fence. Apparently years ago when there wasn't as much sand against the wall the place used to cook as a surf spot. Today its but a shadow of its former self. So where does the name come from? There was a big fence … Continue reading Jellyfish at Fence →

Shark River Lily

Not everybody likes arum lilies but I have a special fondness for them, specially when they grow wild somewhere in nature. I found this one growing along the Shark River in Happy Valley.

Polok Beach

When we were small we spent many Sundays splashing in the natural "tidal pool" behind the big rock at Pollok Beach and passing there the other day it seems that not much has changed. We may have grown up, but another generation of kids now swim there. I've never been very sure where the name … Continue reading Polok Beach →

Denville’s Surf Spot

Millerslocal is a fantastic website for all surf related aspects of Port Elizabeth and, although I've never surfed in my life, I often pop over to have a look at some of the surf pics the guys post on there. Not to long ago they had a couple of posts on where Port Elizabeth's surf spots … Continue reading Denville’s Surf Spot →