Best coast An ode to our favourite seaside towns

Amanzimtoti

I like the climate in Amanzimtoti. We don’t really experience winter temperatures and the beach is always there, free to enjoy. Karmen and I have three kids – Liam (10), Zoe (8) and Caleb (7), and a Staffie called Max. We often head to Baggies Beach, the swimming beach at Warner Beach, just south of ’Toti. The tidal pool (pictured) is ideal for children. It’s also one of my favourite places to take photos with my drone.

Even though I had swum in the tidal pool many times, I was surprised to see what it looked like from above. I took this photo with my old drone – a DJI Mavic Pro. I recently upgraded to the Mavic Air 2 and it’s great! Wind is the biggest challenge and that’s the only drawback about flying along our coastline – the wind picks up regularly.

People who live in KZN don’t really swim in the sea in winter – we leave that to the tourists! Sharks? No, I’m not scared of them. I think you have a better chance of winning the lotto than being attacked by a shark.

I grew up in KZN and I’ve spent most of my life here. I moved to Pretoria for nine years in 2005, but came back at the first opportunity. This will always be my home – Amanzimtoti leaves deep tracks in your life.

I’m the manager at Umbogintwini Riggers. Of course, having a job by the sea feels different to being here on holiday, but it’s nice to wake up here on weekends: The pace is slower and calmer.

TIP “Eat