Our Staff: Mariska Breytenbach

With national qualifications in Therapeutic Reflexology (2007) and Therapeutic Massage (2008) through the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies, Mariska Breytenbach, has further ambitions to study physiotherapy. Having completing her formal studies, Mariska is now eligible for registration with the Allied Health Profession’s Council of South Africa as a Therapeutic Reflexologist

Mariska worked at MASSAGE ON THE BEACH for the 2007-8 season, as part of the Hand-up, Hands-on Apprenticeship Opportunity, and is still affiliated on a part time for corporate massage events. She has since, become resident therapeutic therapist at the High Rustenburg Hydro in Stellenbosch.

A dedicated and fast learner, Mariska showed the ability very quickly adapt to a dynamic challenging environment, performing her craft at the highest levels of quality and showing strength in working with clients one-on-one
Additionally, Mariska has good organisational skills, business acumen and shows great capacity to adapt to high service level environments.

We love what we do. we love doing it for you. Mariska is one the stars that makes it happen

29 Feb 2009: Our story in pictures part 3

This poster, done for us by Lauren Fowler, reallly encapsulates the story of the Hand-up Hands-on Apprenticehip program which all the staff particpate.

Hand-up, Hands-on is a non-profit apprenticeship program, that bridges the gap between formal education and the realities of the business environment. It is specifically aimed at developing depth and capacity in young wellness professionals, assisting them to better develop their self-awareness, communication skills and business acumen, whilst formulating a personal strategy that will help them develop their practice/ small business. Further to this the program aims to develop the individuals potential to create value and wealth in there personal, family and community lives.

28 Feb 2009: Massage heaven with a little wind added (Just add beach and mix well)

Its warm, bright and sunny again. Certainly, the wind will pick up today at about 2pm.
It will be SE and get stronger towards the evening.
Tommorow may be the hottest day of the year and could even reach 35C.

So for now, enjoy the brightness of the day, and clear your schedule for tommorow. You'll be glad you did.

27 feb 2009: Our story in Pictures part 2

This is the second in the series created by Lula Fowler. Click on the pick for a larger version

Our Staff: Panorea Antonopoulous

Having passed with merit in Coaching Science though the Exercise Teachers Academy in 2007, Panorea decided to take her love for health and sport further, by studying a National Diploma in Therapeutic Massage at the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies.

In 2008, Panorea over and above these current studies, she elected to join the Hand-up, Hands-on Apprenticeship Opportunity, taking place at MASSAGE ON THE BEACH (MOTB).

A brown belt in Judo, Panorea is also the player’s representative at the Western Province Judo Association. He natural affinity for helping others has seen her further involved in assisting judo coaching to children at Athlone School for the blind.

Panorea has a quiet confidence. Her natural strength underlies a gentle friendliness and natural affinity for massage, sport and people.

We love what we do. We love doing it for you. Panorea is part fo the team that makes it happen

27 Feb 2009: Telltales signs of the wind

So today will be glorious, blue, hot and just brilliant in general.

But look at those wisps coming over the mountain. Thats the forerunner of tommorows South Easter. Slowily, slowly it been approaching over the last 3 days

And tommorow it'll blow.

For today though Camps bay will mostly be protected.

Then Sunday its a whooping 35C degrees. So guess whats on your agenda on Sunday then?

Our Staff: Katya Karakashian

Having graduated in the Dean’s List with a Communication Bachelors Degree from Bond University, and postgraduate studies in Advertising and Marketing, Katya gained successful experience with Urban Legend Market Research and then later as an account executive with BBDO Cape Town. Katya range of work skills has been supplemented with retail, research, hospitality and management experience.

Originally a matriculant of Michael Mount Waldorf School in Johannesburg, in 2008 Katya decided to return to formal studies to follow her passion in the wellness profession, and is currently completing a National Diploma in Therapeutic Massage with the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies.

Over and above her study commitment, Katya came to MASSAGE ON THE BEACH (MOTB) through joining the Hand-up, Hands-on Apprenticeship Opportunity. With natural love for the healing profession, Katya brings a calm confidence and easy friendliness to her work on the beach.

Katya is a former instructor in Wing Chung Kung Fu, and has organised and carried out programmes with underprivileged children in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Additionally, she practices Tai Chi and is a member of the Hong Kong Wing Chun Athletic Association.

Katya has her own blog called A Curious Pursuit of Extraordinary Living (http://curiouslyseeking.blogspot.com/)

We love what we do. We love doing it for you. Katya is one of those people that makes it happen.

26 Feb 2009: Our story in pictures...

Lauren Fowler recently produced the story of MASSAGE ON THE BEACH in storyboards, with the kind help of Katya Karakashian.

We made them for our party, but with the wind on that day, it we thought it best to rather place them online for all to see. Click on the pck to see the enlarged but low res version

Thank you Lauren, you captured the spirit of our happy place

26 Feb 2009: Is it Thursday already?

Phew...

Time flies fast when you are juggling studies and work.

This morning the weather has just carried on with the calmness of the last couple of days

We can tell you a little SE wind is developing which should become a feature by Saterday, but at this time all you will get from Camps Bay is 29C degree summer bliss with the lightest cooling breeze.

Sunset at this time is always more beautful, due the pollution that accumulates in the air, and brightens up the penumbra of the sunset. Catch sunset at 730pm and maybe even a massage

Take care

Staff: Stefan Legavre - Assistant Manager

Born in France, multilingual 23-year old Stefan is a graduate of the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies, having completed a National Diploma in Therapeutic Massage. This is addition to his qualifications as a Personal Fitness Trainer completed thorough the Exercise Teacher's Academy in 2004

Stefan has, over the last 4 years gained wide-ranging international and local experience in the health and fitness industry.
In 2005, he worked in the United Kingdom as a contracted lifestyle consultant in gyms such as LA Fitness. More recently, in 2006-7, he applied his personal training skills at the GymBugs private personal training gym in Tokai, and as a Lifestyle Consultant at Constantia Virgin Active.
He regularly massages the Springbok rugby team, and as has completed work for various Super 14 teams including the Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes and Waratahs. More recently he massaged at the annual 24-hour Cape Town Marathon in Green Point. He currently works with the South African synchronised swimming team.

Stefan began his apprenticeship with MASSAGE ON THE BEACH (MOTB) in November 2007, as a beneficiary of the Hand-up Hands-on Apprenticeship Opportunity. Having worked with clients from over 25 countries, his abilities are an asset to MOTB.

The qualities Stefan brings to MASSAGE ON THE BEACH, are both a dedication to his craft, and a commitment to excellence in his work. His gentle manner provides an easy environment, whilst his quality combination of deep tissue and relaxation massage is sought after by sportspersons, international and local clients.

Stefan himself is a regular competitor in sports. His love of cycling has seen him complete 6 Argus Cycle tours and 5 Double Centuries, a 200km race held over 1 day in Swellendam. He is a past competitor in 3 HiTec Boland 90km hiking competitions where he achieved first and second place in respective years in the school category. Stefan is a regular surfer and rollerblader.
Stefan has future development plans for massage on the international cycling circuit, and to start his own specialist massage service for the South African sports events arena.

It is staff like Stefan, that make MASSAGE IN THE BEACH the little miracle it is

25 Feb 2009: Massage Wednesday

The mist has rolled in after yesredays 30+ heat.

The beaches have been pleasantly busy, and the sea is just peachy for an afterwork swim. The stress and exhaustion will dissolve from your body.

The rest of this week will remian similar until some winds arrive to change the staus quo. So try leave work early, pack a picnic, costume, towel and take your favourite someone for a sundowner at Cape Town's favourite beach

24 Feb 2009: Massage Heaven

Today is another blue day made in heaven. Temperatures will get to 30C degrees, and oddly enoughthere may be some drizzle later tonight.
Yesterday the beach was packed. Will you be one the lucky ones who escapes the city to join us? Remember, we will stay open till at least 6opm and even later if the weather is good. We hate to turn anyone away.

22 Feb 2009: Camps Bay in stitches

These type of photos take forever to load and stitch, but this was Camps Bay on Monday midday when I arrived at work.

That tidal lagoon happens usually with spring tide, just after full moon. Sometimes its so big and deep that some young guys using automatic winch , pull waveboarders across its length!

You can see our gazebo in the distance on the far right

23 Feb 2009: Monday, Monday, what a beautiful Monday

This whole week will be around the 30C degree mark. Tommorow there may be some light rain in the afternoon/ evening.

This morning was so calm, so mild...and its just going to get better. There is a tidal pond covering much of the beach but this shouldn't flood much today.

Virtually no wind to speak of, in fact so quite I can here the murmuring seas all the way up here at the office.

22 Feb 2009: MASSAGE ON THE BEACH Presents at the Women's Show 2009

We had such a great response to our "Massage for Couples", on the Wellness Stage at The Cape Town Convention Centre yesterday morning.

If you missed that, no worries, we have 2 upcoming workshops, one this weekend and then again in 3 weeks time. The details were posted on this blog on Saterday.

These are for you and your partner and help to alleviatte the frustration one has, especially for women, when trying to give their partner a home massage. It easier than you thnk. Most partners try too hard and actually work against themeselves.

These workshops are not to make you into mini-professional massage therapist. Instead they are there to enhnace your relationship and help you better tap into the healing and connecting properties for touch.

What do you have to loose? Mail me for details on mark@massageonthebeach.co.za. We only have space for 3 couples per workshop.

22 Feb 2009: Warming Winds from the South

Yesterday started so calmly, but by lunchtime we packed up, due to the gusting south easter. Remember, as early as 7am on a Sunday there is free yoga with

Ulrike Avery, on the grass in front of Caprice. No need to book, just pitch up.

Book Now: Massage for Couples workshops coming soon

Partners often complain to me that they wish they could massage there partners, but they are too tired. Sometimes they say there hands aren't strong enough, or that they just don't think they are good enough.

From 13 years experience I can say that a solution is at hand that is easier than you think and will not only bring greater satisfaction and connection, but will facilitate more intimacy in your partnership.

So we are offering a partners workshop to help you. we will show you how easy it is actually to get the effect you want. You can choose from 2 different dates

•OPTION 1: 28th & 29th Feb
•OPTION 2: 14th & 15th March

Note there is only space for 3 couples on each course. Payment confirms booking.
Cost is R600/couple (and includes 2 vouchers for MASSAGE ON THE BEACH worth R240) EMAIL: mark@massageonthebeach.co.za to book and for further information
You can also ph 0829404765.

21 Feb 2009: Camps Bay cloud with a silver lining

That's what Katya called it when we got together for this mornings training meeting. They're doing financial principle lessons this morning, and we are going to look at the little bussiness and blogs they have been asked to start as part of their apprenticeship.

But today we will trade. The weather will clear-up somewhat at the temperature should reach 24C degrees with a light onshore breeze. In fact this kind of weather is perfect for masage and relaxation. You'll find yourself having the equivalent of a 3 day weekend in 1 afternoon, espocailly after you massage.

See you there.

20 Feb 2009: Camps Bay at its best

That it was today...

The crew worked whilst I was presenting at the Womens Show in Cape Town. They are a great team and I am 'greatful' for them.

We have come a long way, such is the nature of our apprenticeship program in which MASSAGE ON THE BEACH is a facilitation partner.

Temperatures reach 28C degrees, and skys were blue

19 Feb 2009: Blue skies - 1 hour ago, Women's Show tommorow

Yes it came good an hour ago, so we went to work. after having raine dthis morning as we perdicted, it brighteened up, and in fact is now quite hot.

So will we see you there?

Just to let you know I will be presenting at this weekends Women’s show at the Cape Town Convention Centre from tomorrow. It is the largest women’s show in the country.
My topics include lifestyle medicine, breathe, couples massage exercise for your body type. Other presenters and personalities include Dr Eve, Irit Noble and Tina Schouw.

You can also go to http://www.thewomensshow.co.za/ for further information.

I have been given VIP tickets. You can collect from us at MASSAGE ON THE BEACH (just ask the crew). Please enjoy this amazing treat on us.

18 Feb 2009: Mellow steel

So today is quite and overcast. But its not cold. The sky looks like blue steel.

We have setup on the grass in front of Caprice from lunchtime.

This kind of weather is so calming and relaxing. Expect a little drizzle tommorow, before the weather gets warmer for this weekend

17 Feb 2009: Some like it hot...

Well if you do, then 25C degrees is what it got to yesterday.

The hottest day so far for us this season. Fortunatley it cooled and became overcast by evenings end. A spectacular sunset followed. The photos illustrate how much of a change Camps Bay can have in one day. The first was taken at 9am, the second at 6pm.

The next couple of day will see some light rain, amazing sunsets, and then a warming up for a great weekend.

16 Feb 2009: The party of the season

It was our season party on Friday, and it was pretty spiffy by all accounts.

We had 6 massage therapists (thank you my brilliant staff and Nicole, Mariska and Kennute for your magic) working doing sample massage, including roving hand and seated massage options. Anthea Forlee and Nadine Ballot were consumate hostesses. Simplex and his family once ensured that our event ran smoothly. Blues (www.blues.co.za) catered sumptious samples from their menu and ShakerSA (http://www.shaker.co.za/) in conjunction with Monin (http://www.monin.co.za/) produced the the best non-alcoholic cocktails I have ever tasted. Lula Kat captured our history in a great story board which we could display due to the wind, so we will post in here on the blog soon.

For entertainment. David Wickhams amazing steel band project (http://www.lias.co.za/Steelband/index.htm) featured children from Camps Bay and Langa, whilst Charles Tertiens (http://www.ermcorporate.com/corporate-entertainment/mcs/charles-tertiens.html) bedazzled with magic and Jon Peer of FireTribe (http://www.firetribe.co.za/) redefined fire poi for me.

This was all captured by Celeste Prince (celesteprince6@gmail.com , ph 072 344 6363) whose work I can only highly recommend. She took too many great photos to mention and too many to post here, so we have begun loading the best to our our Fans Of MASSAGE ON THE BEACH Group on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=info&edit_info=all#/event.php?eid=51529406970). Thunda.com was also there and you can see their great pics of the event at http://www.thunda.com/html/20090213,4027,1.html.

There was so much more, so much that was intangible, fleeting and timeless. If you were there wyou would know. if not, be sure that next time you are.

16 Feb 2009: The great heat speedwobble

So normally February month is the hottest month and tends to be filld with long hot days, one after the other for the most part. Admittidely it hasn't been quite that so far. In fact, its been more humid and changeable than I can remember the last couple of years.

But no worries, because today is a typical Feb day. Hot (26C now getting to 30C this afternoon), dry, windfree on our side.

Stef and I are working today, and booking are already filling up, so should you wish to experience what we believe is the best massage experience South of the equator, then come on down.

Working? No problem. We will likely be there till 7pm, just as the days colours mellow.

till then my friend...

15 Feb 2009: Blowing in the wind part 77

Yes, its blowing.

just blowing

but hot

and bright...

tommorow will be hot, and sooooo nice

We are on our way to rest and have brunch at Olympia Cafe. You should try it some time. Its all the way on the other coastline, in Kalk Bay. Its surrounded by the most interesting antique and bric-a- brac. And there are brilliant ice cream parlours.

Till tommorow then, when we promise to bring you another day of great massage on Camps Bay, take care.

14 Feb 2009: Into every life a little rain must fall

Last night we had our party. It was fabulous with over 100 guests.

The pics and story will appear on our facebook group, 'Fans of MASSAGE ON THE BEACH' this week.

Then, back at 7am on Saturday, and the joy of the party is quickly forgotten as a freak wind, wallops our gazebo as we setup and requires an offsite repair that takes several hours. The wind came later, and with it an end to the day for us.

But as a special sign, just made for Valentines, the most beautiful rainbow came out with a promise of things to come.

12 Feb 2009: Everybody loves the Sunshine

Welcome to one peach of a blue day. Mmm-hmmm.

The weather will be 'perfect' with temperature hitting 30C degrees, and hardly any wind.

Eeisssh! as locals say.

The tidal pool that was in the middle of the beach is slowly drying up, the sand is flat, white and hotting up

But if there was a day to leave the office early this would be it.

This would be it

11 Feb 2009: Its a bird, its a plane...

...no its Charles Tertiens...and we are superhero happy that we have him at our season event on Friday night.

"Charles started his career at a young age as a magician and while studying performing arts at the University of Cape Town, he began challenging his limit and as a result has become one of South Africa's most skilled performers. Who else at his age can say that they have worked on TV and stage internationally, circus and radio? Presenter, actor, voice artist, comical entertainer, magician, circus performer and director Charles Tertiens is them all.

Film roles include "Disgrace", acting opposite guru John Malkovitch; "Search for a South African husband"; "dollars and white pipes" and "the wild life", a German movie where Charles played the love interest of European model and actress Florentine Lahme.

He presented a live TV show branded by Mark Shuttleworth called "hip2b2" for two years and presented for the Capes no1 hit music station 94.5 Kfm.
Charles will forever be remembered for his Physical characters in the Cash Crusaders and Nissan Tiida adverts."
Credit: http://www.ermstars.com/corp_charles.html

He'll be there, entertaining our guests, making memories...

11 Feb 2009: Cloudbusting part 2

again...,

but expected

part of the deal when you work in Camps Bay

we're cool with it.

last night (and tonight), it was (and will be pretty much full moon.

So yourself and your loved ones a favour tonight, - look towards the Table mountain, and watch the play of cloud shapes being formed and broken against the moon's light. If there was ever a Capetonian Valentines gift, that would be it.

Image credit :flickr.com/photos/9712042@N03/847415198

http://flickr.com/photos/web-design-cape-town/

10 Feb 2009: At our party...

When I first started massaging at Camps Bay, I one day heard a melodic sound I will never forget. Steel drums melodies wafted through the air. This was the first time heard David Wickham's troupe from Camps Bay School...yes, school, playing. And every season since then I have looked forward to them coming back.

The Steelband Project was set up in 1997 by Liz Brouckaert and David Wickham. David is
former English teacher and university lecturer as well as a professional freelance musician specializing in African, Caribbean and Brazilian Music.

The core focus of the project is to provide quality music education to the youth in under-resourced communities throughout the Western Cape and amongst 'youth-at-risk'. The project helps develop the discipline and listening skills required for playing in a band, and the personal enjoyment and confidence of performing in public. The Project is active in many suburban and township schools as well as at Boystown, with street youth and with the learning disabled. There are currently 27 steelbands (including 1 adult band) playing. (Cape Town has so many surprises, don't you think)

The musical instruments, originally from Trinidad in the Caribbean are recycled from 44 gallon oil drums, the steelpan is an ideal vehicle for music instruction. Anyone can learn to play the pans, and they can be used in any musical idiom, from classical and jazz to kwaitog taught by the Project.

They'll be at our party. another gem to make the night special*

http://www.lias.co.za/Steelband/index.htm

10 Feb 2009: Cloudbusting

Yes, its Camps Bay getting-its-freak-on-time-again...

these amazing clud formations are something spectacular. They are heavens show appearing daily. I think its must p%&* off G*d, when we fail to notice this beauty around us every day.

The wind will blow strong SE today, it will begin to ease a bit tommorow, and by Thursday that familar hotchpotch of heat, cloud, strong sun and humidty will return.

We have spent the day getting ready for the season party, getting our new vehicle vinyl wrapped, getting gazebos and suppliers organised, and replying to a million emails.

We wish you a great, productive, balanced day, one filled with a great show of cloudbusting too*

9 Feb 2009: Feast your eyes at our season party with Fire Tribe

Friday 13 February 2009 marks the date and time of our most special event ever. For us its a lucky date.

Its our season party. Celebrating 7 years of good fortune for over 6000 clients from more than 50 countries and having been seen by over 5 million people. But we could never have done it without your support. We are who we are because of our clients, staff, friends, fans and supporters.

We also hold the party to give thanks for the current season. We do it to celebrate with friends and show case some of the best of what Cape Town has to offer away from the monotony of franchises and all thing sterotypically African.

Each day we will give you a teaser of what we mean when we say this

First appearing at our party is the bedazzlment of FireTribe. These are the guys who started it all. They have been performing for 8 years now. Initially they became a little (in)famous for their gatherings on Clifton 2nd Beach. But with a pic like above, why would such a spectacle ever be anything but speactacular.

The official Fire performers of Earth Dance, Origin, Vortex, Alien Safari, Rocking the Daisies and Up the Creek, they now regularly put on choreographed, costumed performances with up to 12 performers in venues like Groote Schuur (presidential residence), Cape Castle, Moyo, the Cape Town Convention Centre and many wine farms, hotels, resorts and private residents in and around Cape Town.
Their shows cater for birthdays, weddings, outdoor festivals, product launches, corporate functions - practically anything.

And we've got them specially for you.

9 Feb 2009: Full moon fever

The moon is just about full, and with it seemingly unleashed a little weather mayhem...

Its humid, its damp, its hot, the rain comes and goes, the wind is on its way, but here's the freaky thing...we are generally busy.

So let me give you the sequence. Right now, its hot, humid and misty

It's meant to drizzle this evening, and tommorow morning, then blow strong SE by afternoon, into the next day. Then by Thursday, its once again peachy. Hows that for Cape Town weather

This is very fine by us, because we have our season party on Friday (see next post). If you have been invited you will know, thats a the most special event on Camps Bay all season long. If you are a follower of this blog or on our facebook group, you will automatically have received an invite.

8 Feb 2009: Massage in the mist

The land and land air is hot. The wind blows in from the sea and makes the most pleasant relaxing mist, breaking the stifling heat of the last 2 days. Nevertheless the temperature will reach the high 20's, the sea will be warmer and will offer good bodysurfing (but beware the Camps Bay undulating sand banks.

It certainly won't rain, and its just a perfect Sunday for the beach. and we'll be happy to add to you rest. So perhaps Stef and I will see you there.

6 Feb 2009: "Bring on the pain, Shane!"

Today is like a heat-seeking missle, ....except its already found us...

Right now its still, and heating up like an oven. The temp will cross 30C degrees by midday. The SE wind may reach us by early evening. But nowhere in this city will you find a better place to be than Camps Bay.

So do what you can, but get here. Meet friends, bring a picnic, towel and costume. The sea is cold right now, but by evening its going to be soooo 'lekker' (local lingo for nice, very nice)

Sunset should be spectacular, for the ironic reasons that the ash thrown into the air from peninsula wide-fires illuminates the suns rays something maginficent. you can actually see the haze on the horizon from this ash, in this morning's photograph

5 Feb 2009: From Galeforce to Heatwave

Nowhere will you see better the heating power of the SE wind.

Right now, its blowing probably the strongest SE winds of this season, and tommorow will see one of the first real +30C heatwaves of the season. Its in weather like this that I earned the nickname Capt Fried Green Tomato, after one similar day where I said to a dear one, I felt like cooked tomatoes.

Thank heaven its going to be Friday tommorow, because you will want to get out of town as fast as possible and get to the beach (especially given that the the State of the Nation Address in town will draw town traffic to a standstill). Yes, the wind may blow in the evening, but trust me you'll be gratfeul.

Having been off the last two days, we are ready to serve you with the best massage, the most special surprise we believe you will find on any beach anywhere. Dont believe us? Try us out.

5 Feb 2009: Deck chair art culture

No one spoke about it.

It just happened and spread.

Its becoming a little morning eye-candy as each trader vies to make the most attractive presentation to attract new clients. You may not think of deckchair traders as artists,...but this is art.

Just another example how creativity can make bussiness a much more attractive proposition.

5 Feb 2009: Oh brother where art thou?

Phew.

Bussines honours studies. Falling in love. Month end. Fatigue. preparing the new MASSAGE ON THE BEACH website. Organising our season party on 13 February 2009. Changes and transitions. And countless minor details ...

Just some of the few things keeping me from my regular blog date every morning. Apologies. Growth, sometimes has hiccups and bumps.

But I'm back, so tune in, because things are going to get interesting. Real interesting.