Ballito whale-spotting WhatsApp group gains momentum through shared love of the ocean [Watch]

Ballito professional graffiti artist Friso van der Wal had no idea that a whale-spotting WhatsApp group he started last year would grow rapidly, connecting a community through its shared love of the ocean.

It all started as a mere hobby, capturing drone footage of frolicking whales at the start of whale season which he shared with followers on social media.

“Whenever I’d see spray or splashing, I would pinpoint it with the drone and it became easier each time,” he said.

Friends encouraged him to start a WhatsApp group through which he would be notified when whales were in the area.

It was not long before the group began growing significantly as more people shared their own content.

Whales of The North Coast, as the group is called, soon took off and now boasts almost 400 members, expanding its previous coverage area to larger parts of the North Coast.

“Some share their own experiences and sightings, and some interesting information emerged about the unique behaviours we see on the drone footage. The first sightings are usually from July,” Van der Wal said.

Whale activity has increased with whale season now in full swing.

“This year, I’ve even found five to six whales together in one pod, almost all of them humpbacks, although last season I found southern right whales close to Salt Rock beach.

“I was surprised by how quickly the group had grown, only by word of mouth. Going from a handful of people pinpointing whales to hundreds in only two whale seasons is something else,” he said.

To join the WhatsApp group, visit https://chat.whatsapp.com/IlfQFf4qKAnD5pisyBTMrE or follow him on Instagram at @frisovdwal.

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