{"id":5461,"date":"2026-04-30T11:51:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T09:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runridedive.com\/?p=5461"},"modified":"2026-04-30T11:51:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T09:51:51","slug":"surfings-next-generation-and-top-talent-are-hitting-the-waves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runridedive.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/30\/surfings-next-generation-and-top-talent-are-hitting-the-waves\/","title":{"rendered":"Surfing\u2019s Next Generation and Top Talent Are Hitting the Waves"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scottburgh\u2019s world-class surf break hosts the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest and Surf Pro this long weekend.<\/em><\/p>\n

Image credit: Scott Mitchell<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Two surfing events are key programme additions to this year\u2019s Ocean Festival 2026, showcasing the region\u2019s rising stars and established talent at Scottburgh Main Beach this long weekend (1 to 3 May). Upcoming surfers will get their time to shine on Friday (1 May) as the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest, before local legends take to the waves on Saturday (2 May) at the Ocean Festival Surf Pro.<\/p>\n

Kicking off the surfing line-up, the\u00a0Schools Tag Team Surf Contest<\/strong>\u00a0introduces an exciting, team-based format that shifts how young surfers compete. Teams of five – including mixed boy-girl and boys-only entries – will take to the water in a fast-paced relay format, where each surfer must catch their waves before racing back to tag the next teammate.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis format brings something completely different to surfing,\u201d says Event Organiser Barry Lewin. \u201cSurfing is typically an individual sport, but here we\u2019re creating team spirit and a sense of shared purpose. It\u2019s about giving young surfers something to aspire to while building connections through the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event is already drawing strong entries, including teams from the Surfers Not Street Children initiative, who will go head-to-head with local favourites in what promises to be an exciting showcase of emerging talent.<\/p>\n

The next day, attention shifts to the\u00a0Ocean Festival Surf Pro<\/strong>, a full-day contest featuring divisions from U10 through to Open Men\u2019s and Ladies, as well as a Masters (35+) category. Set against the backdrop of one of the KZN South Coast\u2019s most celebrated breaks, the event highlights the quality of the wave and the strength of local surfing talent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis gives local surfers the chance to compete in their own backyard\u00a0while showcasing the incredible depth of talent we have in the region,\u201d explains Lewin.<\/p>\n

Catherine Le Pront, local surfing advocate and mom to highly decorated local surfers Luc, Louise, and Leah, agrees: \u201cWe\u2019re all super stoked to have a surf contest at our break \u2013 it\u2019s a world-class surf break \u2013 so after several years, it\u2019s great to finally be hosting a contest in Scottburgh. It\u2019s really good to be able to surf for a purpose in a contest that shows awareness for our ocean, as we all need to protect the ocean and its inhabitants.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beyond competition, the surfing events reflect the broader spirit of the Ocean Festival, which is bringing people together through a shared love of the ocean.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re absolutely stoked to host surfing events in a region blessed with world-class waves and incredible surfers,\u201d says Elmien Le Roux, Secretary of UGU Surfriders. \u201cFrom sunrise sessions and perfect point breaks to dolphins cruising past the lineup, there\u2019s something truly special about this stretch of coast.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t just about competition, it’s about community with groms sharing waves with legends, beach vibes, and that unmistakable salty energy that brings everyone together. It\u2019s also a chance to celebrate and protect our ocean, the playground we all love, while showcasing the talent and spirit that make this region so unique.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lewin adds that the long weekend provides more opportunity to attract visitors and boost local tourism: \u201cThese events go beyond sport by bringing people to the coast to support local businesses, and create a vibrant atmosphere that benefits the entire community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Schools Tag Team Surf Contest<\/strong><\/p>\n