Scottburgh hosts the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest and Surf Pro this long weekend.
Scottburgh hosts the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest and Surf Pro this long weekend.: SA Surfing’s Next Generation and Top Talent Hitting Are Hitting the Waves at Ocean Festival 2026
Scottburgh’s world-class surf break hosts the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest and Surf Pro this long weekend.
Two surfing events are key programme additions to this year’s Ocean Festival 2026, showcasing the region’s 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.
Kicking off the surfing line-up, the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest introduces 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.
“This format brings something completely different to surfing,” says Event Organiser Barry Lewin. “Surfing is typically an individual sport, but here we’re creating team spirit and a sense of shared purpose. It’s about giving young surfers something to aspire to while building connections through the sport.”
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.
The next day, attention shifts to the Ocean Festival Surf Pro, a full-day contest featuring divisions from U10 through to Open Men’s and Ladies, as well as a Masters (35+) category. Set against the backdrop of one of the KZN South Coast’s most celebrated breaks, the event highlights the quality of the wave and the strength of local surfing talent.
“This gives local surfers the chance to compete in their own backyard while showcasing the incredible depth of talent we have in the region,” explains Lewin.
Catherine Le Pront, local surfing advocate and mom to highly decorated local surfers Luc, Louise, and Leah, agrees: “We’re all super stoked to have a surf contest at our break – it’s a world-class surf break – so after several years, it’s great to finally be hosting a contest in Scottburgh. It’s 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.”
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.
“We’re absolutely stoked to host surfing events in a region blessed with world-class waves and incredible surfers,” says Elmien Le Roux, Secretary of UGU Surfriders. “From sunrise sessions and perfect point breaks to dolphins cruising past the lineup, there’s something truly special about this stretch of coast.
“It isn’t 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’s 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.”
Lewin adds that the long weekend provides more opportunity to attract visitors and boost local tourism: “These events go beyond sport by bringing people to the coast to support local businesses, and create a vibrant atmosphere that benefits the entire community.”
Schools Tag Team Surf Contest
Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach
Date: Friday, 1 May 2026
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Enter: https://forms.gle/yHKzt8fz3uXgqDfK9
Ocean Festival Surf Pro
Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach
Date: Saturday, 2 May 2026
Entry: R350
Enter: https://shorturl.at/nJ5Ap
A Celebration of Ocean and Community
The surfski challenge forms part of the broader Ocean Festival 2026, which includes a full programme of ocean sport and community events:
Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival
Schools Tag Team Surf Contest
Ocean Festival Surf Pro
Scotties Striders Run for the Ocean
Veranda Panda Wake & Shake Tour at Wild Coffee
Granny Grommets Bodyboard Session
Ocean Experience Boat Rides from Premier Hotel Cutty Sark
Ocean Festival Movie Night
Beach Nia and Beach Yoga
Mission Blue Hope Spot Conservation Talks
Live Music with Leatherback Rum at the Premier Resort Cutty Sark
Keep Updated!
Follow on Instagram: @theoceanfestival
Follow on Facebook: @theoceanfestival
Website: www.oceanfestival.co.za
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7qHfDEKyZBTTG32D2C
About Ocean Festival
Ocean Festival is a global movement that connects communities through a shared passion for the ocean, using immersive events to inspire conservation, education, and sustainable economic growth. Founded in 2023 at Scottburgh Main Beach on South Africa’s KZN South Coast, the festival has rapidly grown into one of the world’s leading concurrent celebrations of World Ocean Day, with events now taking place across multiple countries. Ocean Festival is built on three key pillars: engagement, education, and economics. The festival provides a platform for communities, organisations, and ocean advocates to come together, fostering a global network of individuals committed to protecting marine environments. By supporting coastal tourism and local businesses, Ocean Festival also strengthens ocean-based economies and promotes responsible, environmentally conscious growth. Visit www.oceanfestival.co.za | Follow @theoceanfestival on Instagram | Follow @theoceanfestival on Facebook.
Issued on behalf of: Ocean Festival
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za
Sardines and Sighting Maps
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. With instructions on how to install The Sardine News right on your phone, tablet, or even desktop.
Channels
Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining surf reporting
Master Watermen – news from way down deep
The Sardine News – neva miss a single sardine
FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus
MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical sport fishing
Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely
Water Woes – complain about your municipality here
Websites
umzimkulu.co.za – fishing, charters, accommodation
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za – will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams are out there
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts
fishmad.co.za – destination Madagascar
andantelodge.co.za – Transit luxury in Pretoria
