Top Paddlers Set to Race Through World-Class Marine Protected Area at Ocean Festival 2026

The Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge returns as a premier calendar event on the KZN South Coast South Africa’s top surfski paddlers are looking forward to competing in the 4th Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, taking place in Scottburgh on Sunday, 3 May 2026, as part of Ocean Festival 2026.

The race has been established as a premium contest on the national surfski calendar, attracting an increasingly competitive field drawn by the challenge of the course and the rarity of paddling within a globally significant marine environment.

A Unique Marine Setting

What sets this race apart is its iconic location. Competitors paddle through around the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area (MPA), recognised as one of the world’s critical ocean ecosystems. Situated along the warm Agulhas Current, the Shoal supports extraordinary marine biodiversity, from dolphins and turtles to seasonal whale migrations and the world-famous Sardine Run.

The race also aligns with ongoing conservation efforts, which saw this MPA relaunched last year as the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot under the global Mission Blue initiative founded by oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle.

Conservation And Community Efforts

Locally, conservation efforts are supported by a non-profit organisation, Wild Alliance Africa, led by Hope Spot Champion and Ocean Festival Founder Russel Symcox. Collectively, the team is working to protect this biodiverse marine ecosystem while promoting sustainable ocean use through activities such as the Ocean Festival.

“The Ocean Festival was founded on the idea of creating access to this incredible ocean space,” says Barry Lewin, Event Organiser and Race Director. “To paddle through Aliwal Shoal, which is a globally recognised ecosystem, is something truly special for our competitors. This race truly reminds us exactly why these environments need to be protected.”

He also expressed gratitude to title sponsor, Leatherback Rum, which has supported the race and the broader Ocean Festival since inception: “They are truly a brand that walks the talk, with their conservation ethos supporting the festival’s three pillars of engagement, education, and economics. Their continued involvement underscores a shared commitment to protecting ocean environments while supporting community-driven initiatives.”

Doubles Format For 2026

Doubles Format for 4th Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge

The event alternates between singles and doubles each year, with 2026 featuring the doubles format, adding a strategic and collaborative dimension to the competition. With a top field expected to compete, the doubles race format is set to deliver tight finishes, tactical racing, and strong partnerships on the water.

Event Details

Event: Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski ChallengeVenue: Scottburgh Main BeachDate: Sunday, 3 May 2026Registration: 7am | Race Start: 9amDistances: 16km (long course) | 8km (short course)Entry Fee: R400

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 CarnivalSchools Tag Team Surf ContestOcean Festival Surf ProScotties Striders Run for the OceanVeranda Panda Wake & Shake Tour at Wild CoffeeGranny Grommets Bodyboard SessionOcean Experience Boat Rides from Premier Hotel Cutty SarkOcean Festival Movie NightBeach Nia and Beach YogaMission Blue Hope Spot Conservation TalksLive Music with Leatherback Rum at the Premier Resort Cutty Sark

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