Durban paddlers – both experienced and novice – are invited to participate in this year’s Paddle Fest running over the Easter weekend, 18 to 20 April 2025. This epic three-day festival will include the popular Engen Ballito Downwind as the headliner, as well as hosting the KZN Singles Surf Ski Championships.

Considering the weather conditions and paddle calendar, South Africa Surf Ski decided to shift the dates of the Engen Ballito Downwind to coincide with the long weekend, as well as bringing in more activities to open the sport up to a new market.

“South Africa Surf Ski is proud to add this new and exciting paddling festival to the surf ski calendar, in an auspicious year for the sport in South Africa,” says Barry Lewin, Event Organiser. “Durban, specifically, has been awarded the 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Champs, which will be held on our doorstep from 17 to 19 October. This new event – the Paddle Fest – will allow paddlers to compete and prepare for the World Champs.”

He explains that the Engen Ballito Downwind has been a highly anticipated event on the calendar for some time, but has been moved to the long weekend to take advantage of the ‘excellent paddling conditions’ experienced at this time of year, adding that this is also a great opportunity to host the KZN Singles Surf Ski Championships.

“The festival has already seen great support from sponsors like Engen Ballito and The Pumpsmith,” continues Lewin. “We look forward to seeing this festival grow from strength to strength in the years to come. We are specifically excited to be adding to the Engen Ballito Downwind, with the Reef Shootout – which is an exciting spectator-friendly event – as well as some free coaching sessions to introduce new people to the surf ski sport.”

Mark Jason of Engen Ballito said they are proud to return as sponsors for this impactful event, which encouraged local sports stars while showcasing the beauty of the KZN North Coast: “We are stoked to support local! We have been here for more than 20 years, when Ballito was still a small village. The surf ski community epitomises the many reasons that our town is so desirable – a fun destination supporting a healthy, ocean-based lifestyle! It’s really all the best elements the KZN North Coast has to offer.”

The KZN North Coast is a popular paddling destination for South African competitors, with former World Champions Hank McGregor and Michelle Burn among this year’s Paddle Fest competitors. Commenting on the upcoming race, Michelle said: “I always love paddling north or south of Durban bay! I love having to navigate the fun surf break, and of course, my favourite is a good downwind. The Engen Ballito Downwind offers all my favourite things, so I am really looking forward to the upcoming event!”

Paddle Fest 2025 Schedule

Friday, 18 April

7am: Free SASS Coaching Session at DUC – Paddlers are encouraged to bring a friend to introduce new people to the sport with this fun coaching session.

9am: Reef Shootout at Vetchies – This is an 800m knockout event, great for spectators to enjoy.

Saturday, 19 April

9am: World Champs Course Preview from DUC to Westbrook/Toti – Organisers will prioritise downwind paddling but this is a great way to check out the course ahead of the October event.

Sunday, 20 April

9am: Engen Ballito Downwind from Blythedale to Tiffany’s and reverse – The Paddle Fest culminates in this 18.5km course.

There is no pre-entry required for the first two days of Paddle Fest. To enter the Engen Ballito Downwind, visit www.canoesa.org.za. The first 50 entries get a free paddling shirt!