Top Ocean Sports Talent to Compete in Action-Packed Programme at Ocean Festival 2026

Scottburgh set to host elite and emerging athletes across lifesaving, surfing, and surfski disciplines in May

The upcoming Ocean Festival 2026, taking place from 1 to 3 May, is set to deliver an exciting, multi-disciplinary sports programme that brings together some of the country’s top ocean athletes and rising young talent. In its 4th year, the festival has become a premier ocean sports event, bringing seaside fun and entertainment, all set on Scottburgh’s coastline and the iconic Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area.

“Sport is a powerful way to connect people with the ocean,” says Barry Lewin, Event Organiser. “We’re excited to build on the success of previous years with the 2026 sports programme that showcases incredible athleticism while highlighting the importance of ocean conservation at the same time.”

Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival

The festival opens on Friday, 1 May, with the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival at Scottburgh Main Beach. This dynamic event will showcase the core skills required in real ocean conditions. Featuring Nipper, Junior, Senior, and Masters divisions, competitors will take part in a range of disciplines including run, swim, board, ski, flags, and the crowd-favourite dash for cash.

Lifesaving DetailsVenue: Scottburgh Main BeachDate: Friday, 1 MayTime: Registration at 9.30am | Starts at 10amCost: R50Enter: https://shorturl.at/Mtz5A

Schools Tag Team Surf Contest

Teams of five surfers will take to the water for the School Tag Team Surfing event at Ocean Festival. Mixed boy-girl teams and boys-only teams compete in a fast-paced format where each surfer catches their waves before racing back to the beach to tag the next teammate. Every ride counts, and every tag keeps the momentum going. It’s a high-energy contest that showcases the next generation of ocean athletes and brings plenty of excitement to the shoreline. Schools can enter teams or watch the action unfold.

Schools Surfing DetailsVenue: Scottburgh Main BeachDate: Friday, 1 MayTimes: 13h00 to 17h00Enter: https://forms.gle/yHKzt8fz3uXgqDfK9

Ocean Festival Surf Pro

On Saturday, 2 May, the spotlight shifts to the Ocean Festival Surf Pro, attracting a strong field of competitors across multiple divisions at Scottburgh Main Beach. With categories ranging from U10 through to Open Men’s and Ladies, as well as a Masters (35+) division, the contest ensures a full day of high-energy surfing action.

Surf DetailsVenue: Scottburgh Main BeachDate: Saturday, 2 MayCost: R350Enter: https://shorturl.at/nJ5Ap

Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge

Closing out the sporting line-up on Sunday, 3 May, is the prestigious Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, one of the festival’s flagship events. This race continues to attract top paddlers from across the country, offering both a 16km long course and 8km short course. Competitors will navigate the ocean route along the Aliwal Shoal, a globally recognised Marine Protected Area known for its rich biodiversity.

Surfski DetailsVenue: Scottburgh Main BeachDate: Sunday, 3 May 2026Time: Registration at 7am | Race Start at 9amEntry: R400

A Celebration Of Ocean And Community

Beyond the competition, Ocean Festival 2026 promotes conservation, community connection, and coastal tourism through a range of events. The diverse, family-friendly programme will run throughout the long weekend, including:

Scotties Striders morning runsVeranda Panda at Wild CoffeeGranny Grommets Bodyboard SessionOcean Experience Boat Trips from Premier Hotel Cutty SarkSchools Surfing SessionOcean Festival Movie NightBeach Pilates and Beach YogaConversation Talks (Ocean Health & Conservation)Ocean Festival Music Evening

“Whether you’re competing, supporting, or coming to enjoy the Ocean Festival vibe, this is a great chance to celebrate our shared connection to the ocean,” adds Lewin.

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