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.

A new format for young surfers

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.

Showcasing local talent at the Surf Pro

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.”

More than competition

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.”

Event details

Schools Tag Team Surf ContestVenue: Scottburgh Main BeachDate: Friday, 1 May 2026Time: 1pm to 5pmEnter: https://forms.gle/yHKzt8fz3uXgqDfK9

Ocean Festival Surf ProVenue: Scottburgh Main BeachDate: Saturday, 2 May 2026Entry: R350Enter: 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 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

Keep updated

Follow on Instagram: @theoceanfestivalFollow on Facebook: @theoceanfestivalWebsite: https://www.oceanfestival.co.zaWhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7qHfDEKyZBTTG32D2C