Top paddlers set to compete on World Ocean Day in Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge

This Sunday (8 June), visitors to Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast can celebrate World Ocean Day with some top-class paddling action as competitors take to the water in the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge. This forms part of the highly anticipated Ocean Festival, which is bringing an action-packed programme to Scottburgh from 5 to 8 June.

“This is the 3rd edition of the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, and the race is just growing from strength to strength,” commented Barry Lewin, Event Organiser and Race Director. “It’s really momentous that the race falls on World Ocean Day, as we will be celebrating ocean health as the paddlers compete along Aliwal Shoal, a Marine Protected Area and Mission Blue Hope Spot. Spectators will not only get to enjoy this beautiful coastal environment, but also get to see some of the country’s best compete. It’s not one to miss!”

The competition also coincides with the arrival of the annual Sardine Run, considered one of the world’s greatest planetary migrations: “Hosting this event at a world-class MPA with one of the most impressive ocean events, the Sardine Run, taking place is the perfect way to celebrate World Ocean Day and highlights exactly why we need to protect our ocean,” says Lewin.

Top Paddlers Ready to Race

The 11-time World Canoe Senior Marathon Champion, winner of multiple canoe and surfski races, and former Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge titleholder, Hank McGregor (Ballito, KZN), will be joining the race line-up.

He’s joined by ICF World Champion silver medallist, South African surfski champion, and the former Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge titleholder, Michelle Burn (uMhlanga, KZN). Originally from Amanzimtoti, this is a calendar highlight for the world-class paddler.

“I love paddling on the South Coast – I love the ocean and the swell and am really looking forward to racing this weekend,” commented Burn. “Scottburgh, in particular, always has a surf zone to navigate, which is awesome! I haven’t seen the weather predictions, so I’m not sure what the wind is doing, but I see there are a lot of sardines that side, so I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of activity! It’s always a great day out.”

Bringing the competition is another top South African contender, Brent Chiazzari from Salt Rock on the KZN North Coast. Commenting on the upcoming race, Chiazzari said, “After last year's win at the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, I'm stoked to get back in the water on the South Coast.

“Having focused on doubles last year, I'm looking forward to racing my K2 partner Luke [Nisbet] this season. We've had some close finishes recently - a tie for third at the KZN Champs and a tight battle last week where he edged me out. With strong contenders like Hank McGregor, Matt Bouman, and speedy junior Keegan Vogt in the mix, this weekend's racing is shaping up to be intense. I'm bringing the whole family along, and with all the festivities on, it's going to be a fun weekend!”

Durban’s Nisbet says he’s also ready for the race, adding: “I’m looking forward to paddling in the Aliwal Shoal MPA as it’s such a special place with abundant marine life. The racing will be tough, especially as there are very talented upcoming juniors like Keagen Vogt!”

Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge

Time: 9am to 1pm

Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach to Aliwal Shoal

To Enter: www.paddlesportsa.co.za

Details: There is the option of the 15km long course and 8km short course. Paddlers will head from Scottburgh Main Beach in front of the Premier Hotel Cutty Sark, beyond the surf zone north towards the famous Greenpoint Lighthouse. They turn around the first marker buoy and head in an easterly direction to the internationally renowned Aliwal Shoal, one of 41 MPAs in South Africa. Paddlers then head around the hot spot marker south for the final approach around the backline marker, through the surf zone and to the finish line on Scottburgh Main Beach

Ocean Festival Events

Beyond the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, attendees to this year’s Ocean Festival can look forward to a variety of outdoor events and activities suited to all ages. These include:

• The Ocean Warriors National Series
• Rip Curl Gromsearch
• Beach clean-up at Scottburgh Main Beach | Aliwal Shoal scuba diving reef clean-                          up | Mahlongwa River paddle and clean-up
• School education workshop presented by SAAMBR
• Ocean conservation science and research presentations
• Exclusive film screening at Premier Hotel Cutty Sark
• Live music and entertainment evening
• Made for More adaptive surf therapy session
• Sunrise Beach yoga & movement

Thanks were extended to Ocean Festival sponsors: Halfway Group, Leatherback Rum, and the Pumpsmith.

Check @theoceanfestival on Instagram and Facebook, and www.oceanfestival.co.za website for the most updated Ocean Festival programme details. Contact Barry Lewin on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more on the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge.