Three days of exciting activities are planned for the returning 2025 Engen Ballito Downwind Paddle Fest over the Easter weekend.

Experienced and novice paddlers are invited to come along and enjoy the festivities from April 18-20, which will culminate in the return of the Engen Ballito Downwind. An interactive coaching session and the KZN Singles Surf Ski Championships are also on the schedule.

North Coast paddlers did the area proud last year and will be hoping to repeat on their home stretch of ocean next week. At last year’s event, Salt Rock’s Hank and Pippa McGregor won the mixed race in a time of 1:05:03, and Mt Moreland’s, Saskia Hockly and Durban’s Christie Mackenzie, took the women’s title in 1:12:46.

The KZN North Coast is a popular paddling destination for South African competitors, with former World Champions Hank McGregor and Michelle Burn (Umhlanga) among this year’s confirmed paddlers.

“I always love paddling north or south of Durban Bay,” said Burn.

“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.”

The decision to move the festival to coincide with the Easter long weekend will hopefully provide better weather conditions and opportunity for more paddlers to compete.

“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,” said event Organiser Barry Lewin.

“Durban has been awarded the 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Champs, which will be held from 17 to 19 October. This new event – the Paddle Fest – will allow paddlers to compete and prepare for the World Champs.”

Paddlers will have a chance to race the World Champs course on April 19, offering a massive advantage over international competition.

“The festival has already seen great support from sponsors Engen Ballito and The Pumpsmith. 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,” said Lewin.

Engen Ballito co-owner, Mark Jason, said he was proud to return as a sponsor for the event.

“We are stoked to support local! We have been here for more than 20 years, from when Ballito was still a small village,” he said.

“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.”

2025 Engen Ballito Downwind Paddle Fest Schedule

Friday, April 18

7am: Free SASS Coaching Session at Durban Undersea Club (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 Beach – This is an 800m knockout event, great for spectators to enjoy.

Saturday, April 19

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, April 20

9am: Engen Ballito Downwind from Blythedale to Tiffany’s Beach and reverse – The Paddle Fest ends with the headline 18.5km race.

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.

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