Hank and Pippa McGregor stormed to victory as local paddlers took control of the Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind at Blythedale Beach last Saturday.

The annual downwind surf ski race, part of the 2026 Paddle Fest, alternates between singles and doubles formats, featuring an 18.5km doubles showdown from Tiffany’s Beach to Blythedale.

A brisk 15-knot south-westerly delivered ideal racing conditions for the McGregor’s – Salt Rock’s renowned husband-and-wife duo – to take the lead. Their win also marked the successful reclaiming of the mixed doubles title they previously secured in 2024.

Finishing second were Joshua Fenn, who travelled from East London, and Umdloti’s Saskia Hockly, both internationally acclaimed paddlers. Local talent completed the podium, with Tinley Manor’s father-and-son pairing, Ty and Zoog Haynes, taking third.

READ: McGregors and Hockly dominate Engen Ballito Downwind surfski race | North Coast Courier

Organisers had moved the race forward to Saturday for optimum weather conditions, a decision Hank praised.

“Everyone enjoyed it, it was a great day out for the paddling community of the North Coast,” he said.

“For us, it was everything to race for, it’s not often you get to line up next to world champions.”

Junior paddlers also delivered standout performances in the inaugural Forex People KZN Schools League Race, hosted by the Durban Undersea Club.

Ballito’s Keegan Vogt (Maritzburg College) dominated the boys’ U18 four-lap 8km race in 42:35.54, finishing more than seven minutes ahead of the field. Tessa Salmon (Epworth High School for Girls), also from Ballito, secured the girls’ U16 crown in 52:06.60.

Vogt, who raced in all four events, also teamed up with Ballito’s Jamie Grantham (Michaelhouse) to win the junior doubles division.

“The day was tough and very busy,” said Vogt.

“But it was fun to compete in all the races, the Downwind was a great way to finish.”

Paddle Fest organiser Barry Lewin was pleased with another successful event.

“It’s encouraging to see the local paddling community so well represented, particularly through clubs like the Dolphin Coast Paddlers Club, which continues to grow.”