Youngsters join in for action-packed surfski racing along KZN coastline

Paddlers from school-level competitors to seasoned athletes are set to take to the water for Paddle Fest, from March 21 to 22.

This event is organised by South Africa Surf Ski, and promises an action-packed weekend of surfski racing along the KZN coastline.

The festival starts this Saturday with the inaugural Forex People: KZN Schools League Race at Durban Undersea Club at 08:00. This marks the first time a dedicated school’s race forms part of Paddle Fest and represents an exciting grassroots development initiative aimed at introducing more young paddlers to the sport.

The 8km course has been designed to be achievable for paddlers of varying abilities, with organisers expecting a diverse field of competitors from schools across the province.

“The concept of the race is to give youngsters a platform to get involved in surfski paddling, which is why the South African Surfski Academy has been running coaching clinics and mentorship programmes at schools,” said Greg Vogt, event organiser.

Vogt says the race also forms part of a broader vision to grow junior paddling across the country.

“It aims to create pathways for young paddlers around South Africa. This is the first step in what we hope will become a series of events supporting the next generation of talent.”

With strong early interest from schools across the province, organisers are expecting a competitive field.

Attention will thereafter be on the Reef Shootout presented by The Pumpsmith, starting at 10:00.

Now in its second year, the Reef Shootout is a fast-paced knockout racing format that sees paddlers competing in short, high-intensity laps. The event features a range of categories and craft, including lifesaving surfskis, long-distance surfskis, and doubles surfskis across various age-group divisions, creating thrilling head-to-head racing close to shore.

Defending champions will also be returning to the water, with Luke Nisbet (Mount Edgecombe) – winner of two of the three men’s categories last year – tipped as a strong contender once again. In the women’s race, Tiffany Koch (Amanzimtoti) returns as the reigning champion and one of the favourites for the title.

The festival concludes on Sunday with the Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind starting at 10:00. This doubles race will run from Blythedale to Tiffany’s (or reverse, depending on conditions), offering paddlers an exciting downwind challenge along one of the North Coast’s most popular surf ski routes.

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