Scottburgh Main Beach delivered the perfect stage for an unforgettable showdown this weekend as rising surfing stars took to the water for the inaugural Schools Tag Team Surf Contest on Friday, 1 May 2026. In a standout performance, Surfers Not Street Children claimed a well-earned victory, outsurfing strong local contenders to secure first place in this exciting new addition to the Ocean Festival line-up.
Part of the conservation-driven Ocean Festival taking place from 1 to 3 May on the KZN South Coast, the event not only showcased the region’s depth of surfing talent but also highlighted the impactful work of Surfers Not Street Children, an organisation using surfing to empower vulnerable youth. The contest further underscored the quality of Scottburgh’s renowned point break, providing ideal conditions for competition.
The Schools Tag Team Surf Contest introduced a fresh and dynamic format to the sport, with teams of five competing in a fast-paced relay. Each surfer was required to complete their ride before sprinting back to tag the next teammate, placing equal emphasis on strategy and teamwork. Mixed boy-girl and boys-only teams took part, creating a high-energy spectacle that kept spectators engaged throughout.
“It was a really novel format which was amazing to watch,” commented Barry Lewin, Event Organiser. “To see kids of that age having to work as a team in the five-man format tag team event. Surfers Not Street Children were by far the most consistent over the course of the final, with all five contestants having very good surfs. The conditions in Scottburgh were amazing with a light south-westerly wind and full tide for the event. It was just absolutely perfect for a school’s event.”
Tom Hewitt, Founder of Surfers Not Street Children said: “It’s always such a fantastic day at the Ocean Festival and we’re so stoked to be included in the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest – we’re really excited to have taken the win in what was some challenging surf. We’re really keen to be back here for this great event! Thanks to all the organisers for a great event, and thanks to Halfway Toyota for transporting the surfers to and from their base.”
Results for Schools Tag Team Surf Contest
1st Place: Surfers Not Street Children
Contenders: Charley Songca, Siyabonga Khanyile, Melokuhle Zotshana, Ndumiso Biyela, Trevor Mnetsi
2nd Place: Rights Rebels
Contenders: Louise Lepront, Nina de Villiers, Calib Botha, Tom Pearson, Leah Lepront
3rd Place: Amanzimtoti High School
Contenders: Adyn Varley, Zach Johnson, Joel Johnson, Aragon Douglas, Thomas Jobert
4th Place: Scotties Locals
Contenders: Blake Killoran, Blake Vincent, Bryden Mitchel, Chayt Daniels, Reeve Bryant
More Ocean Festival Action This Weekend
On Saturday, the focus shifts to the Ocean Festival Surf Pro, where surfers across multiple divisions – from U10 to Open Men’s and Ladies, as well as Masters – compete in a full day of high-performance surfing.
This builds on the momentum that started with the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival on Friday, with the remainder of the weekend programme continuing to deliver a mix of sport, wellness, entertainment, and ocean-focused conservation.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, 3 May, with a range of ocean-focused activities:
- 7am: Beach Yoga
- 8am to 12pm: Ocean Experience Boat Rides from Premier Hotel Cutty Sark
- 9am: Leatherback Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge
- 9am to 10am: Conservation Talks
- 1pm: Surfski Prizegiving
Keep Updated!
Follow on Instagram: @theoceanfestival
Follow on Facebook: @theoceanfestival
Website: www.oceanfestival.co.za
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7qHfDEKyZBTTG32D2C
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Ocean Festival.
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