The Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge returns as a premier calendar event on the KZN South Coast
South Africa’s top surfski paddlers are looking forward to competing in the 4th Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, taking place in Scottburgh on Sunday, 3 May 2026, as part of Ocean Festival 2026. The race has been established as a premium contest on the national surfski calendar, attracting an increasingly competitive field drawn by the challenge of the course and the rarity of paddling within a globally significant marine environment.
What sets this race apart is its iconic location. Competitors paddle through around the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area (MPA), recognised as one of the world’s critical ocean ecosystems. Situated along the warm Agulhas Current, the Shoal supports extraordinary marine biodiversity, from dolphins and turtles to seasonal whale migrations and the world-famous Sardine Run.
The race also aligns with ongoing conservation efforts, which saw this MPA relaunched last year as the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot under the global Mission Blue initiative founded by oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle. Locally, conservation efforts are supported by a non-profit organisation, Wild Alliance Africa, led by Hope Spot Champion and Ocean Festival Founder Russel Symcox. Collectively, the team is working to protect this biodiverse marine ecosystem while promoting sustainable ocean use through activities such as the Ocean Festival.
“The Ocean Festival was founded on the idea of creating access to this incredible ocean space,” says Barry Lewin, Event Organiser and Race Director. “To paddle through Aliwal Shoal, which is a globally recognised ecosystem, is something truly special for our competitors. This race truly reminds us exactly why these environments need to be protected.”
He also expressed gratitude to title sponsor, Leatherback Rum, which has supported the race and the broader Ocean Festival since inception: “They are truly a brand that walks the talk, with their conservation ethos supporting the festival’s three pillars of engagement, education, and economics. Their continued involvement underscores a shared commitment to protecting ocean environments while supporting community-driven initiatives.”
Doubles Format for 4th Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge
The event alternates between singles and doubles each year, with 2026 featuring the doubles format, adding a strategic and collaborative dimension to the competition. With a top field expected to compete, the doubles race format is set to deliver tight finishes, tactical racing, and strong partnerships on the water.
- Event: Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge
- Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach
- Date: Sunday, 3 May 2026
- Registration: 7am | Race Start: 9am
- Distances: 16km (long course) | 8km (short course)
- Entry Fee: R400
A Celebration of Ocean and Community
The surfski challenge forms part of the broader Ocean Festival 2026, which includes a full programme of ocean sport and community events:
- Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival
- Schools Tag Team Surf Contest
- Ocean Festival Surf Pro
- Scotties Striders Run for the Ocean
- Veranda Panda Wake & Shake Tour at Wild Coffee
- Granny Grommets Bodyboard Session
- Ocean Experience Boat Rides from Premier Hotel Cutty Sark
- Ocean Festival Movie Night
- Beach Nia and Beach Yoga
- Mission Blue Hope Spot Conservation Talks
- Live Music with Leatherback Rum at the Premier Resort Cutty Sark
Keep Updated!
Follow on Instagram: @theoceanfestival
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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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Danila Botha: Danila Botha is a South African journalist who has worked for the SABC and the Sunday Times. She is known for
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