The highly anticipated Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind will bring Paddle Fest 2026 to an exciting close on Sunday, 22 March, with paddlers taking on one of the KZN North Coast’s most iconic surf ski routes. Adding further excitement to this year’s event is a new prize incentive: any paddler who manages to come in under the one-hour mark on the course will earn a bonus prize for setting a new record.
Starting at 10am, the race will run between Blythedale Beach and Tiffany’s Beach (or reverse, depending on wind conditions), offering competitors a thrilling 18.5km downwind challenge along this scenic stretch of coastline. Organised by South Africa Surf Ski, Paddle Fest 2026 is supported by sponsors The Pumpsmith, Carnegie Power, and Forex People, and attracts paddlers from across the province and beyond.
“We are very excited to welcome Carnegie Power as a partner for this year’s Ballito Downwind,” says Barry Lewin, Event Organiser. “Chris Carnegie is a local Ballito paddler who understands the sport and the community around it, and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with a sponsor that shares our passion for supporting events that add value to the area.”
Carnegie himself is expected to be among the competitors lining up on the start line for this year’s race, further reinforcing the event’s strong local connection.
What to Expect from the 2026 Edition
The Ballito Downwind alternates annually between singles and doubles formats, with 2026 featuring the doubles race. This year’s edition is expected to attract a strong field, including some of the country’s most accomplished paddlers.
“The Ballito Downwind is always a highlight on the paddling calendar,” says Lewin. “It’s a fantastic stretch of water that can deliver incredible downwind conditions, and the doubles format adds another level of teamwork and strategy to the race.”
Among the headline competitors will be 11-time World Champion Hank McGregor, who will be teaming up with his wife Pippa McGregor in the mixed doubles category. Defending champions from the last doubles event in 2024, brothers Matthew and Joshua Fenn, will be among those expected to return to defend their title.
In the women’s division, the previous doubles champions Saskia Hockly and Christie MacKenzie – who recently secured victory at this year’s Duzi Canoe Marathon – are also looking to be strong contenders should they return to the start line. Last year’s women’s singles champion, Michelle Burn, will also be one to watch, with paddling fans eager to see who she partners with for the doubles race.
“The Ballito paddling community has grown significantly in recent years, particularly around the Dolphin’s Canoe Club, and it’s fantastic to see a local event that celebrates and supports that growth,” says Lewin. “Events like this bring the paddling community together while showcasing the incredible ocean conditions we have along the North Coast.”
Entries for Paddle Fest events can be made via https://paddlesportsa.co.za
Other Paddle Fest 2026 Events
Paddle Fest 2026 begins on Saturday, 21 March, with the inaugural Forex People: KZN Schools League Race at Durban Undersea Club (DUC) at 8am. This 8km race forms part of a new grassroots development initiative aimed at introducing school paddlers to surf ski racing while launching a nationwide Junior Paddling League supported by Forex People.
Later that morning, the action continues with the Reef Shootout presented by The Pumpsmith, starting at 10am at DUC. This fast-paced knockout racing format sees paddlers competing in short, high-intensity laps across various craft and age-group categories, creating an exciting and spectator-friendly event close to shore.
Paddle Fest 2026: Event Overview
Saturday, 21 March
Venue: Durban Undersea Club (DUC)
8am: Forex People: KZN Schools League Race (8km)
Inaugural schools race forming part of the new Junior Paddling League.
Venue: Durban Undersea Club (DUC)
10am: Reef Shootout presented by The Pumpsmith
Fast-paced knockout racing featuring multiple craft and age categories.
Sunday, 22 March
Venue: KZN North Coast
10am: Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind
Doubles race from Blythedale to Tiffany’s (or reverse depending on conditions).
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Paddle Fest.
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