Paddlers from school-level competitors to seasoned athletes are set to take to the water for Paddle Fest 2026, running from 21 to 22 March. Organised by South Africa Surf Ski, the festival promises an action-packed weekend of surfski racing along the KZN coastline, supported by sponsors The Pumpsmith, Carnegie Power, and Forex People.
Forex People: KZN Schools League Surfski Race
The festival starts on Saturday, 21 March, with the inaugural Forex People: KZN Schools League Race at Durban Undersea Club (DUC) at 8am. 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, including Durban, Ballito, and Pietermaritzburg.
“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,” explains Greg Vogt, Event Organiser. “These initiatives now culminate in the Forex People: KZN Schools League Race, and we’re really excited to see this first event come to life.”
Vogt says the race also forms part of a broader vision to grow junior paddling across the country: “The Forex People: KZN Schools League Race launches a nationwide Junior Paddling League, backed by Forex People, which 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. Among the early favourites are Keegan Vogt from Pietermaritzburg College in the boys’ race and Tessa Salmon from Epworth in the girls’ race.
Reef Shootout presented by The Pumpsmith
Later that morning, attention turns to one of the most exciting spectator events of the weekend: the Reef Shootout presented by The Pumpsmith, starting at 10am at DUC.
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.
“The racing is short, sharp and exciting, and we’re looking forward to creating a real spectacle around the surfski paddling fraternity,” says Vogt. “It’s a fantastic event for spectators, where people can come down to DUC and watch some of the best paddlers in the sport competing right in front of them.”
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.
Entry for the Forex People: KZN Schools League Race is open to participating schools, while competitors in the Reef Shootout and Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind can register via www.canoesa.org.za.
The festival concludes on Sunday, 22 March, with the Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind, starting at 10am. 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.
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 Ocean Festival.
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