Ocean Festival: ‘Surfers, Not Street Children,’ Triumph in School Tag Team Contest

May 1, 2026 dailystar

Durban – Scottburgh Main Beach served as the ideal venue for an unforgettable showdown this weekend, as emerging surfing talents took to the waves for the inaugural Schools Tag Team Surf Contest on Friday, 1 May 2026.

In a remarkable display, “Surfers Not Street Children” achieved a well-deserved victory, outperforming robust local challengers to claim the top spot in this thrilling new addition to the Ocean Festival agenda.

‘Surfers Not Street Children’ secured a notable win, outclassing formidable local rivals to take first place in this exciting new event at the Ocean Festival (Image: Jon Ivins)

This event, part of the environmentally-focused Ocean Festival occurring from 1 to 3 May on the KZN South Coast, not only highlighted the impressive surfing talent in the area but also showcased the vital work of “Surfers Not Street Children,” an organization using surfing to uplift at-risk youth.

The contest further emphasized the quality of Scottburgh’s famous point break, offering perfect conditions for competition.

The Schools Tag Team Surf Contest introduced an innovative and energetic format to the sport, featuring teams of five competing in a fast-paced relay.

Each surfer had to finish their ride before racing back to tag the next teammate, balancing strategy and teamwork effectively.

Mixed-gender and boys-only teams participated, creating an exciting atmosphere that kept spectators enthralled throughout.

“It was a really unique format that was fantastic to watch,” remarked Barry Lewin, Event Organiser.

“Seeing kids collaborate in the five-person tag team format was remarkable.

“’Surfers Not Street Children’ displayed exceptional consistency throughout the final, with all five contestants delivering impressive performances.

The conditions in Scottburgh were ideal with a gentle south-westerly breeze and full tide for the event. It was absolutely perfect for a school competition.”

Tom Hewitt, Founder of “Surfers Not Street Children,” expressed: “It’s always such a wonderful day at the Ocean Festival, and we’re thrilled to be part of the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest – we’re really excited to have come away with the win amidst challenging surf conditions.

“We’re eager to return for this fantastic event.

“A big thank you to all the organizers for a great occasion, and to Halfway Toyota for providing transportation for the surfers.”

Results for Schools Tag Team Surf Contest

1st Place: Surfers Not Street Children

Team Members: Charley Songca, Siyabonga Khanyile, Melokuhle Zotshana, Ndumiso Biyela, Trevor Mnetsi

2nd Place: Rights Rebels

Team Members: Louise Lepront, Nina de Villiers, Calib Botha, Tom Pearson, Leah Lepront

3rd Place: Amanzimtoti High School

Team Members: Adyn Varley, Zach Johnson, Joel Johnson, Aragon Douglas, Thomas Jobert

4th Place: Scotties Locals

Team Members: Blake Killoran, Blake Vincent, Bryden Mitchel, Chayt Daniels, Reeve Bryant

More Ocean Festival Excitement This Weekend

On Saturday, attention will shift to the Ocean Festival Surf Pro, where surfers across various divisions – from U10 to Open Men’s and Ladies, as well as Masters – will compete in a full day of high-caliber surfing.

This follows the momentum set by the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival on Friday, with the remainder of the weekend’s schedule continuing to offer a variety of sports, wellness activities, entertainment, and marine conservation.

The weekend will wrap up on Sunday, 3 May, with an array of ocean-themed 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

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