Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge Delivers Fitting Finale to Ocean Festival 2026 Weekend
Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge Delivers Fitting Finale to Ocean Festival 2026 Weekend
The 4th Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge delivered a thrilling conclusion to Ocean Festival 2026 on Sunday, 3 May. Multiple World Champion, Hank McGregor, and World Champion medallist, Keegan Vogt - both Ballito locals - powered to a commanding victory in the doubles race. In the singles category, Verne Vogt – Keegan’s father – claimed top honours, making it a standout family result to close off a memorable Weekend on the KZN South Coast.
The 2026 edition featured the doubles format, adding a strategic and collaborative dynamic to the race, with teams navigating surf launches and offshore conditions.
Beyond competition, the Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge remains central to Ocean Festival’s conservation-driven ethos, linking elite sport with ocean awareness. It provides a unique opportunity for racers to compete through the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area, a designated Mission Blue Hope Spot and world-class dive site. Through ongoing conservation efforts led locally by Wild Alliance Africa, sustainable use of the MPA is promoted, ensuring that this unique marine environment remains accessible and thriving for future generations.
Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge Results
Long Course | Doubles Division
1st Keegan Vogt and Hank McGregor (00:53:33,04)
2nd Johan Grobler and Kim Peek (00:59:30,64)
3rd Jason Ekstrand and Natasha Ekstrand (01:01:13,06)
4th Andrew Atkinson and Jackie de Billot (01:09:44,71)
Long Course | Singles Division
1st Vernon Vogt (00:57:30,01)
2nd Sibusiso Zulu (00:57:52,60)
3rd Bryce Hatton (00:58:11,98)
4th Bryce Lawson (00:59:58,54)
Short Course| Doubles Division
1st Dave Imrie and Amanda Seidler (00:42:36,39)
Short Course | Singles Division
1st Dionn Joubert (00:45:53,79)
2nd Howard Gray (00:46:24,28)
3rd Clint Lawson (00:55:30,43)
4th Gary Whiteford (01:00:29,09)
A Weekend of Ocean, Community and Connection
The surfski finale marked the culmination of a vibrant Weekend filled with sport, wellness, education, and ocean-focused experiences across Scottburgh. Ocean sportsman also enjoyed the chance to compete in the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival, Ocean Festival Surf Pro, and the first-ever Schools Tag Team Surf Contest, won by the Surfers Not Street Children team.
From sunrise runs to sunset, Ocean Festival 2026 once again transformed the coastline into a dynamic hub celebrating ocean culture and connection, with a programme line-up of:
- Scotties Striders Run
- Veranda Panda Wake & Shake at Wild Coffee
- Granny Grommets Bodyboard Session
- Ocean Experience Boat Trips
- Ocean Festival Movie Night at Premier Resort Cutty Sark
- Nia Beach Classes
- Conservation Talks (Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot focus)
- Live Music Evening
- Beach Yoga Session
- Conservation Talks
*Information provided by the publicist.
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