Durban is set to host Africa’s first Ocean Racing World Championships as South African athletes aim to impress.
Durban, South Africa (24 July 2025) – This October, Durban’s coastline will come alive with colour and excitement, not forgetting world-class talent as the globe’s top surfski paddlers arrive for the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, which will take place from 17 to 19 October.
For the first time ever, Africa will host this premier ocean paddling event and where better than the warm waters of KwaZulu-Natal? With its warm weather and passionate local paddling scene, Durban is ready to put on a spectacular show.
South Africa, long regarded as a powerhouse in the sport alongside Australia, has produced a string of world champions across different age groups and genders. Now, some of those very champions will be racing on home turf, and they are hungry for more success.
Leading the men’s charge is defending world champion Gordan Harbrecht from Germany. Australia’s Cory Hill, a three-time world titleholder, returns with firepower. What would this showdown be without the local favourites? Nic Notten (2021 champ), Kenny Rice (2022), Uli Hart, and Mark Keeling will all be coming in strong.
Perhaps the most exciting South African to watch is Durban’s very own legend, Hank McGregor. With multiple Marathon World Championship titles under his belt, the Ocean Racing crown is the final missing piece to his collection, and there is no better place to do it than home waters.
On the women’s side, Cape Town star Kira Bester is back to defend the title she claimed in Portugal last year. She will be joined by a dynamic squad including Nix Birkett, Saskia Hockly, Melanie van Niekerk, and rising U23 stars Holly Smith, Georgia Singe, and Jade Wilson.
Another big name to watch is KZN’s own Michelle Burn, the 2021 World Champion, who did not compete in the selection races but will be racing independently.
Based out of the Durban Undersea Club, races will follow one of two coastal routes depending on wind and wave conditions.
With over 140 international paddlers already signed up, this event is set to bring world-class energy to Durban’s shores
Glenrose Xaba Adds World Athletics Gold Status to an Already Historic Career
Sports to Watch This Weekend: Proteas Face Australia as Bulls and Stormers Begin European Campaigns
by 
