Surf Expo Africa makes its grand debut in Cape Town, marking a new celebration of ocean culture and honouring the man who sparked South Africa’s surf foundation.
Cape Town, South Africa (28 November 2025) – This weekend, Cape Town plays host to an exciting first! It is the inaugural Surf Expo Africa (SEA) at the CTICC, bringing together water sports, wellness, travel and ocean-lovers for three days of talks, activities and industry insights. But perhaps the most powerful moment of the expo will be a tribute to a man who helped shape the very soul of South African surf culture: John Whitmore, affectionately known as “The Oom.”
On Saturday, 29 November at midday, SEA will pay homage to Whitmore’s extraordinary life and influence through a special presentation led by author Miles Masterson, whose book The Oom, a biography of South African Water Sports Pioneer John Whitmore captures the story behind the legend. Attendees will also be able to meet Miles, purchase the book, and get their copies signed.
The organisers of Surf Expo Africa say it was never a question. Of course the first-ever SEA event had to honour the man who made so much of it possible.
“You can’t tell the story of South African surfing or the surf industry without starting with John Whitmore,” says Miles.
“He was a pioneer, a visionary, and a natural leader. More than that, he was a storyteller and a connector; he brought people together and pushed the sport forward at every turn.”
Joining Miles for the presentation will be surf industry pioneers Robin Solomon, Peter Wright, and Bernie Shelly, who will unpack Whitmore’s influence on beach culture and the future of the sport.
Attendees will be able to buy the book directly from the stand of environmental NGO Protect the West Coast (PTWC), with 50% of SEA book sales going towards the organisation.
The tribute is expected to be one of the standout moments of the expo, offering surf fans a rare look into the life, innovation and passion of the man who helped define South Africa’s relationship with the ocean.
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