Durban’s New Pier was abuzz with good vibes this past weekend as nearly 50 para surfers from all over South Africa showcased skill and shredded some serious waves at the 2025 Sea Harvest SA Para Surfing Championships.
Durban, South Africa (16 April 2025) – It was a weekend of exceptional athleticism and camaraderie as 48 surfers from across the country competed in various divisions at the 2025 Sea Harvest SA Para Surfing Championships at Durban’s New Pier.
Hosted by Made for More and supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and Surfing South Africa (SSA), the epic event was all about showcasing the growing talent and inclusivity within South Africa’s para surfing community.
The All-Inclusive Division, the largest of the events, saw fierce competition as athletes pushed their limits on day one of the event.
Standout performer Joseph Lecourt de Billot delivered an impressive heat total of 16.33, including the highest single wave score of 8.5, setting the bar for the competition.
Finals day saw some glassy conditions, perfect for showing off some epic moves.
Bongani Xulu, event head judge, shared that it was great to see the all-inclusive division growing.
“It shows that organisations are working hard to grow the sport and share the stoke. All surfers did their best and took advantage of the beautiful conditions on the final day. Congratulations to all the Champions,” Xulu said.
In the Para Surf Prone 1 Female Division, Tracey McKay secured victory with a top wave score of 7.33. Meanwhile, Nolu Makalima dominated the Para Surf Prone 2 Female Division, achieving the day’s highest heat total at 13.77, demonstrating remarkable commitment and technique.
“The SA Championship helped me as an individual to improve and polish where I needed to. It was a good experience to share with athletes in different categories,” Nolu said.
Winner of the Women’s Kneel division and former SA National Team member, Similo Dlamini, reflected:
“A competition of this high standard allows differently abled athletes to be competitive and prepares them for the world. Continued support could see us at the 2032 Paralympics in Brisbane.”
And according to Dr Roxy Davis, para surfing specialist and surf coach, with performances like those seen at New Pier, the future of South African para surfing has never looked brighter!
“On behalf of everyone who participated in the event, we thank Made for More for hosting us this year. An event such as this has once again elevated the standard of performance across all para surfing divisions.”
Surfing South Africa remains committed to supporting the continued growth of para surfing by creating inclusive, high-performance platforms that allow more wave-riding legends to advance the sport on both national and international stages.
Sources: Surfing South Africa
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 