A strong showing as the team delivered 10 podium finishes at the SA Para Surfing Championships, with standout performances across multiple divisions.
Durban, South Africa (21 April 2026) – Cape Town Surf Riders returned from Durban with five national titles after competing at the 2026 Sea Harvest South African Para Surfing Championships.
The event brought together para surfers from across the country, with consistent conditions allowing for a competitive weekend on the water. The Cape Town team delivered across multiple divisions, finishing with ten podium results overall.
Leading the charge were Noluthando “Nolu” Makalima and Raemondo Lessing, who not only claimed national titles in the Prone 2 Female and Prone 2 Male divisions respectively, but also posted the highest heat scores of the entire event. Lessing recorded a 15.63, including the top single wave score of 8.63, while Makalima followed closely with a 15.55.
The gold medal tally was further boosted by Diego Saal (All Inclusive Prone Male), Nokuthula Yonke (All Inclusive Kneel Female) and Thando Ngcikwe (All Inclusive Kneel Male), reflecting the team’s depth across categories.
There were also strong supporting performances, with Chase Winshaw and Sisande Xolani Mhlungu both securing silver medals, while Keisha Khanyisa Johnson, Nasr Esau and Emihle Jaiden Sombexe added bronze finishes. Michael Lapperts rounded out the team’s efforts with a top-six finish in the Visually Impaired 2 division.
Reflecting on her performance, Makalima credited the team environment for her success.
“Let me start and say thank you so much to my team, the support that I had from them was epic. Without them my weekend would not have been fun like it was. I am improving and am willing to learn more and advance as an athlete.”
For Cape Town Surf Riders president Craig Johnson, the results went beyond medals.
“I’m in awe of what our Para Surfing athletes have achieved. They are a massive inspiration, and I’ll be using their example to push myself, in and out of the water.”
Behind the scenes, the team’s success was also shaped by a strong support structure, with coaches, management and partners playing a key role in ensuring a smooth campaign.
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