An epic win for ‘Surfers Not Street Children’

Scottburgh Main Beach delivered the perfect stage for an unforgettable showdown as rising surfing stars took to the water for the inaugural Schools Tag Team Surf Contest.

In a standout performance, Surfers Not Street Children claimed a well-earned victory, outsurfing strong local contenders to secure first place in this exciting new addition to the Ocean Festival line-up.

The event not only showcased the region’s depth of surfing talent but also highlighted the impactful work of Surfers Not Street Children, an organisation using surfing to empower vulnerable youth.

The contest further underscored the quality of Scottburgh’s renowned point break, providing ideal conditions for competition.

The Schools Tag Team Surf Contest introduced a fresh and dynamic format to the sport, with teams of five competing in a fast-paced relay.

Each surfer was required to complete their ride before sprinting back to tag the next teammate, placing equal emphasis on strategy and teamwork. Mixed boy-girl and boys-only teams took part, creating a high-energy spectacle that kept spectators engaged throughout.

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“It was a really novel format which was amazing to watch. To see kids of that age having to work as a team in the five-man format tag team event. Surfers Not Street Children were by far the most consistent over the course of the final, with all five contestants having very good surfs. The conditions in Scottburgh were amazing with a light south-westerly wind and full tide for the event. It was just absolutely perfect for a school’s event,” commented Barry Lewin, event organiser.

Tom Hewitt, founder of Surfers Not Street Children, also commented.

“It’s always such a fantastic day at the Ocean Festival and we’re so stoked to be included in the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest – we’re really excited to have taken the win in what was some challenging surf. We’re really keen to be back here for this great event! Thanks to all the organisers for a great event, and thanks to Halfway Toyota for transporting the surfers to and from their base.”

Results for Schools Tag Team Surf Contest

First place: Surfers Not Street Children

• Contenders: Charley Songca, Siyabonga Khanyile, Melokuhle Zotshana, Ndumiso Biyela, and Trevor Mnetsi

Second place: Rights Rebels

• Contenders: Louise Lepront, Nina de Villiers, Calib Botha, Tom Pearson, and Leah Lepront

Third place: Amanzimtoti High School

• Contenders: Adyn Varley, Zach Johnson, Joel Johnson, Aragon Douglas, and Thomas Jobert

Fourth place: Scotties Locals

• Contenders: Blake Killoran, Blake Vincent, Bryden Mitchel, Chayt Daniels, and Reeve Bryant