{"id":5835,"date":"2026-05-04T14:13:55","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T12:13:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=182673"},"modified":"2026-05-04T14:13:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T12:13:55","slug":"surfers-not-street-children-take-an-epic-win-at-ocean-festivals-first-ever-schools-tag-team-surf-contest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/surfers-not-street-children-take-an-epic-win-at-ocean-festivals-first-ever-schools-tag-team-surf-contest\/","title":{"rendered":"Surfers Not Street Children Take an Epic Win at Ocean Festival\u2019s First-Ever Schools Tag Team Surf Contest"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Scottburgh Main Beach delivered the perfect stage for an unforgettable showdown this weekend as rising surfing stars took to the water for the inaugural Schools Tag Team Surf Contest on Friday, 1 May 2026. 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.<\/p>\n

Part of the conservation-driven Ocean Festival taking place from 1 to 3 May on the KZN South Coast, the event not only showcased the region\u2019s 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\u2019s renowned point break, providing ideal conditions for competition.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a really novel format which was amazing to watch,\u201d commented Barry Lewin, Event Organiser. \u201cTo 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\u2019s event.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom Hewitt, Founder of Surfers Not Street Children said: \u201cIt\u2019s always such a fantastic day at the Ocean Festival and we\u2019re so stoked to be included in the Schools Tag Team Surf Contest \u2013 we\u2019re really excited to have taken the win in what was some challenging surf. We\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Results for Schools Tag Team Surf Contest<\/strong><\/p>\n

1st Place: Surfers Not Street Children
Contenders: Charley Songca, Siyabonga Khanyile, Melokuhle Zotshana, Ndumiso Biyela, Trevor Mnetsi<\/p>\n

2nd Place: Rights Rebels
Contenders: Louise Lepront, Nina de Villiers, Calib Botha, Tom Pearson, Leah Lepront<\/p>\n

3rd Place: Amanzimtoti High School
Contenders: Adyn Varley, Zach Johnson, Joel Johnson, Aragon Douglas, Thomas Jobert<\/p>\n

4th Place: Scotties Locals
Contenders: Blake Killoran, Blake Vincent, Bryden Mitchel, Chayt Daniels, Reeve Bryant<\/p>\n

More Ocean Festival Action This Weekend<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Saturday, the focus shifts to the Ocean Festival Surf Pro, where surfers across multiple divisions \u2013 from U10 to Open Men\u2019s and Ladies, as well as Masters \u2013 compete in a full day of high-performance surfing.<\/p>\n

This builds on the momentum that started with the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival on Friday, with the remainder of the weekend programme continuing to deliver a mix of sport, wellness, entertainment, and ocean-focused conservation.<\/p>\n

The weekend concludes on Sunday, 3 May, with a range of ocean-focused activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n