The 2026 Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior opened in superb conditions at Victoria Bay, with long, clean walls reeling down the point from first light. With the new season officially underway, competitors wasted no time taking advantage of the quality surf as they chased an early foothold on the rankings. Competition opened with the Men's QS 2,000 Round of 56, where several surfers wasted no time making their intentions clear. Local standout Daniel Orpen, Durban's Chad du Toit, and Brazilian goofy-footer Ryan Coelho all advanced comfortably through their opening heats with confident performances in the clean conditions. The Women's QS Round of 24 followed, with East London's Taylor Emslie, Cape Town's Emily Jenkinson, Reunion Island's Hina Maria Conradi, and France's Sarah Leiceaga all claiming heat victories. Conradi delivered the performance of the round, posting an impressive 15.00 heat total out of a possible 20 to set the benchmark and establish herself as one of the early standouts of the event. The Pro Junior division hit the water next, with Asbjorn Gwenin (United Kingdom), Nate Colby (Durban), Ryan Coelho (Brazil), and Rip Curl team rider Jack Erlank (St Francis Bay) all securing heat wins to advance through to the next round. By the time the Men's QS 2,000 Round of 48 got underway, the wind had begun to influence conditions. Nevertheless, several surfers still found quality scoring opportunities. Joshe Faulkner (Pellsrus), Chad du Toit (Durban), Brad Scott (Cape Town), Simon Winter (Cape Town), and Kai Hall (Durban) all posted strong heat totals to progress. The final heat of the round saw Erlank continue his impressive form. The St Francis Bay surfer claimed victory ahead of Clay Turrell, while Nate Tayler and Paul Sampson were eliminated from competition. "There were some good ones out there, but some of them just went flat," said Erlank. "I got this outside …
Clean Forecast Sets the Stage for Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro This Weekend
With just days to go until the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior, anticipation is building as the forecast points to three days of quality surf at one of South Africa's most iconic point breaks. Current forecasts indicate consistent two-to-three-foot waves throughout the event window, accompanied by light and variable winds. While Victoria Bay is not expected to see a major swell event, the conditions look ideally suited for high-performance surfing and close competition across both divisions. Conditions Favour High-Performance Surfing For experienced competitors, Victoria Bay often delivers some of its best surfing when the waves are clean and well-shaped rather than oversized. The famous right-hand point break provides long walls that allow surfers to showcase speed, power and flow while linking together multiple manoeuvres on a single wave. The forecast is expected to provide plenty of opportunities for competitors to display the progressive and dynamic surfing that judges reward. With a strong local field and several international surfers in the draw, spectators can expect plenty of action from the opening heat through to the finals. The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 marks the start of the new WSL Africa Qualifying Series season, while the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior forms part of the regional Junior Qualifying Series. Valuable ranking points will be on offer in both events as surfers begin their campaigns for the season ahead. Backup Venue Remains Available While conditions currently look favourable, organisers will continue to monitor forecasts closely throughout the week. Should surf heights drop significantly, nearby Herold's Bay remains available as a backup venue. Located just around the corner from Victoria Bay, the picturesque beachbreak has a proven history of producing quality competition conditions when required and provides organisers with a reliable alternative should conditions …
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Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Celebrates International Surfing Day as Top Contenders Emerge
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior delivered another day of high-quality surfing at Victoria Bay on Saturday, with clean two-to-four-foot waves and light winds providing ideal conditions on International Surfing Day. With the men’s Round of 16 and women’s Quarterfinals completed in the QS 2,000, and the Pro Junior semifinalists decided, the stage is now set for an exciting Finals Day on Sunday. Sarah Baum Returns In Style Top seed Sarah Baum made a successful return to Victoria Bay, drawing on fond memories from her junior surfing days as she powered through both the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals. Baum looked comfortable from the outset, finding the best waves of each heat and posting one of the strongest performances of the day. Her quarterfinal total of 13.67 secured a place in the semifinals and reinforced her status as one of the favourites heading into the final day. Defending champion Natasha van Greunen also advanced after a dramatic finish to her quarterfinal encounter with Morocco’s Ninon Mattei. Needing a score in the closing moments, Van Greunen used priority wisely and found the wave she needed to move through to the semifinals. The final women’s heat of the day produced another tight battle. Zoë Steyn remained patient as conditions slowed and was rewarded with one of the better set waves of the heat. Her strong backhand surfing earned a semifinal berth ahead of Anastasia Venter. Prestwich Leads Strong Men's Charge The men's Round of 16 produced some of the best surfing of the event so far. Slade Prestwich posted the highest single-wave score of the competition, earning a 9.00-point ride for a series of powerful turns linked together with trademark flow and speed. His performance secured a convincing victory and a place in the quarterfinals. Morocco's Teva Bouchgua continued his impressive start to the season. Surfing Victoria Bay for the first time, Bouchgua adapted quickly to the long right-hand …
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UK Businesses Navigating the Merged RDEC Scheme Now Have a Clearer Path Forward
Catalyst Solutions launches a redesigned platform to guide companies through significant R&D tax relief changes Recent reforms to the UK’s R&D tax relief system have introduced significant changes to how companies claim, making the support of experienced R&D tax consultants increasingly valuable for businesses of all sizes. To address this, Catalyst Solutions, a firm operating across three international markets, has launched a redesigned website giving UK businesses improved access to guidance on claiming R&D tax incentives under HMRC’s merged Research and Development Expenditure Credit scheme. The reforms introduced the merged RDEC scheme for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, a shift that has changed the landscape for businesses that previously claimed under separate schemes. Under the old system, small and medium-sized enterprises and larger companies claimed through different routes, each with its own rate and rules. The merged scheme consolidates those routes into a single relief, changing how the credit is calculated and how the resulting benefit is treated for tax. For many companies, the practical effect is a different net figure at the end of a claim and a far greater emphasis on getting the underlying detail right. The updated platform provides detailed information on the reformed relief landscape, covering eligibility criteria, qualifying expenditure categories, and the full claims process, helping businesses understand what relief is available and how to access it. It also explains the additional support available to loss-making, research-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises, which can access a more generous rate where qualifying R&D makes up a substantial proportion of total expenditure. The site also outlines how Catalyst Solutions supports businesses at every stage of the claims process, from identifying qualifying activities and preparing technical narratives, to liaising with HMRC where …
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Clean Forecast Sets the Stage for Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro This Weekend
With just days to go until the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior, the forecast is shaping up beautifully for three days of high-performance surfing at one of South Africa's most iconic point breaks. Current forecasts indicate consistent surf in the two-to-three-foot range throughout the event window. This is accompanied by light and variable winds. While not expected to be a giant swell event, the conditions look ideally suited to showcase the best surfers in the country, along with the international entries. Mechanical Right-Hander For seasoned competitors, Victoria Bay's long, mechanical right-hander often produces some of its best surfing when conditions are clean rather than oversized. The forecast is expected to provide plenty of opportunity for surfers to demonstrate the kind of speed, power, flow and high-risk surfing that judges reward. Louise Lepront © Pierre Tostee / WSL While the forecast currently looks favourable, organisers will continue to monitor conditions throughout the week. Should surf heights drop significantly, nearby Herold's Bay remains available as a backup venue. The picturesque beachbreak, is located just around the corner from Victoria Bay. It has a long history of producing quality competition conditions when required. Opening Function The countdown for the Rip Vic Bay Surf Pro begins on Thursday evening with the official opening function at The Pottery in George. Starting at 6 pm on 18 June, the gathering will bring together competitors, sponsors, partners and event officials ahead of three days of competition at Victoria Bay. Slade Prestwich © Kody McGregor The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior are supported by George Municipality, George Tourism, The Pottery and Sir Fruit. Also, Bliz Eyewear, Bilt Surfboards International, Betify, Yeti, Red Bull, The Royal St Andrews Hotel and Harcourts South Africa. Watch Live The Rip Curl Vic Bay …
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Dr Andrew Sidelsky Launches Sky Dental Clinic Sandton
Dr Andrew Sidelsky unveils a new website and refreshed identity for the Sandton practice, building on more than a decade of patient care SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, June 12, 2026 — After more than twelve years of caring for patients in Sandton, Dr Andrew Sidelsky has officially launched Sky Dental Clinic Sandton, a new chapter for the practice previously known as Thinc Sandton. The rebrand marks a fresh identity rather than a fresh start. Every dentist, hygienist, and member of the support team that patients have come to know remains in place, along with the patient first philosophy that has defined the practice since it opened its doors in Sandton in 2012. What changes is the name, the look, and the digital home — not the people or the standard of care behind them. Sky Dental Clinic Sandton carries forward the same dentists, the same support team, and the same patient first philosophy. With over 7,500 patients treated to date, Sky Dental positions itself as Sandton’s trusted dental team, a reputation built quietly over the years through word of mouth, repeat visits, and long term patient relationships. For anyone searching for a Dentist in Sandton, the practice offers continuity of care that is increasingly rare in the industry. “Great dental care starts with people you actually know” sits at the heart of the new brand. Sky Dental places heavy emphasis on continuity of care, with patients seeing the same clinicians visit after visit, building familiarity with their history, their goals, and their preferences. That continuity shapes everything from how treatment is planned to how anxious patients are put at ease, and it is the thread that ties the practice’s first decade to this new chapter. “A name and a website are only ever the surface,” says Dr Andrew Sidelsky, founder and clinical director. “What patients value is walking in and being recognised, having their history understood, and knowing the person treating them today is the same one …
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Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Set for Strong June Showcase
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Set For Strong June Showcase The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro is shaping up to be one of the standout surfing events of the South African winter, with strong sponsor support, an increasingly competitive field, and growing anticipation ahead of the 19 to 21 June event window. The event features both a World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000 and a WSL Junior Qualifying Series (JQS), bringing together established competitors and emerging talent at the iconic right-hand point break of Victoria Bay. Entries have surged for this year's event, resulting in one of the largest fields assembled for a competition of this ranking at Victoria Bay and among the strongest turnouts for a QS 2,000 event nationwide. The exceptional response from both QS and JQS competitors reflects the growing stature of the event and the value of the rankings points on offer. The Vic Bay jump-spot © Kody McGregor International Entries: Brazilian ISA Medallist One of the latest high-profile entries is Brazilian surfer Ryan Coelho, a former ISA World Surfing Games medallist whose participation adds further international depth to an already impressive field. His inclusion strengthens the quality of the draw and underlines the event's appeal to surfers looking for valuable contest experience. “The new QS season gets underway with an exceptionally strong field, setting the stage for an intense battle for early rankings points,” said Luqmaan Bruce, WSL Tour Manager – Africa. “With Africa's top surfers and international contenders in the draw, Victoria Bay will provide the first indication of who is poised to emerge as a leading force on the regional tour.” The event has also attracted exceptional support from the business community, with a number of new sponsors coming on board in recent weeks. Their involvement has enhanced the event offering and reflects a strong vote of confidence in both the competition and the wider …
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Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Adds New Prizes And Partner Activations
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Adds New Prizes And Partner Activations Premium surfboards from Bilt International, a four-night stay from The Royal St Andrews Hotel, prizes from Bliz Eyewear, support from Harcourts, and an official opening function at The Pottery add further momentum to the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior. The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro venue, Victoria Bay - © Gumboot VICTORIA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA – The countdown to the 2026 Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro continues, with event organisers confirming a range of prizes, partner activations and event activities ahead of competition getting underway in June. The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Pro Junior will once again bring South Africa's top surfers to Victoria Bay as they compete for valuable World Surf League ranking points, prize money and national recognition. Challenger Series competitor Louise Lepront from Scottburgh at Vic Bay © Kody McGregor Surfing And Coastal Living The event has proudly welcomed Harcourts as a supporting sponsor. The partnership reflects the strong connection between surfing, coastal lifestyles and the communities that continue to thrive around South Africa's premier beachfront destinations. Victoria Bay and the Garden Route remain among South Africa's most sought-after coastal regions, creating a natural alignment between the event and one of the country's leading property brands. Prizes Add Extra Incentive Supporting sponsor The Royal St Andrews Hotel has contributed a four-night stay at the iconic Port Alfred Hotel during the 2027 Port Alfred Easter Festival. The prize creates a connection between the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro and the Easter Festival, where the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup QS 4,000 is confirmed to take place over Easter 2027. Bliz Eyewear has further strengthened the prize offering, with premium eyewear products set to be awarded to the winners of both the Rip Curl …
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Vincent Leygonie Retains South African BMX Freestyle Title At Park Lines Championship
Vincent Leygonie Retains South African BMX Freestyle Title At Park Lines Championship Pro Men’s Winner – Vincent Leygonie © Eric Palmer Johannesburg, South Africa – High-flying BMX action took over the SkyLab BMX Park in Bryanston as the Park Lines BMX Tournament hosted the official 2026 South African BMX Freestyle Championships. Sanctioned by Cycling South Africa and the UCI, the event attracted the country’s top BMX Freestyle riders. Competitors battled for national titles, UCI ranking points, prize money, and championship honours. At the end of an action-packed day, Vincent Leygonie successfully defended his Pro Men’s title. As a result, he was once again crowned South African BMX Freestyle Champion. South Africa’s Best Riders Gather In Johannesburg The purpose-built SkyLab BMX Park at Jozi-X Adventure Park provided the perfect setting for the championship. The course featured a range of ramps, transitions, and line options. Consequently, riders needed to combine creativity, technical difficulty, style, and consistency to impress the judges. Both Amateur and Pro divisions were contested. Riders were scored on use of the park, amplitude, execution, trick variety, and difficulty. Meanwhile, the Pro division offered more than national rankings. Riders also competed for a share of the R30,000 prize purse and Garmin Instinct 3 smartwatches. Amateur Riders Showcase Emerging Talent The Amateur Division highlighted the next generation of South African BMX Freestyle riders. Several competitors were making their event debut. Furthermore, the division delivered one of the closest contests in recent years. Eight riders advanced to the final. Amateur 3rd Place - Stefan Heyns. © Eric Palmer Caromba Claims Amateur Victory Johannesburg rider Sinjin Caromba delivered a standout performance in only his second BMX Freestyle competition. He used the entire course with confidence and speed. His run included huge airs, creative transfers, 360s over both box …
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International Contingent Builds Momentum Ahead of Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro
Victoria Bay - The 2026 Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro is shaping into one of the strongest early-season World Surf League events in recent years, with an impressive international contingent confirmed alongside many of South Africa’s top surfers ahead of the June tournament at Victoria Bay. The event will feature a Men’s and Women’s QS 2,000 contest, alongside a Pro Junior tournament, officially launching the 2026/2027 South African Qualifying Series season. “The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro is an important event for the African region and continues to build real momentum for professional surfing in South Africa," said Graham Stapelberg, WSL President: Africa Region and WSL President: Tours and Competition. "There is genuine energy around the sport right now, with strong talent emerging and more high-quality events creating opportunities for surfers to progress through the regional pathway. Rip Curl’s ongoing commitment to competitive surfing in South Africa has played a valuable role in that growth, and Victoria Bay remains one of the country’s premier high-performance venues.” International Talent Heads To Vic Bay Morocco will once again arrive with strong momentum following standout performances at the Port Alfred Easter Festival earlier this year. The Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup Port Alfred 2026 Qualifying Series winners Lilias Tebbaiand Teva Bouchgua have both entered the Vic Bay event, alongside fellow Moroccan surfers Ayman Gougali and Ninon Mattei. International depth also includes Hina-Maria Conradi from Reunion Island, while experienced Australian campaigner Philippa Anderson adds significant experience and firepower to the women’s division. Moroccan Teva Bouchgua © Kody McGregor South Africa’s Top Surfers Entered The event has also attracted many of South Africa’s leading surfers across both the QS and Pro Junior divisions. This includes the likes of Adin Masencamp, Connor Slijpen, and Teva Bouchgua, while the …