Bay, Cape Town to host City Surf Series
The World Surf League (WSL) Africa has announced back-toback events in SA for the City Surf Series with Gqeberha being one of the stops.
The Cape Town Surf Pro will run from March 16-17 followed by the SA Open of Surfing in Nelson Mandela Bay from March 23-24.
Both events will host Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 for men and women and will help decide the WSL Africa Region’s representatives in the 2024 Challenger Series.
“We are thrilled to announce the start of our 2023/2024 Regional Qualifying Series and with that, the re-ignition of the City Surf Series through a dynamic collaboration with Accelerate Sport,” WSL Africa Tour manager Luqmaan Bruce said.
“This partnership marks a pivotal moment for the surfing community, as we embark on a journey to elevate the sport and propel African surfing to new heights.”
“The City Surf Series holds a special place in the hearts of surfers and fans alike, serving as a platform for talent discovery, supporting skill development, and showcasing the vibrant culture of surfing.
“With the support of Accelerate Sport, we are poised to revitalise this iconic series, delivering unforgettable experiences and driving growth in the African surfing landscape.”
Accelerate Sport CEO Kudzi Nzombe said: “The City Surf Series has been the best regional QS series in modern times, and propelled Mikey February and Matthew McGillivray onto the World Tour.
“We’re excited to bring it back to the African continent where new names will rise to the top.”
The first event, the Cape Town Surf Pro, will take place at Long Beach, Kommetjie, just a short drive out of the city.
A quality beach break that consistently offers highly contestable conditions and long rides, it is the hub of surfing in the deep south of Cape Town.
The event has attracted interest from international athletes. Morocco’s Aboubakr Bouada, who was the highestranked athlete outside SA on the 2022/2023 WSL Africa QS rankings, was one of the first athletes to enter the Cape Town Surf Pro.
Joining Bouada in the lineup will be Joe Kennedy, who will be the first Madagascan to enter and compete in a WSL Africa competition.
There will be a strong local contingent, with 2022/2023 WSL Africa QS Regional Champion Natasha van Greunen leading the charge in the women’s division.
“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming events in SA,” Van Greunen said.
After four years, the SA Open of Surfing returns to Pollok Beach in Gqeberha and 2019 SA Open of Surfing winner Adin Masencamp is excited to defend his title.
“The SA Open of Surfing is a title every South African wants to own,” Masencamp said.
“I’m looking forward to trying to defend my title, but just getting back into competition and pushing to advance as far as possible to get those points for the Challenger Series.”
Entries for both events are open.