The 4th Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge delivered a thrilling conclusion to Ocean Festival 2026 on Sunday, 3 May. Multiple World Champion, Hank McGregor, and World Champion medallist, Keegan Vogt – both Ballito locals – powered to a commanding victory in the doubles race. In the singles category, Verne Vogt – Keegan’s father – claimed top honours, making it a standout family result to close off a memorable weekend on the KZN South Coast.
The 2026 edition featured the doubles format, adding a strategic and collaborative dynamic to the race, with teams navigating surf launches and offshore conditions.
“A huge congratulations to all the racers – Scottburgh once again delivered exceptional conditions, reinforcing the region as a firm favourite on the racing calendar,” said Barry Lewin, Event Organiser. “It was really great to experience three days of great weather and ocean conditions for the Ocean Festival, with strong community support highlighting exactly why the event continues to grow each year. It truly showcased the best of the coastline for both competitive racing and the wider ocean community.”
Beyond competition, the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge remains central to Ocean Festival’s conservation-driven ethos, linking elite sport with ocean awareness. It provides a unique opportunity for racers to compete through the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area, a designated Mission Blue Hope Spot and world-class dive site. Through ongoing conservation efforts led locally by Wild Alliance Africa, sustainable use of the MPA is promoted, ensuring that this unique marine environment remains accessible and thriving for future generations.
“The Ocean Festival was founded on the idea of creating access to this incredible ocean space,” says Lewin. “To paddle through Aliwal Shoal is something truly special. It’s an opportunity to truly experience the ocean in a way that builds respect for it. The race was a really fitting way to end a weekend that celebrates everything the ocean represents.”
Lewin also acknowledged the ongoing support of title sponsor Leatherback Rum: “They’ve been part of this journey from day one and continue to align with our three pillars of engagement, education, and economics. It’s a partnership built on a shared commitment to conservation and community.”
Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge Results
Long Course | Doubles Division
- 1st Keegan Vogt and Hank McGregor (00:53:33,04)
- 2nd Johan Grobler and Kim Peek (00:59:30,64)
- 3rd Jason Ekstrand and Natasha Ekstrand (01:01:13,06)
- 4th Andrew Atkinson and Jackie de Billot (01:09:44,71)
Long Course | Singles Division
- 1st Vernon Vogt (00:57:30,01)
- 2nd Sibusiso Zulu (00:57:52,60)
- 3rd Bryce Hatton (00:58:11,98)
- 4th Bryce Lawson (00:59:58,54)
Short Course| Doubles Division
- 1st Dave Imrie and Amanda Seidler (00:42:36,39)
Short Course | Singles Division
- 1st Dionn Joubert (00:45:53,79)
- 2nd Howard Gray (00:46:24,28)
- 3rd Clint Lawson (00:55:30,43)
- 4th Gary Whiteford (01:00:29,09)
A Weekend of Ocean, Community and Connection
The surfski finale marked the culmination of a vibrant weekend filled with sport, wellness, education, and ocean-focused experiences across Scottburgh. Ocean sportsman also enjoyed the chance to compete in the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival, Ocean Festival Surf Pro, and the first-ever Schools Tag Team Surf Contest, won by the Surfers Not Street Children team.
From sunrise runs to sunset, Ocean Festival 2026 once again transformed the coastline into a dynamic hub celebrating ocean culture and connection, with a programme line-up of:
- Scotties Striders Run
- Veranda Panda Wake & Shake at Wild Coffee
- Granny Grommets Bodyboard Session
- Ocean Experience Boat Trips
- Ocean Festival Movie Night at Premier Resort Cutty Sark
- Nia Beach Classes
- Conservation Talks (Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot focus)
- Live Music Evening with Leatherback Rum (Cutty Sark)
- Beach Yoga Session
- Conservation Talks
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Ocean Festival.
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