Rip Curl GromSearch and Rip Curl Cup presented by Royal St Andrews Hotel and Sea Harvest – Promising Forecast

Port Alfred – The town is already buzzing, and the surfers have started arriving for an epic four days of surfing at East Beach in Port Alfred. The swell has been predominantly from the east, and the practice sessions have all been going down on the West Beach wedges over the last few days, with some solid sets coming through. That’s all going to change, with a fresh southwest swell approaching, promising ideal conditions for East Beach, the contest venue.

The forecast for the contest period holds great promise, even though it may evolve in the next 24-48 hours. It hints at clean, medium-sized surf, accompanied by favourable winds for most of the contest period. There are some patches of less favourable winds during Saturday afternoon, but they pose no significant changes. With R110k in prizemoney up for grabs for the two events and some prestigious silverware, the country’s top junior and open surfers remain undeterred.

Blake Crankshaw © Louis Wulff

Surfers, officials, parents and media are reminded of Thursday night’s Royal St Andrews Hotel opening function at 18:00. There will be some welcome speeches and talks and a brief safety demonstration from the NSRI Station 11 spokesperson, Chris Pike.

A cash bar will be available in the conference foyer, and there is a Surfers Special at the Highlander after the opening ceremony.

Adults – Chicken/Beef Burger and 300 ml Beer – R135.00

Children – Chicken/Beer Burger and Soft Drink – R100.00

The 2024 South African Junior Team selected to compete in the 20th ISA World Surfing Championships in El Salvador in May will be awarded their colours on Friday, 29 March, at the Royal St Andrews Hotel. The function starts at 18:00. Parents, friends, coaches, sponsors and media are invited to attend.

Linkonline will provide a free high-speed hotspot on the beach for competitors, spectators and officials. More here – LINKONLINE