The O’Neill Cold Water Junior Classic presented by Sea Harvest and supported by Lifestyle Surf Shop officially launched the 2026 SA Junior Surf Tour season in the Cape Peninsula from 20 to 22 February 2026.
Surfing South Africa used a unique mobile format, which saw over 100 surfers from all parts of the country chasing the best of the Peninsula waves over three days of competition.
Despite a dropping swell and outgoing tide on Finals day, Muizenberg came to the party, delivering the best conditions over the three days, providing a fitting stage for the conclusion of this SA Junior Surf Tour contest.
The winner of the U18 Girls Division was National Junior team member Emily Jenkinson of Constantia, who claimed her Division’s half share of the R35,000 prize purse, but she also won R10,000 courtesy of Muizenberg-based Lifestyle Surf Shop.
Emma Schermbrucker of Kommetjie won the U16 Girls title, Ella van der Made of Dolphin Beach in KZN won the Girls Final, while Adriana Canning of La Lucia in KZN won the U12 Girls Gold medal.
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There were a number of special awards presented at the event. The Girls Division winner of the Expression Session was Louise le Pront of Jeffreys, winning R1,000.
Not only were champions crowned at the contest, but SSA took the opportunity to present the 2025 SAST Series Winners with trophies, certificates, and prizes at a vibrant Opening Function at Imhoff’s Farm in Kommetjie on Thursday, 19 February.
The 2026 O’Neill Cold Water Junior Classic presented by Sea Harvest and supported by Lifestyle Surf Shop set a high-performance benchmark for the year ahead, and Danielle Powis, General Manager of Surfing South Africa, believes that it was a great start to the 2026 SSA contest season.
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“I loved the stress and pressure that came with choosing the best conditions each day. The mobile venue format is great for mental strength and testing preparation and routine. The athletes who were able to maintain composure while adapting to changing conditions and venues were the true standouts at this event.”
Next stop on the SAST is in Durban from 20 – 21 March 2026. Watch the SSA website for the entry forms.
Original Copy: Surfing South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: National Junior team member Emily Jenkinson claimed the U18 Girls title as the 2026 SA Junior Surf Tour season kicked off with a high-performance O’Neill Cold Water Junior Classic which concluded at Muizenburg on Sunday, 22 February, 2026. Photo: Surfing South Africa
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