The World Surf League Africa is excited to announce back-to-back events in South Africa for the City Surf Series, according to an announcement from Cape Town on Thursday, 15 February, 2024.
The Cape Town Surf Pro will run from 16-17 March, followed by the SA Open of Surfing from 23-24 March, 2024, and both events will host Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 which will help decide the WSL Africa Region’s representatives on the 2024 Challenger Series.
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 beachbreak that consistently offers highly contestable conditions and long rides, it is the hub of surfing in the deep south of Cape Town.
And after a four years absence, the SA Open of Surfing returns to Pollok Beach in Gqeberha for the second event.
There will be a strong local contingent with 2022/23 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 South Africa,” said van Greunen.
“Having the Cape Town Surf Pro at Long Beach, Kommetjie, a wave which is highly contestable and consistent, will allow for all the surfers to showcase their surfing abilities and strengths. I’ve had great contests there and it’s always a pleasure putting on the jersey with family and friends supporting you.”
2022/23 WSL Africa QS Regional Champion Natasha van Greunen
“It is going to be exciting to see the talent pool this year, there are the older more experienced surfers, some with Challenger Series experience, but we also have a strong pool of juniors with potential who are up for a challenge. The women’s surfing is growing stronger and you won’t want to miss out on watching this,” van Greunen said.
“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 revitalize this iconic series, delivering unforgettable experiences and driving growth within the African surfing landscape.”
“The City Surf Series has been the best regional QS series in modern times,” said Accelerate Sport CEO Kudzi Nzombe. “We’re excited to bring it back to the African continent where new names will rise to the top.”
Entries for both events are now open, and all competitive surfers are encouraged to register here and enter these events.
The Cape Town Surf Pro will be supported by Surfing South Africa, Accelerate Sport, City of Cape Town, O’Neill and Red Bull and the SA Open of Surfing will be supported by Surfing South Africa, Accelerate Sport, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Red Bull.
Original Copy: WSL Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: South Africa’s 2022/23 WSL Africa QS Regional champion Natasha van Greunen will lead a strong local contingent for the Cape Town Surf Pro in Kommetjie, and the SA Open of Surfing in Gqeberha, this March. Photo: (c) WSL / Nicolette Tostee
Photo 2 Caption: Talking of Long Beach in Kommetjie, Van Greunen says: “I’ve had great contests there and it’s always a pleasure putting on the jersey with family and friends supporting you.” Photo: (c) WSL / Pierre Tostee