Surfing | Historic Milestone in South African Surfing

The Royal St Andrews SA Open Championships, presented by Rip Curl, is the latest and most exciting addition to the Port Alfred Easter Festival. Now in its 60th year, this prestigious event has officially become part of the festival's lineup, bringing even more energy and anticipation to the Easter weekend.

 

Celebrating six decades of top-tier competition is no small feat, especially in a country that has faced immense social and political change over the last 60 years. Looking back to 1964, South Africa was vastly different, yet surfing has remained a unifying force, demonstrating the perseverance and passion of South African athletes. Hosting this milestone event is a privilege and a reflection of how far we've come as a sporting nation.

East Beach is the venue for this prestigious contest, and the Easter Weekend is historically a good time for great waves and perfect sand banks. The best open surfers in the country will contest for team and individual titles at one of the best beach-break waves in the country.

The venue, East Beach, Port Alfred

Champions Who Leave Their Mark

The SA Open Championships have a reputation for producing surfing legends; last year's contest was no exception. The 59th edition of the event saw Anastasia Venter crowned Women's Champion, while Tom Lindhorst successfully defended his Men's title. Buffalo City Surfriders walked away with the prestigious President's Cup, and Tyrell Johnson was recognized with the Surfer of the Contest Award.

Fierce Competition and Unmatched Safety Standards

This year's SA Open Championships will once again bring together the country's top surfers, with districts competing for glory, including Cape Town Surfriders, Cape Winelands Surfriders, Eden Surfriders, Nelson Mandela Bay Surfriders, Buffalo City Surfriders, Ugu, eThekwini, and Ilembe Surfriders. With such a strong lineup, spectators can expect high-intensity action and world-class performances in the water.

The highly skilled NSRI Station 11 crew will oversee the event, ensuring the safety of competitors and spectators alike. Their expertise guarantees that the Royal St Andrews Hotel South African Open Surfing Championships, presented by Rip Curl, will be thrilling and safe for all involved.

NSR Station 11 Port Alfred in action

© Louis Wulff

With a storied past and a bright future, the 60th edition of this legendary event promises to be one for the books. Whether you're a competitor, a die-hard surfing fan or just love the Port Alfred Easter Festival buzz, this will be an excellent event to kick it all off this year.

About The Royal St Andrews Hotel

The historic Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre In Port Alfred has an outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art conference centre and offers free high-speed WiFi. The elegant rooms and suites at the hotel are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, private bathroom and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. 

The Thistle Restaurant is ideal for intimate dinners or special occasions, serving fine cuisine and a good selection of South African wines. Locally crafted beer and traditional pub cuisine can be enjoyed at The Highlander Pub. Overlooking a courtyard and a garden, the casual Paper Nautilus Deli serves coffee and breakfasts.

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