Paddle Fest ends with Ballito Downwind

by NJABULO MKHIZE
DURBAN – THE eagerly anticipated Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind surfski race is set to bring Paddle Fest 2026 to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, 22 March, as paddlers take on one of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast’s most iconic ocean routes.

Adding to the excitement this year is a new performance incentive: any competitor who completes the course in under one hour will earn a bonus prize for setting a new record.

The race, which begins at 10:00, will cover approximately 18.5km between Blythedale Beach and Tiffany’s Beach—route direction dependent on prevailing wind conditions.

Known for its fast-paced downwind conditions and scenic coastal setting, the event continues to attract top paddlers from across the province and beyond.

Organised by South Africa Surf Ski, Paddle Fest 2026 is supported by key partners including Carnegie Power, The Pumpsmith, and Forex People.

Event organiser Barry Lewin welcomed the partnership with Carnegie Power: “We are delighted to have Carnegie Power on board for this year’s Ballito Downwind. Chris Carnegie is a local Ballito paddler who understands both the sport and the community. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with a partner that shares our vision of supporting events that add real value to the region.”

Carnegie himself is expected to compete, further strengthening the event’s strong local ties.

The Ballito Downwind alternates annually between singles and doubles formats, with the 2026 edition featuring doubles competition.

This format is expected to draw a highly competitive field, including some of South Africa’s top surfski athletes.

“The Ballito Downwind remains a highlight on the paddling calendar,” Lewin added.

“It offers a spectacular stretch of water that can deliver exceptional downwind conditions, while the doubles format introduces an added layer of teamwork and race strategy.”

Among the headline entrants is 11-time world champion Hank McGregor, who will partner with his wife Pippa McGregor in the mixed doubles category.

Defending champions from the last doubles race in 2024, brothers Matthew Fenn and Joshua Fenn, are also expected to return to defend their title.

In the women’s division, previous doubles champions Saskia Hockly and Christie MacKenzie—fresh from their victory at the Duzi Canoe Marathon—are likely to be strong contenders if they line up.

Last year’s women’s singles winner, Michelle Burn, will also be one to watch, with interest building around her choice of partner for the doubles race.

Lewin highlighted the growth of the local paddling scene: “The Ballito paddling community has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly around the Dolphin’s Canoe Club. It’s encouraging to see a local event that both celebrates and supports this growth, while showcasing the exceptional ocean conditions along the North Coast.”

Paddle Fest 2026 kicks off on Saturday, 21 March, at the Durban Undersea Club.

The day begins at 08:00 with the inaugural Forex People KZN Schools League Race, an 8km event forming part of a new grassroots development initiative.

The race aims to introduce school paddlers to surfski competition while launching a nationwide Junior Paddling League supported by Forex People.

At 10:00, attention shifts to the Reef Shootout presented by The Pumpsmith.

This spectator-friendly, high-intensity knockout event features short-course racing across multiple craft and age categories, delivering fast-paced action close to shore.

The festival concludes on Sunday, 22 March, with the Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind—the headline doubles race along the KZN North Coast.

– CAJ News