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There’s always a reason to be outdoors in Durban, and this weekend that reason is the epic Paddle Fest running at Durban Undersea Club and on the KZN North Coast. Whether you’re a hardcore ocean sports fan or just love a good beachside vibe, this is your chance to catch some of South Africa’s top paddlers in full flight.
On Saturday, 21 March you can look forward to fast-paced, spectator-friendly action. The brand-new Forex People: KZN Schools League Race gets things going at 8am, showcasing rising young talent in an exciting 8km ocean challenge. Then, stick around for the Reef Shootout. This is a high-intensity knockout event where paddlers battle it out in short, thrilling laps right off the shore. It’s loud, it’s competitive, and it’s seriously fun to watch.
But the real headline act comes on Sunday, 22 March with the Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind. This is a legendary 18.5km ocean race between Blythedale Beach and Tiffany’s Beach (the direction will depend on the day’s conditions). Expect big names like Hank McGregor to take on the course, alongside a stacked field of elite competitors. With a bonus prize on the line for anyone breaking the one-hour mark, the stakes (and speed) are higher than ever.
What you need to know:
Saturday, 21 March
- Venue: Durban Undersea Club (DUC)
- 8am: Forex People: KZN Schools League Race (8km)
- Inaugural schools race forming part of the new Junior Paddling League.
Saturday, 21 March
- Venue: Durban Undersea Club (DUC)
- 10am: Reef Shootout presented by The Pumpsmith
- Fast-paced knockout racing featuring multiple craft and age categories.
Sunday, 22 March
- Venue: KZN North Coast
- 10am: Carnegie Power Ballito Downwind
- Doubles race from Blythedale to Tiffany’s (or reverse, depending on conditions).
Whether you’re cheering from the shoreline or making a weekend of it up the coast, Paddle Fest 2026 is your perfect excuse to soak up the sun and catch some impressive sporting action in Durban!
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