CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Thursday, 15 February 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) Africa is excited to announce back-to-back events in South Africa for the City Surf Series. The Cape Town Surf Pro will run from 16-17 March, followed by the SA Open of Surfing from 23-24 March, 2024. Both events will host Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 for men and women and will help decide the WSL Africa Region's representatives on the 2024 Challenger Series.
"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 and propelled the likes of Mikey February and Matthew McGillivray onto the World Tour," 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."
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 beach break that consistently offers highly contestable conditions and long rides, it is the hub of surfing in the deep south of Cape Town.
Since the event's announcement, it immediately attracted interest from international athletes. Morocco's Aboubakr Bouada, who was the highest-ranked athlete outside of South Africa on the 2022/23 WSL Africa QS rankings, was one of the first athletes to enter the Cape Town Surf Pro. Joining Bouada in the lineup will be Madagascar's Joe Kennedy, who will be the first Madagascan to enter and compete in a WSL Africa competition.
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."
"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.
After four years, the SA Open of Surfing returns to Pollok Beach in Gqeberha and 2019 SA Open of Surfing winner Adin Masencamp is excited to defend his title. "Winning the SA Open of Surfing is a title every South African wants to own," Masencamp said. "I'm looking forward to trying to defend my title, but more over just getting back into competition and pushing to advance as far as possible to get those points for the Challenger Series.".
"The regional QS events are extremely important for the WSL Africa surfers. This is our opportunity to qualify for the Challenger Series, which is our best chance to qualify for the Championship Tour, every surfer's dream," Masencamp said.
Entries for both events are now open. All competitive surfers are encouraged to register 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. The SA Open of Surfing will be supported by Surfing South Africa, Accelerate Sport, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Red Bull.