Young wave riders shine as 2026 Sea Harvest Grommet Games celebrate another national success.
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
The coastline of South Africa came alive this past weekend as the Sea Harvest Grommet Games once again delivered an inspiring showcase of the country’s next generation of surfing talent.
Held across three provinces - the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, the 34th edition of the event saw over 120 young surfers representing eight districts take to the water on March 14 and 15. Supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the tournament proved not only a test of skill, but a celebration of youth, resilience and community spirit.
Each province brought its own unique flavour and challenges.
In the Western Cape, competitors from Cape Town, Winelands and Eden districts battled testing conditions on the opening day, as strong onshore winds made for difficult, blustery surf. By Sunday, however, the ocean transformed - offering clean, playful two- to three-foot waves that allowed young surfers to truly express themselves.
Among the standout performers was Under 8 Boys winner Phumlisa Madiavula, who impressed with an excellent 8.67 in the final. Jack Stringer also turned heads early on, posting near-perfect rides in Round 1. The Winelands Surfriders ultimately edged out their rivals to claim the overall team title in a tightly contested provincial battle.
Over in the Eastern Cape, the atmosphere at Nahoon Beach was nothing short of electric. With ideal surfing conditions throughout the day, the event unfolded under clear skies and consistent waves, allowing competitors to perform at their best.
Surfers from Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay showcased exceptional talent, with Alexander Smith dominating the Under 10 Boys division, while Kai Hare and Jordan Van Eek delivered commanding performances in the Under 16 categories. Buffalo City Surfriders emerged as the dominant force, comfortably securing the team title with a strong collective showing.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal’s competition told a story of perseverance. Surfers from Ugu, eThekwini and iLembe districts faced challenging conditions on Day One, contending with bumpy surf, strong winds, and even blue bottles in the water. Yet, despite the adversity, the young athletes rose to the occasion.
Day Two brought much-needed relief, with cleaner two-foot waves creating the perfect stage for progression and confidence. One of the most memorable performances came from Simlindile Shali, who rose as an underdog to claim victory in the Under 12 Boys division. Ethekwini Surfriders ultimately secured the provincial team title, capping off a hard-fought weekend.
Beyond the results and rankings, what stood out most across all three venues was the unmistakable spirit of camaraderie. From cheering teammates to proud parents lining the beaches, the event was filled with energy, encouragement and shared passion.
Organised under the guidance of Surfing South Africa, the Grommet Games continue to play a vital role in developing grassroots surfing and nurturing future champions.
As the waves settled and the boards were packed away, one thing remained clear - South African surfing’s future is not only bright, but already in motion.
For more, visit: Surfing South Africa
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