SAWSA Prepared for Safe and Exciting World Waveski Surfing Titles
South African Waveski Surfing Association Prepared for Safe and Exciting World Waveski Surfing Titles
EAST LONDON, South Africa – The South African Waveski Surfing Association (SAWSA) is proud to announce the upcoming World Waveski Surfing Titles, set to take place at the renowned Nahoon Reef from 28 June – 7 July 2024. As we celebrate the skill and commitment of waveski surfers from around the globe, we also recognize the natural environment in which we surf, including the presence of sharks along our beautiful coastlines.
Sharks are an integral part of the ocean’s ecosystem, and their presence is a sign of a healthy marine environment. It is important to note that there has never been a recorded shark attack on a waveski surfer in the history of the sport. This fact underscores the rarity of such incidents and the harmonious relationship between surfers and marine life.
The WWST Organising Committee is committed to the safety of all participants.
We will be closely monitoring sardine migrations and will have water crafts ready in the water to respond swiftly in the unlikely event of an emergency. Furthermore, all athletes will be thoroughly briefed on safety measures, ensuring preparedness in the rare instance a shark is spotted by our land or water based teams. Taking place in the picturesque Nahoon Nature Reserve, the area is teaming with ocean life and land animals form seals to daasie’s (Hyrax), to small antelope and a wide variety of indigenous bird species.
Competitors in the World Waveski Surfing Titles need to understand that the ocean is a dynamic and unpredictable environment. By entering the water, they accept the inherent risks associated with ocean sports. SAWSA encourages all competitors to maintain good health and to approach the ocean with respect and awareness, arriving at WWST ’24 with high fitness.
Local waveski surfer and Nahoon Reef veteran, Bruce Viaene, shares his experience: “In the 20+ years of surfing, bodyboarding, swimming, spearfishing and waveski surfing at Nahoon Reef, I have only come across a shark 2 or 3 times. All these sightings have resulted in surfers exiting the water safely and, at times, heading back out once the coast is clear. It’s not something I worry about when surfing Nahoon.”
The SAWSA looks forward to a successful and exhilarating World Waveski Surfing Titles, where the focus is on the extraordinary athletes and the beauty of our ocean. We invite spectators and supporters to join us in celebrating waveski surfing and the athletes who showcase the best of this exciting sport.
Contact: WWST Organinsing Commitee via email for any queries – EMAIL
