WHALES, WAVES & A WILD WINTER | Plett Ocean Festival 4 – 13 July 2025
Observe, Conserve, Preserve
“A Wedge wave is a meat grinder dreamed up by the devil himself. The first time you paddle out you may be thinking, “Dang, is my chiropractor covered in my medical plan?”
Surfline
Welcome to the thrill of the ‘Wedge Classic Surf & Bodyboarding Contest’ hosted by Plett Board Riders Association to be held at the Wedge Beach, one of SA’s favourite breaks. This is a major event at the 2025 Plett Ocean Festival and the anticipation is already bru’ing.
You can expect to catch seasoned skilled circuit pros, Plett Vets and SA Champs who ride this wave in the quietness, to groms out to prove their drop knee skills and our more seasoned inspirational granny groms stoked to be part of this year’s line-up. This unique winter wave when it’s cranking is a full-on experience with massive, powerful, steep and unpredictable hollow waves breaking close to shore, off a backwash that can be super intense. Often described as the ”biggest and sweetest glory ride.”
As a contestant, you’ll need to know your business as some of SA’s top-ranked judges will be taking notes, with fabulous prizes on offer this year and bragging rights as a top dawg. An opportunity to ride the waves of previous pioneering legends such as – Wayne Craig, Sampi Kamffer, Nick Martin, Kade Dickens, Jess Robinson and Logan Harris. This year’s Plett boarding groms James McNicol and Taylor Duncan are on the radar, stoked and ready to rip. Joined by entrants from around SA in the junior, open, masters, ladies and drop knee divisions for bodyboarding and juniors and ladies in the surfing division, including local developmental teams. With a host of international surfers getting ready for the ‘J-Bay Open’, we may even have a few legends checking in on the festivities.
The action will be in the surf for sure but also on the beach as this is a full-on family event with slack lines for kids, Bitcoin treasure hunts, pop up stalls to browse, whale spotting and cleaning up the beaches. Along with food, beverages and weather-proof shelters for spectators should the day turn gnarly (which could be so exciting!) #plettitsafeeling.
In time-honoured tradition, the Triple Crown is back where competitors above 18 years must enter and perform well in three different categories – surfing, bodyboarding and in this year’s ‘mystery division’, singing karaoke. It’s a fun event with Surf Cafe stepping up and setting the stage for an open mic night (singing for your supper right?) where contestants have to balance their brilliance in the water by bringing energy and a full-on vibe after dark. Word on the street is that the granny groms are planning on coming in strong! You’ve been warned.
Sponsors drive our dreams and we thank Study Bitcoin for stepping up and leading the pack. With support from Plett Tourism, Bitou Municipality, Slops, Crush Surf, Surf Cafe, Seeff Property Group and the Bayview Hotel. With further contributions from Robberg Fine Foods, PJ Victor, MobivlVe, One2Love, Coastal Hire and Glow Lighting – plus multiple prize sponsors.
A reminder that the Plett Ocean Festival, in tandem with the ‘Classic’ is headlined by the Plett Marine Science Symposium. We get it – a ‘symposium’ can seem academic and there is indeed a highly respected and specialised line-up at the Marine Science Symposium. But the Plett version is customised to reach all levels of understanding. Attendees will leave each session empowered and well-informed to personally ‘do their bit’ for conservation. Flexible booking options mean you can choose your session, your day – or all three days, of jaw-dropping information and facts from the deep.
Under the guidance of MC Zandile Ndhlovu, you will be able to tap into talks and Q&A sessions about killer whales, seahorses, Plett seals and the rabies risk. White sharks are under the spotlight, along with penguins videoing one another, fossil trackways, why the BBC and Netflix were on location in our ‘hood, the sounds of Antarctica, the journey of turtles and a shark survivor’s story. It is going to be wild! Bookings have been open for a few weeks now so don’t leave it too late (see details below).
From 4 to 13 July it’s on in Plett! The coming together of an involved community and visitors keen to be part of the waves of change. A Festival for everyone to get involved in ocean observation, conservation, preservation and action, locally and in a broader sense. With so much action on the go from day one. Checking out the Comp at the Wedge as contestants own the waves to exploring the shoreline, diving with pros, birding and sand sculpting, a guided moonlight beach meander at full moon, boat trips to spot whales and dolphins and tons of hikes to choose from on Plett’s stunning coastal trails.
Bookings & Registration
Get tickets today and register for the Wedge Classic (limited entries) for this switched-on, pacey, fun, family-orientated, 10-day incredible Ocean Festival, as together we actively save our seas. Check it out – www.plettoceanfestival.co.za
