High tide conditions at Long Beach. Picture: Louis Wulff
The anticipation is building as South Africa’s best junior surfers prepare for one of the most exciting events of the year: the Sea Harvest Cape Crown presented by Xcel Wetsuits.
Scheduled to take place from September 6-8 at Long Beach in Kommetjie, this prestigious competition is set to showcase the incredible talent and determination of the nation’s rising surfing stars.
The Sea Harvest Cape Crown, now in its eighth year, stands as a pivotal event in the South African junior surfing calendar.
This competition, featuring U12, U14, U16, and U18 Boys and Girls Divisions, plays a crucial role in the annual ratings, which are determined by the best six performances out of nine events.
With only two events remaining in the season, this is a prime opportunity for surfers to make significant moves in the rankings.
As the eighth event of the year, the Sea Harvest Cape Crown offers a critical chance for surfers to improve their standings.
The ratings system allows for substantial changes, with the three worst results of the season being discarded. This means that one standout performance at Long Beach can dramatically shift a surfer’s position, making every heat crucial.
Long Beach, known for its fun and consistent beach break, is a favourite among surfers. Its offshore conditions in southwesterly winds and its ability to offer lefts, rights, A-frames, and barrels depending on the sandbar formation make it an ideal venue for high-performance surfing.
Historically, Long Beach has hosted six of the previous seven Sea Harvest Cape Crown events in favourable conditions.
Last year’s event was an exception due to a major storm, which forced a move to Muizenberg Beach for the first time.
As September typically brings favourable swell and wind conditions to Long Beach, surfers are looking forward to excellent waves and optimal performance opportunities.
The beach’s versatility promises to challenge competitors and highlight their skills in a variety of surfing conditions.
With the ratings season drawing to a close, the Sea Harvest Cape Crown will be a full three-day event, providing ample time for competitors to showcase their abilities. Surfers are encouraged to enter as soon as possible, as spaces in the divisions are limited and will close once full.
The Sea Harvest Cape Crown is supported by the Western Cape Department of Culture, Arts, and Sport, emphasising its importance and prestige within the surfing community.
The event will also be streamed on liveheats.com once entries are closed, allowing fans to follow the action and cheer for their favourite surfers.
As the countdown to the Sea Harvest Cape Crown continues, the excitement among junior surfers is palpable. With high stakes and an impressive venue, this event is set to be a memorable highlight of the surfing season.
Surfers will be eager to make their mark and seize the opportunity to shine at Long Beach, potentially altering the course of their season and their careers.
For those watching from the shore or from home, the Sea Harvest Cape Crown promises to deliver an exhilarating display of young surfing talent and a celebration of the sport’s vibrant future.
IOL