Plett Ocean Festival ascends from the deep this week for a 10-day celebration of all things oceanic including the iconic Wedge Classic. 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 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.
Other highlights on the Plett Ocean Festival calendar
-
Hidden Gems, Secret Viewpoints and Local Stories with Plett Shark Spotters on Robberg Peninsula, daily.
- Daily ocean and river kayaking, whale, dolphin and seal viewing, scuba diving, tours of the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- Welcoming the Whales, Burgers for the Bay, and Deep Blue parties for conservation
- Sand sculpting and a Winter Swim
- Rock pools by moonlight and pelagic birding
- Reef and beach cleanups and much, much more!
The full programme is available and tickets are on sale via www.plettoceanfestival.co.za.
