Opening Address : SEA 2026

Cape Town's Lost Waves

The Inner City historically had a strong link to the ocean. You could walk to the end of Adderley Street onto a pier. Strand street (aka beach) was literally the coastline. Who knows how many waves might have been sacrificed over time for the harbor and foreshore expansion and railway lines? And, whilst the Inner City has been cut off from the ocean in many ways, there are plans to reunite the Inner City to the sea in the near future.

Cape Town's Lost Waves

The Inner City historically had a strong link to the ocean. You could walk to the end of Adderley Street onto a pier. Strand street (aka beach) was literally the coastline. Who knows how many waves might have been sacrificed over time for the harbor and foreshore expansion and railway lines? And, whilst the Inner City has been cut off from the ocean in many ways, there are plans to reunite the Inner City to the sea in the near future.

Cape Town's Lost Waves

The Inner City historically had a strong link to the ocean. You could walk to the end of Adderley Street onto a pier. Strand street (aka beach) was literally the coastline. Who knows how many waves might have been sacrificed over time for the harbor and foreshore expansion and railway lines? And, whilst the Inner City has been cut off from the ocean in many ways, there are plans to reunite the Inner City to the sea in the near future.

Cleaning Rivers to Save the Ocean

Between the Lines

"We all stare at the same ocean, however some of us choose to read between the lines." Join Sacha on his own personal journey and special relationship with the sea.

Chasing Waves - The Rise of Women's Surfing in South Africa

Explore South African surf history through the stories of women wave riders. Be inspired as you see how they rose, and continue to rise, above challenges like androcentric spaces, segregated beaches, big waves, cold and fear.

Building a Stronger Industry

John participates in a panel discussion about the potential of South Africa's ocean sports & recreation industries from a mainly Kite boarding and wind surfing perspective.

Building a Stronger Industry

Bruce participates in a panel discussion about the potential of South Africa's ocean sports & recreation industries from a mainly boat building and boating perspective.

Building a Stronger Industry

Vipe facilitates a conversation about the potential of South Africa's surf industry. He will also share lessons learned from leading SIMA and the role a unified trade organization can play in bringing brands, retailers and other stakeholders together around shared challenges and opportunities.

The Power of Stories

How to make a difference through media, and the responsibility we have to affect change with storytelling.

Sharing the Waves

Sharks Behaviour and Conservation A look at shark behaviour, what happens during shark–human encounters, and how science and innovation can help surfers and sharks safely share the ocean.

Beyond The Wave

Building South Africa's Surf Economy

Reclaiming the Ocean

Diversity, Belonging & the Future of African Marine Culture — confronting the historical barriers between Black communities and the sea, and building a more inclusive ocean future.

⁠A tale of Trash, Conservation and Turtles

From discarded trash to incredible ocean journeys. Graham will outline how small actions can make a huge difference in our marine ecosystem

A tale of Trash, Conservation and Turtles

Talitha will unpack the impact of marine debris and trash on South Africa’s sea turtles.

Fire Side Chat

With tens of thousands of boards shaped throughout his career, Spider Murphy remains a respected master craftsman whose dedication, experience and deep connection to the ocean have helped shape the history of surfing and inspired generations of surfers and shapers worldwide.

The Blue Mind

& the Power of the Ocean The science and story behind why water heals us.

Out of Mined Preview

Moving Targets: The Mystic Mechanics of Heavy Surf

Big wave forecasting can mean chasing shadows in this age of climate change and now, a growing super El Niño. Spike looks at the challenges as he goes back to the basics of how big waves form, and the extra layers of scrutiny required to call a big wave day that makes everyone happy.

Community Is Infrastructure

Over the past ten years, Surf Ghana Collective has worked to build a stronger and more accessible surf ecosystem in Ghana. I will share the journey behind Surf House, Ghana’s first community hub dedicated to surfing, and the Sankofa Surf Club, one of the country’s first local surf clubs supporting aspiring national athletes. Through these two initiatives, I will explore what it takes to build sustainable surf infrastructure beyond the physical space: regular training, trusted coaches, access to equipment and transport, mentorship, local leadership, opportunities for girls and young surfers, and clear pathways for athletes to progress. The talk will show how long-term investment in people, relationships and consistent programmes can turn a grassroots surf community into lasting infrastructure.

Fireside Chat with Sandy

Fireside Chat with Sandy