POLLOCK BEACH, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) - The World Surf League Regional Qualifying Series (QS) SA Open of Surfing returns to Pollock Beach, Gqeberha for Stop No.4 of the 2024/2025 regional season. The SA Open of Surfing QS 1,000 is part of the City Surf Series by Accelerate Sport, and runs from 15-16 March 2025.
"The SA Open of Surfing has become a flagship event in South Africa's surfing calendar, and we are incredibly proud to see it grow year after year," said Accelerate Sport CEO, Kudzi Nzombe. "We extend our deepest gratitude to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, our graceful host and title sponsor, for their unwavering support in making this event a reality. Their commitment to sports tourism and community development ensures that this competition continues to thrive, benefiting both the sport and the region," Nzombe said.
"On behalf of the residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay, I would like to welcome all the surfers and their families who are coming to the world-class surfing event, the 2025 SA Open of Surfing at the Blue Flag Pollock Beach in Gqeberha," said Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe.
"We are proud to be associated with this international sporting event as it puts our City on the map as an international sporting destination of choice. We promise to work with the organisers to deliver a safe and memorable event, full of fun and a taste of our rich cultural heritage. I would like to call on the residents of the Metro to come out in numbers to support the event," Cllr Lobishe said.
"As we continue to work towards positioning ourselves as the sporting destination of choice, we are pleased that our efforts are bearing fruit," said Cllr Bongekile Mankahla, Mayoral Committee member of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Directorate of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. "It is all systems go, the infrastructural support is ready, the Blue Flag host beach is ready. Working together with the organisers, we will deliver a good event."
This edition of the SA Open of Surfing welcomes new partner Astron Energy and is testament to the growth of the event and the sport of surfing.
"At Eyona Energy, the custodians of Astron Energy in the Eastern Cape, we are proud to partner with the SA Open of Surfing, a world-class event that not only showcases incredible talent but also creates meaningful opportunities for community engagement," said Sithsaba Xhala, General Manager: Retail & Marketing, Eyona Energy.
"Through this partnership, we are committed to supporting initiatives that introduce children from disadvantaged backgrounds to the ocean, while also promoting essential water safety skills. Surfing is more than just a sport-it's a platform for empowerment, inclusion, and education. By investing in these programs, we hope to inspire the next generation and ensure that more young South Africans have the chance to experience the ocean in a safe and supportive environment."
The SA Open of Surfing will run from 15-16 March 2025 at Pollock Beach, Gqeberha. Follow WorldSurfLeague.com for more updates.
The SA Open of Surfing is supported by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Astron Energy, Accelerate Sport, Surfing South Africa and Red Bull.