Durban Doubles the Stakes: Record Prize Pool and Entries for the 2025 ICF Ocean Racing Worlds

The world’s best surfskiers are heading to Durban, South Africa, for what promises to be one of the most exciting ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships ever — and there’s now even more to paddle for.

The Local Organising Committee has announced a doubling of the total prize purse to an impressive ZAR 200,000 (around $11,500 USD), thanks to key sponsors and budget efficiencies. The event will take place from October 17 to 19, based at the iconic Durban Undersea Club, a historic home of surfski racing since 1957.

More Rewards Across All Divisions

The new prize breakdown rewards excellence across all categories:
Senior Men & Women SS1 winners – ZAR 26,000 each (≈ $1,500)
U23 & Junior SS1 champions – ZAR 5,000 each
Mixed Doubles winners – ZAR 7,000
U23 & Junior Doubles – ZAR 2,000 each

With SS1 entries surpassing 500 boats and over 220 SS2 pairs already registered, this year’s Worlds will be one of the biggest gatherings in surfski history.

“We’re thrilled to be able to double the prize money for all World Championship categories,” said Race Director Colin Simpkins. “Almost at the same moment we made that decision, the singles entries passed 500 boats — a clear sign this will be a bumper championship. We’ll see just about every top surfski paddler in the world on the start line, making this one of the strongest fields ever.”

The Stars Align in Durban

The defending world champions, Gordan Harbrecht (Germany) and Kira Bester (South Africa), will both return to defend their titles — but they’ll face fierce opposition.

In the men’s race, the lineup reads like a who’s who of global surfski talent:

Cory Hill (Australia) – three-time world champion
Hank McGregor (South Africa) – the country’s most decorated paddler
Kenny Rice and Nicolas Notten (South Africa) – both in top form and hungry for gold
On the women’s side, Kira Bester will be challenged by 2019 world champion Dani Richards (New Zealand) and her compatriot Michelle Burn, ensuring a thrilling contest all the way to the finish.

A Championship to Remember

With record participation, increased prize money, and an elite international field, Durban 2025 is shaping up as a milestone edition for the sport — a return to its roots and a celebration of how far ocean racing has come.

For full details, start lists, and live updates, visit the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships 2025 official page.