Season 20 kicks off 20th October 2024
Started in January 2006, the Ocean Racing Series is one of the largest family beach events in Africa and is unique to Nelson Mandela Bay - offering a fantastic way to stay fit in a casual, friendly and safe environment. Participants of all ages and fitness abilities are encouraged to join in the fun of the Series which is great for families.
Join hundreds of like-minded people once a month throughout Summer (October - March) in our beautiful City. Check out the event dates or download the Series Calendar from the link on the left-hand menu.
Come join the fun
20th OCTOBER | 10th NOVEMBER | 1st DECEMBER 2024
12th JANUARY | 9th FEBRUARY | 2nd MARCH 2025
Join as a Premier / Series Member or simply just pitch on the day as a Non-Member.
This Season we are teaming up with AWEHNESS TRAVEL - a boutique agency matching clients with local artists, crafters, brewers, distillers, and unforgettable experiences in and around Gqeberha.
If you want to explore off the beaten path and have a fully immersive experience, let them awaken your soul!
You dream it, they can build it and connect you. https://awehness.org
Have a transformative experience woven together through a tapestry of taste, sound and sight, served with a local ‘friendly city’ smile.
Awehness offerings also include Aweh Lets Swim adventure swims and various open water training programs. Need help with Ocean Racing Series prep then reach out to them on their website.
SERIES / RACE DAY FEES
The Series continues to strive to be one of the most affordable water sport events in the country and offers 3 membership categories - Premier Membership, Series Membership & Once-Off participation.
Series Membership - once off online registration fee of R50 and daily discounted Race Entry Fee of:
Ocean Events - R150 (400m, 1km, 2km, 3km Ocean Swims)
Beach Events - FREE (5km Beach Run, 5km Beach Walk, ViV Kids 1km Beach Run/Walk 10yrs and under)
Premier Membership - once off upfront payment of R1,000 for the entire Season. ONLY 50 slots are available in Season 20 - the VIP package includes a Holiday Coffee Co. hot drink on race mornings at the beach.
For Non-Members (once off entry at the beach on race days) Race Entry Fees:
Ocean Events - R200
Beach Events - R100
*** Non-Members don't qualify for Overall Series points - to qualify participants must register as a Series/Premier member online prior to race day. Signing up as a Series Member can only be done online prior to race weekend.
All disciplines run simultaneously so you choose which one you'd like to do on a specific race day.
All Swimmers are required to swim wearing the designated aQuellé branded swim cap relevant to the chosen discipline - available at a discounted R50.
RACE DAY PROGRAM
07h30 Registration opens at Hobie Beach
08h45 400m Ocean Swim start,
09h00 3km Ocean Swim start,
09h02 5km Beach Walk start
09h04 2km Ocean Swim start
09h06 5km Beach Run start
09h08 1km Ocean Swim start
09h10 ViVKids 10 & under 1km Beach Run/Walk
09h45 1st Prize Giving - 400m Swim & Kids 1km Beach Run/Walk Overall Presentation & Lucky Draw for Kids
10h15 2nd Prize Giving - all other events Overall Presentation & Lucky Draws
PLEASE NOTE: The 400m swim is the only event which is run totally separate from all the other events so that coaches or guides can do this distance before doing the longer race. Above program is subject to change on race morning at the discretion of the race director.
Safety comes FIRST
Visibility is a key component of safety - we therefore encourage the use of the swimbuoy for all open water swimming. PLEASE if your child is 10 years or UNDER you should consider this option MANDATORY for their safety and your peace of mind. There are numerous resellers of such items around the country and Zsports also have in stock (click here to purchase from us)
Giving back
Share the LOVE - we are EXTREMELY privileged to be able to enjoy and take part in events like the aQuellé Ocean Racing Series in Nelson Mandela Bay. Many in our local communities don't have such opporturnity or means and it's through events like this that we'd like to try and leave a legacy in this City by helping the less fortunate.
As part of the Series we support the Sweethearts Foundation and encourage all partcipants and families to donate their drinking BOTTLE TOPS and BREAD TAGS by collecting these and dropping off at the Zsports Office or bringing on race days.
REGISTER TODAY (click here)
Africa's largest family beach event is unique to Nelson Mandela Bay