Unpacked: Africa’s first ocean sport & beach lifestyle expo

Everything beach, wellness, paddling, ocean conservation & surfing

Last updated: Monday, 22 September 2025 

Let's get one thing clear: It's about everything around 'the surf.' Surf Expo Africa (SEA) is Africa's first all-ocean sport and beach gathering. With live demos, talks from some of the ocean’s most passionate pros (like big-wave surfer Matt Bromley), live music, and even a fashion show.

Exhibitions will span surfing, paddling, free-diving, traveling, ocean conservation, wellness, and lots more. Plus, local brands can’t miss the buyers programme, which will connect you with industry buyers from South Africa and Europe.

SEA is taking place at the CTICC from Friday, 28 November to Sunday, 30 November 2025. See why it’s unmissable and how to become an exhibitor below.

Surf Expo Africa is Africa’s first all-ocean sport and beach lifestyle event. Image: Surf Expo Africa (SEA)

SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST SURF EXPO 

For the first time in Africa, everyone from experienced wave-riders to curious first-timers, and small businesses to international brands, will come together to showcase and celebrate everything ocean under one roof.

The three-day expo will be packed with exhibitions, talks, and experiences. Even though the show is indoors at the CTICC, you can expect that laid-back beach feel (think reggae meets Beach Boys). 

FOR SURF PROS & NEWBIES   

There’s something for every kind of ocean lover. 

If you’re a pro or intermediate surfer, you’ll love checking out new boards, exploring sustainable materials, and even discovering surf destinations or resorts. You can geek out over custom shapes built to your weight, height, and skill level, or see the latest in longboarding and bodyboarding. 

And if you’re a newbie, the session on buying your first custom surfboard is something you can’t miss. An experienced surfboard shaper will guide beginners on whether to start with a secondhand board before investing in a pricey custom one. 

It’s three days packed with workshops, demos, talks and networking. Image: Surf Expo Africa (SEA)

FAMILY ACTIVITIES, LIVE DEMOS & FOOD

The expo will be full of surprises for the family, too. Keep an eye out for an early morning workout session to learn paddling strength and warm-up routines, see exhibitors demonstrating masks, wetsuits, and other ocean gear, and even try out skateboards on a surf skate ramp. 

Kids will have their own dedicated area with activities like a balance board challenge, face painting, and a standing wave for photos. There’ll also be a fashion showcase of local swimsuit brands, with bikinis and full pieces for both men and women. 

For food and drinks, you can expect the official beer brand, Corona (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), kombucha from Tea of Life, fresh juices, smoothies, and delicious easy-to-eat bites like smash burgers and fries

NETWORK WITH INDUSTRY CONTACTS

If you’re a small business, this is for you. The expo is running a hosted buyers programme, designed to connect you as an exhibitor with distributors from Europe, and further afield. 

The event will also attract domestic buyers, such as Yuppie Chef, Checkers, Mr Price Sports, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and other retailers, making it a hub for business and industry connections.

Most exhibitors will conduct their meetings from their stands, showcasing products, discussing pricing, and striking deals on the spot. 

If you’re interested in exhibiting, you can fill in the form on Surf Expo Africa’s website.

OVER 20 UNMISSABLE BRANDS

A busy and diverse programme means that, as a shopper, you’ll have plenty of local and international brands to browse and discover. Like YETI, known for their premium coolers, drink bottles, flasks and apparel. 

Other must-see brands are Mami Wata, which manufactures premium apparel, surfboards and accessories in Africa, Waydoo, a high-tech e-foil that lets you hover above the water, and Tjoobies, a company that makes sunglass leashes using recycled bicycle tubes.

See why the co-founder of Soulty Sea Dogs, which makes reef-safe mineral sunscreen, will be an exhibitor at Sea Expo Africa: 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Surf Expo Africa (@surfexpoafrica)

Soulty Sea Dogs makes reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Reel: Surf Expo Africa (SEA)

TALKS ABOUT CONSERVATION & MORE

Matt Bromley is one of the biggest names in the line up. The renowned big-wave surfer from Cape Town, who travels the world chasing the world’s biggest surf, will share how facing massive waves can teach lessons for everyday life. 

Protect the West Coast, a South African conservation NGO, will discuss how mining is impacting ongoing conservation efforts along our West Coast. You can also look forward to world-renowned free diver Hanli Prinsloo talking about building ocean-focused communities and turning her passion into a business.

There’s something for every level of ocean lover. Image: Surf Expo Africa (SEA)

TICKETS ARE A STEAL 

One-day tickets are R150 and kids under 12 have free entry. Weekend passes are also R150, which means you get the best value for money if you make a weekend out of it. You can book via Quicket. 

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer, a newbie, a business, or simply someone who loves the ocean, the expo is a space to connect. You’ll leave with new gear, contacts, and maybe even a new community.

GET SURF EXPO AFRICA TICKETS

We say it again: A first ever in Africa! The tickets are a steal. So commit, get in there.
Here's your chance to be there for the first Surf Expo Africa.

We're excited. Are you?

Surf Expo Africa is happening: From Friday, 28 November to Sunday, 30 November; 9am to 6pm
Book: Via this Surf Expo Africa direct Quicket link
All info on the Surf Expo Africa’s website
And of course follow right now @surfexpoafrica

By Saarah Gierdien 

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