Port Alfred – The NSRI Station 11 will ensure water safety at all surf events during the 2025 Port Alfred Easter Festival. These events occur over the 6 days, 16-21 April. NSRI Station Commander Chris Pike has agreed to all safety over this period. The NSRI crew will consist of a vessel and boat crew, including a coxswain, rescue swimmer, and shore crew.
First Light
It was reassuring to arrive at East Beach last year in the darkness, waiting for enough light to see what the waves were like and for the competitors to go for an early-morning surf, to see the NSRI vehicle slowly cruising out the Kowie mouth at first light. They were in the water, and the team was stationed on land from first light until the last competitor had left the water. Ths happened daily, for the four days of competition last year.
There were rough seas, rain, and onshore wind last year. Still, Chris and his team did a sterling job from the vessel and the shore crew, patiently on duty in the carpark and on the pier.
This year, there are two more days on the competition schedule. It starts with the Royal St Andrews SA Open Champs presented by Rip Curl on the 16th and 17th of April. This contest kicks off the entire festival so that the NSRI will get a good workout over the period.
Surfing South Africa
“We were stoked to have the NSRI Station 11 crew on duty last year. They did an excellent job of the water safety, and it’s great to have them back for 2025,” said Surfing South Africa General Manager Reza De Nicker. “With six days of surfing and their knowledge of the local waters and the conditions at Port Alfred, their assistance is invaluable.”
Remember that the proceeds from the Bands Innie Bush music festival all go towards NSRI, and it would be great if everyone could support the festival, as it goes towards an excellent cause. Come and rock out with Jack Parow on the Friday night and groove to Van Pletzen and the rest of the bands. Saturday features the Rockerfellas and Majozi and will be a big night out. Sunday will be the final day of the Rip Curl GromSearch, and Sunday is the biggest event of all the surfing events in the Rip Curl Cup Presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel.
That’s a lot of action.
