(Lead photo Thomas Vos © Nick Donaghy)
The ocean shapes life in Port Alfred. It brings swell, visitors, energy and rhythm to the town. Along this stretch of coastline, one group continues to play a steady role in keeping surf culture active and competitive. The Kowie Boardriders Club sits at the centre of that community.
As the Port Alfred Easter Festival approaches, the contribution of the Kowie Boardriders Club becomes even more visible. The club supports the surf events, assists organisers and helps maintain the structure and energy around the contests at East Beach. Their involvement brings local knowledge, experience and a strong surfing presence to the festival program.
A Club Built Around the Ocean
The Kowie Boardriders Club grew from a simple idea. Surfers in the town wanted a place where they could connect, compete and support the next generation coming through the ranks. Over time that idea developed into a club that represents the local surf community with pride.
Regular club events bring surfers of different ages together in the water. Groms gain valuable contest experience, while established surfers push the pace in familiar waves. The club also runs its well known King Of The Kowie contest as part of its annual calendar. As a result, the club continues to develop confident surfers and maintain a strong competitive culture in Port Alfred.
The ocean is the proving ground. Members spend long hours in the lineup at East Beach, dealing with shifting banks, strong sweeps and cold winter sessions. That time in the water builds the kind of surfers the club is known for.
Supporting the Port Alfred Easter Festival
During the Easter Festival, the Kowie Boardriders Club becomes an important partner behind the scenes. Members assist with logistics, help guide visiting surfers and support the smooth running of the surf contests.
In addition, the club offers something every visiting competitor appreciates. Local knowledge. East Beach shifts constantly with swell, tide and sand movement, and experienced club surfers understand the subtle changes across the banks. That knowledge strengthens the festival environment and helps visiting surfers settle quickly into the lineup.
As the festival continues to grow each year, the involvement of the Kowie Boardriders Club helps ensure the event keeps its authentic coastal character.
Kowie Boardriders Club Committee
The club operates through the dedication of its committee members, who guide the organisation and maintain its strong community focus.
Committee members are from left to right. Carl Wurz – Treasurer. Lara Heny – Media officer. Mickey Witthuhn – Chairman. Richard Heny – Contest Director. Warwick Heny-Secretary.
Through their leadership and the energy of the wider membership, the Kowie Boardriders Club continues to strengthen the surf culture that defines Port Alfred.
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