2026 Hout Bay, South Africa Surf Responder & Ocean Safety Summit

2026 Hout Bay, South Africa Surf Responder & Ocean Safety Summit

Join the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group in Hout Bay, South Africa, on 16 - 17 May 2026 for a Surf Responder & Ocean Safety Summit, presented by Patagonia.

The Surf Responder & Ocean Safety Summit is a two-day training designed for surfers and ocean enthusiasts of all backgrounds, skill levels, and abilities. The course teaches essential ocean safety skills combined with hands-on practical application to help you respond confidently and effectively in emergency situations - for others or yourself.

WHAT IS BWRAG?

The Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (BWRAG) is an internationally recognised ocean safety training program developed by leading big wave surfers, water safety professionals, and ocean athletes.

Originally created to improve safety in big wave surfing, BWRAG has evolved into a comprehensive risk assessment framework used by surfers, lifeguards, paddlers, divers, and anyone operating in dynamic ocean environments.

WHY IT MATTERS

The ocean is unpredictable. Conditions shift quickly, and small misjudgements can escalate fast.

BWRAG focuses on:

• Awareness
• Prevention
• Decision-making under pressure

Rather than reacting to emergencies, participants learn how to recognise risk early, plan ahead, and make safer decisions before situations develop.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Over two days, this course combines classroom learning with hands-on practical training.

Ocean Awareness & Risk Assessment

Learn BWRAG’s core risk management framework, including hazard identification, condition assessment, and spot analysis.

Decision-Making Frameworks

Develop communication and decision-making skills used by surf responders and water safety professionals.

Breath Control & Hold-Downs

Understand breath-hold physiology and train techniques to remain calm and efficient in heavy water scenarios.

Rescue & Safety Skills

Hands-on training covering unassisted rescues, surfboard rescues, and emergency response strategies.

Incident Prevention & Emergency Action Planning

Learn how to analyse environments, anticipate risk, and prepare effective emergency action plans.

WHO IT’S FOR

Designed for surfers and ocean users who want to improve safety knowledge and response capability:

• Surfers (intermediate to advanced)
• Ocean swimmers & paddlers
• Lifeguards & water safety crew
• Spearfishers & freedivers
• Coaches, guides, and ocean facilitators

You don’t need to be a big wave surfer - only comfortable in the ocean and motivated to learn.

EVENT DETAILS

Location: Chapman’s Peak Hotel, Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Dates: 16-17 May 2026

Time: 7:30am – 17:30 daily

Format: 2-day training (theory + hands-on workshops)

Schedule

Day 1 - Ocean Safety Foundations

• Ocean Risk Management
• Spot Analysis
• Safety Equipment
• CPR & First Aid Foundations

Day 2 - Applied Ocean Response

• Emergency Action Planning
• Mindful Breathing & Apnea Training
• Water Rescue Training
• Unassisted Rescue
• Surfboard Rescue

Exact daily schedules will be shared with registered participants ahead of the course.

CERTIFICATION

Successful completion includes:

• Official BWRAG Certificate of Completion

* Participants must attend the entire training to receive this certification.

No discounts are provided for partial attendance

INSTRUCTORS

Instruction will be led by certified BWRAG trainers and experienced ocean safety professionals.

Lead Instructors:

• Greg Long
• Jon Hoover
• Kaipo Kelley

REGISTRATION

• Participants must register in advance. Registration closes 11 May.
• Spaces are limited to maintain high instructor-to-participant ratios and maximise hands-on learning. 50 participants maximum.
• Registration closes once the event reaches capacity.
• Questions and inquiries should be directed to [email protected]

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Your registration is confirmed once you purchase a ticket via Quicket.

Approximately one week before the summit, you will receive a pre-summit information email containing all essential details, including:

• Daily course schedule and meeting instructions
• Required waivers and forms
• What to bring for the sessions
• Logistical information
• Link to the official Summit information page

ACCOMODATION

There are plenty of accommodation options available close to the course venue. Participants travelling from outside Cape Town will find a wide range of Airbnb options in the surrounding areas.

For the easiest commute, we recommend staying in:

• Hout Bay
• Llandudno
• Constantia

For hotel-based accommodation in Hout Bay, participants may consider:

• Chapman's Peak Hotel
• Hout Bay Manor

We recommend booking accommodation early, as weekends in the area can be busy.

We want this to be an inclusive event.

If you’re interested in attending the course and feel it would be valuable for you, but the cost is a barrier, please reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to find a way to make it possible.