eThekwini Bodyboarding Association

EBA

Riding waves, changing lives

Our History: From Natal to eThekwini

The organisation was originally founded in 1987 as the Natal Bodyboarding Association, one of the earliest provincial bodies for bodyboarding in the country. For many years, it served as a platform for competitive riders across the region.

However, in the spirit of transformation and to reflect the post-apartheid restructuring of municipal and provincial boundaries, the association changed its name to the eThekwini Bodyboarding Association (EBA). This change not only aligned with the newly established eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, but also symbolised a new era of inclusivity and development, with a strong focus on community upliftment, youth empowerment, and social impact.

Champions on and off the waves

Today, EBA is proud to be the current South African Team Champions, a testament to our commitment to excellence, grassroots development, and the nurturing of local talent.

But our greatest victories are measured not in medals, but in the hundreds of lives changed through our programs, clinics, and competitions. In communities where violence, drugs, and hopelessness are daily realities, EBA brings opportunity, purpose, and pride.

What we do

EBA is much more than a sports body. We are a movement of change that runs:

Weekly free bodyboarding clinics every Sunday on Durban’s beaches
Development competitions for township youth
Social paddling events to foster community connection
Outreach programs in neighbouring townships and schools
Motivational talks and mentorship from guest speakers and role models.

At each of our development events, we provide:

Free transport to the beach
Hot meals (for many, the only of the day)
Assist with surf gear and equipment
Certificates and prizes

We’re not just building athletes—we’re building confidence, resilience, and community.

National Recognition and Endorsements

EBA is proudly:

Endorsed by the South African Surfing Association (SSA) – which is recognised by SASCOC, the official umbrella body for all sports in South Africa
An active member of the South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA)
A registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO)

We are recognised at local, provincial, and national levels, not just for sporting excellence, but for driving social change through sport.

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Major Milestone: SA Champs Come to Durban in 2025

In a huge victory for Durban and its youth, EBA has secured the hosting rights for the 2025 South African Bodyboarding Championships.

With the support of the eThekwini Municipality, this national event will bring together the country’s best riders—and give local youth the chance to be part of something historic.

We will also host:

A “Connection Event” – a community meal and cultural exchange where riders from across SA will connect over a shared table
A Development Division – giving township kids the opportunity to compete alongside the nation’s best, on the national stage.

A Model for South Africa

EBA’s success is not just Durban’s success. We believe this is a model that should be replicated across South Africa, combining sport, education, nutrition, and mentorship to offer hope and opportunity to thousands more.

We invite other provinces and municipalities to learn from this model and help create a new generation of active, empowered, and connected youth.

Our Vision: 1 Ocean, 1000 Kids

Our dream is to bring 1,000 children from all walks of life together to paddle, learn, and grow, breaking barriers and building bridges, one wave at a time.

We want to:

Expand access to bodyboarding across South Africa
Build a national pipeline of future South African and World Champions
Unite communities through shared experience
Offer pathways to education, travel, jobs, and leadership

The eThekwini Bodyboarding Association is not just about riding

waves—it’s about creating a wave of hope, connection and resilience, opportunity across our city and country. We’re connecting youth to the ocean, to each other, and to a better future—one session, one competition, one life at a time.