The Cave Rock Invitational delivered an unforgettable day of action on Saturday, 18 July 2026, as 16 of South Africa’s top invited bodyboarders battled it out in pumping 4ft – 6ft offshore conditions on the Bluff.
After a brief wait for the right conditions within the event window, the call was made to start the first heat at 8:30. Clean lines, solid winter swell, light winds and sunshine created a perfect colosseum for South Africa’s best bodyboarders and stand-up surfers to showcase their talent on one of the country’s heaviest and most respected waves, “The Rock”.
From the opening heat, the standard was incredibly high, with riders posting excellent scores and keeping spectators entertained throughout the day. After a series of hard-fought heats, Aden Kleve claimed the 2026 Cave Rock Invitational title ahead of Mark McCarthy, with Benjy Oliver finishing third and Luke Staniforth fourth.
Every heat demanded commitment, precision and courage. Massive barrels, critical drops and progressive manoeuvres kept spectators on the edge of the rocks throughout the day as the level of riding continued to rise with every round.
When it mattered most, Aden Kleve rose to the occasion. Combining powerful wave selection with confident, committed riding, Kleve earned the 2026 Cave Rock Invitational title after an exceptional finals performance.
I’ve always wanted to win this event,” said Kleve. It was an absolute honor to win the Cave Rock Challenge 2026! The level of riding at this event was off the charts. I truly feel it was a world-class event with world-class riders. So stoked to come out on top and take the win 🏆 The event organizers did an outstanding job! Looking forward to 2027
Mark McCarthy completed the podium in second place, Benjy Oliver in third, and Luke Staniforth in fourth after a day of consistently high-level performances.
The Stand-Up Invitational was equally impressive, with South Africa’s top surfers making the most of the firing conditions. Rudy Palmboom delivered a composed and powerful performance throughout the event to claim the title ahead of Ricky Basnett, while Marno Langaveldt secured third place.
Final Results
Bodyboarding
🥇 Aden Kleve
🥈 Mark McCarthy
🥉 Benjy Oliver
4️⃣ Luke Staniforth
Stand-Up Surfing
🥇 Rudy Palmboom
🥈 Ricky Basnett
🥉 Marno Langaveldt
Beyond the competition, the Cave Rock Invitational once again highlighted the strength of South Africa’s wave-riding community. From sunrise until the final hooter, spectators packed the Bluff to witness the action, creating an electric atmosphere that matched the quality of the surf.
The organisers extended their gratitude to the athletes, sponsors, judges, water safety teams, photographers, videographers, volunteers and media crew whose dedication made the event possible.
“We’ve had a chance to catch our breath and reflect on what was an incredible day,” said one of the event organisers, Wes Coetzee. “You always hope for good waves, great performances and a strong crowd, but this year exceeded every expectation. Cave Rock turned on, the riders delivered, and everyone involved helped create something truly special. This is what the Cave Rock Invitational is all about.”
As the sun set over Durban’s coastline, another chapter was written in the history of one of South Africa’s most prestigious invitational surfing events. The 2026 edition showcased not only elite performances but also the passion, camaraderie and spirit that continue to define Cave Rock.
With another unforgettable year in the books, the countdown to the next Cave Rock Invitational has already begun—all pics by Surf Durban Town, Gary Bodill and the Cave Rock Media Team.
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