Dale Staples Wins Inaugural Namakwa Challenge

The Experience Northern Cape Namakwa Challenge presented by Billabong Adventure Division wrapped up in epic six-to-eight foot surf, where Dale Staples claimed victory over Slade Prestwich, Koby Oberholzer and Steven Sawyer.

In the 40-minute Final, surfers had to endure a grueling paddle-out to get to the back, where the lead changed a handful of times as Staples, Slade Prestwich, Koby Oberholzer and Steven Sawyer each scored some incredible waves. The real battle was between Staples and Prestwich, but it was Staples who found the most critical barreling rides that stretched along the beach, securing the first Namakwa Challenge title.

"This is one of my favorite places on the planet and to have a contest here, coming for the week with such a great crew of people, was truly a blessing. I came here to win the event and I am beyond happy to have achieved that goal," said Staples.

"I was blown away by some of the younger surfers, who I thought would be intimidated by this wave. Joshe Faulkner was one of the surfers of the event in my opinion. Thanks to the sponsors, organizers and especially the people of the Northern Cape for having us. We need more events of this format in South Africa."

Slade Prestwich and Steven Sawyer had previously defeated Joshe Faulkner and Chad Du Toit in the first semifinal, and Koby Oberholzer and Dale Staples defeated Luke Thompson and Luke Slijpen in the second semifinal.

The Namakwa Challenge, supported by the Amandla Surf Foundation and Billabong Adventure Division, partnered with Protect The West Coast to ensure the event leaves no footprint in the ecologically sensitive area.

Protect the West Coast seek to inform on the dangers, raise funds to protect the coastline and looking beyond the battle, seek to help build a future economy for the area, through sustainable tourism.

Sign the petition today and join the fight for the West Coast.

Check out all the photos, videos and recaps from Namakwa right here!