High winds sweeping across the False Bay coastline forced organisers of the PBRSA International Inflatable Super Series 2026 to call an unexpected lay day on Tuesday 29 September, bringing the adrenaline-fuelled event to its official halfway mark.

Coming immediately after Monday’s scheduled lay day, the weather delay temporarily paused the action at both Strand and Gordon’s Bay beaches.

Tuesday’s agenda was originally set for the gruelling 100 km long-haul race out of Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club (GBYC). However, dangerous wind conditions on the water prompted officials to keep teams on land for safety.

With the event now at its midpoint, here is how the remaining schedule looks for competitors and spectators:

Wednesday 30 September (circuit racing): Action resumes at GBYC. Club opens at 06:00, pilot briefing at 08:00, with rolling race starts from 09:00.

Thursday 1 October (long haul): A 100 km long haul starting at GBYC, with rolling starts from 09:00.

Friday 2 October (circuit racing): Final day of circuit racing at GBYC with a 09:00 rolling start.

Saturday 3 October (Finals and Prize Giving): Technical inspections begin at 09:00, followed by the official prize-giving at GBYC at 18:00, leading into the afterparty.

Before the wind delay, the first two days delivered relentless action off Strand Beach. The surf circuit produced massive waves, tight high-speed turns and fierce battles across all heats.

Setting the benchmark for the fleet, Team 88 delivered a dominant campaign in the Prostock class across both opening days. On Day 1, the team overcame a fourth-place finish in Heat 1 to storm back with first place in Heat 2 and first place in the Day 1 final.

On Day 2, they swept Heat 1 and Heat 2 in first place, securing second place in a thrilling final. Their consistency secured them overall victories on the opening days of the International Inflatable Super Series circuit racing.

The thrilling ocean action was a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of the sport during Day 1’s final heat, when South African representative Team M71 suffered a terrifying incident.

Pilot Dwayne van der Vyver fell out of his boat during the race and was struck by a trailing craft. Medical staff and safety officials rushed to assist, and Van der Vyver was immediately transported for medical assessment.

In a fortunate turn of events, doctors confirmed no spinal fractures or permanent cord damage, and Van der Vyver has retained full mobility. However, after sustaining a severe impact from a gearbox that caused heavy pain, bruising, and swelling around his spine, Team M71 made the difficult decision to withdraw from the remainder of the Super Series.

“Racing is important to us, but the safety and well-being of our pilot will always come first,” Team M71 stated.