Viking Surf Sports will send a 12-athlete squad to the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships in South Africa later this year.
The Dubai-based club will compete in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay, where the championships are scheduled to run from November 25 to December 13.
The squad includes athletes across youth, open and masters divisions. They will compete in surf lifesaving events that test swimming, board racing, beach speed and rescue skills.
Surf lifesaving sits between competitive sport and water safety. Athletes race in the sea, on the beach and in the pool, while also learning practical rescue skills.
Viking Surf Sports heading to South Africa worlds
The club is led by founder Stephen Munnery, a former three-time world champion lifesaver.
“We are incredibly proud to represent the UAE at the highest level of international surf lifesaving competition”
The Lifesaving World Championships are run under the International Life Saving Federation, with Lifesaving South Africa hosting the 2026 edition. The event is expected to bring between 3,500 and 6,000 athletes, coaches, officials and supporters to Nelson Mandela Bay.
Competition will be staged across King’s Beach and Newton Park Swimming Pool, also known as Mandela Bay Aquatic Centre. The programme includes pool, ocean, beach and rescue boat events.
Viking’s athletes now have several months to prepare before travelling to South Africa.
