Surfski queen Kira Bester on defending her world title and racing for her mentor

Kira Bester has had a trailblazing year, making sure everyone across the oceans remembers her name.

Bester has always loved the ocean, with a passion for surfing, swimming, and lifesaving. Thanks to a friend who introduced her to surfski, she is now a reigning world champion after successfully defending her women’s SS1 title at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban in October.

"Winning on home ground (South Africa) felt incredibly special. It’s one thing to race for yourself, but it’s another to race with the whole coastline, the whole community, and the people who raised you right there. The feeling wasn’t just pride, it was relief, gratitude, and a kind of joy that’s hard to explain."

She spoke to Eyewitness News about the final, nail-biting moments of the race, where she edged out New Zealand’s Danielle Richards to be crowned the world champion.

"During the race, I was incredibly focused. Danielle is an unbelievable athlete, so I knew I couldn’t switch off for even a second. My mindset was very calm and very disciplined… hit the runs cleanly, don’t force things, trust my preparation. There were moments where it hurt, but I reminded myself why I was there and how much work went into that moment. After the race, everything hit me at once: the effort, the emotion, the pressure, the pride. I felt proud of the way I executed, proud of the fight, and grateful for the competition that pushed me to race my absolute best."

Bester backed up her stunning showing after winning gold in Madeira in 2024 to emerge victorious again in 2025.

READ MORE:

• • Grit and determination put Kira Bester on the surfski throne
• SA's ocean racing surfski paddler Kira Bester wins Villajoyosa World Cup

Racing for Something Bigger

The 23-year-old paid tribute to her coach and mentor, Peter Cole, who tragically passed away earlier this year. She told Eyewitness News that Cole was more than just a coach; he was a father figure.

"One of my favourite moments wasn’t even the race itself, but the feeling of standing on that start line knowing I was racing for more than just a medal. I carried Pete with me that day. He was such a big part of my journey and the reason I found this sport, the reason I fell in love with it, and the reason I learned to fight for something bigger than myself. Winning on home ground felt like I could finally give something back to him."

The newly-crowned world champion Bester added another gold medal to her glittering collection with victory in Reunion, France, in November. Bester clinched the women’s surfski single titles at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup, storming to the women’s SS1 title just weeks after the World Championships.

"Reunion was incredible because it felt like a celebration of ocean culture. The people, the energy, the environment… it’s such a unique place. My favourite thing was the rawness of the ocean conditions paired with the warmth of the locals. I also loved how connected the paddling community felt there. It reminded me why I love this sport," she said.

Thriving on Resilience

Bester has won multiple titles this year, but she admits 2025 has been hectic, pushing her boundaries at times, though she still hungers for more adventures on the water.

"This year was hectic in every sense. It pushed me physically, emotionally, and mentally. There were moments where I felt stretched thin, moments where things went wrong, moments where I questioned myself, and moments where I had to dig deeper than I ever have. But despite all of that, or maybe because of it, I’m proud of what I achieved. I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I’ve ‘accomplished everything’ because I’m always hungry for more and I know there’s still so much room for growth."

She concluded: "But I can say that I showed up, even when it was hard. I kept fighting, I kept improving, and I kept proving to myself that I can handle more than I think. This year taught me resilience. It taught me patience. And it reminded me why I love this sport."

2025 Career Highlights

Pete Marlin Surfski Memorial Race (Doubles): 1st place Double Open Female

Pete Marlin Surfski Memorial Race (Singles): 2nd place Open Female

World Surfski Championships (Durban): 1st place Open Female — World Champion

Euro Challenge: 1st place Open Female

Freedom Paddle (with Melanie): 1st place Double Open Female

South African Surfski Championships: 1st place Open Female