The O’Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa has just started on the coast of Cape Town.

The opening day of this 4-star WQS contest saw clean four foot waves, light winds and perfect blue sky, all with a spectacular mountain backdrop.

Heat one in the round of 64 took place in the 12-degree water off Noordhoek beach, just north of the competition’s base at Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula.

Whilst local talent, Ian Armstrong was knocked out in the first round, brothers Haydn and Devan MacNicol stormed through top of their heats. As did fellow South African Shaun Joubert.

“The world cup was unbelievable here and it really unified the whole country,” “Everyone is still in that celebration mode, so this event still has a lot of that enthusiasm and positivity around it.” said O’Neill South Africa Marketing Manager Paul Canning.