South African and African speed record holder. Slalom champion. The first woman in the world to win an 80 km windsurf race. Based in Langebaan - chasing 40 knot storms across the planet.
Karo was twelve years old when her father first introduced her to windsurfing during their annual family December holiday on the West Coast in Langebaan. Two decades later she is one of the fastest women on the planet - a multi-discipline professional rider who calls Langebaan, South Africa, home.
On the water she races slalom, hunts down speed records and rides waves - pushing her limits in the 40-knot storms that other riders run from.
Few windsurfers compete seriously across multiple disciplines. Karo does - from flat-water speed runs at over 80 km/h, to head-to-head slalom, to riding the surf back home in Langebaan.
500m runs in the gnarliest winds on earth. Personal best of 46 knots over 500 m - with a top speed of 48 knots (89 km/h). 5th fastest woman of all time.
High-stakes head-to-head racing through downwind courses. IFCA African Slalom Champion and a fixture on the international scene.
Back home in Langebaan and across the Cape coastline, Karo trains in real ocean conditions on a 73L Severne wave board.
Fastest female windsurfer in Africa and 5th fastest of all time - 46 knots over 500 m, with a top speed of 48 knots (89 km/h).
National slalom title on home water.
World ranking over 500 m in a career-best year for speed.
Podium finish among 1,400 riders at the world's largest windsurf race.
World speed ranking on 500 m.
World #1 female speed ranking on 500 m.
First female in the world to complete the longest windsurf race on the planet - 80 km.
Top of the podium at the IFCA African/Asian Slalom Championship.
Multiple-time winner of the iconic West Coast downwind classic - the home-water title she keeps coming back to defend.
National multi-discipline title across South Africa's premier venues.
Where you'll find Karo in the year ahead - clinics, records and races.
Home-water windsurf clinic in Langebaan.
South African Cupweek series.
Speed record attempt over 500 m.
Return to the world's largest windsurf race.
Windsurf clinic on Bonaire.
Nautical mile speed record attempt window.
The main event on the speed-sailing calendar - Karo's happy hunting ground for the African & all-time rankings.
Academic achievement and leadership roles alongside a professional racing career.
Trifocus Fitness Academy.
UNISA.
West Coast Chef School.
Stellenbosch University.
Top academic achievement, Stellenbosch University.
Outeniqua High School.
George, Western Cape, South Africa.
From alma mater Outeniqua High School, for achievements in windsurfing.
From the speed channels of Lüderitz to the home swells of Langebaan - the world Karo competes in.
Clinics, race highlights and life on the water - straight from Karo's own YouTube channel.
Every record and every podium is built on the trust of the brands that back her. These are the partners who put Karo on the water.

Karo has been on the Severne international team since February 2016, riding the generations of race and wave gear, from the Reflex to Mach racing sails and Blade wave sail, in every condition the planet throws at her.
Visit Severne
Precision-built racing and speed fins - the unseen edge in every podium run and record attempt.
Discover Z-Fins
Precision Swiss timekeeping on a wrist that chases hundredths of a knot. A natural partnership between a brand built on speed and an athlete who lives for it - imported to South Africa by Picot & Moss. Karo's TAG Heuer timepieces and eyewear are available at Atelier de Lunettes at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
Visit TAG Heuer
Volkswagen Barons keeps Karo on the road - from Langebaan to Cape Town to every regatta on the South African coastline. Boards, sails and rider, all delivered to the start line.
Visit VW Barons
Just like stainless steel, true strength is forged through pressure, shaped by purpose and designed to last. At Stainless Plate Products, skilled hands and sharp minds come together to keep industries moving forward.
Discover SPP
Nashua is one of Karo's first sponsors from back when her career started. They have been supporting her career and journey from the very beginning and still form an integral part of her support foundation.
Visit Nashua
Supports Karo with the best flipflops for her active outdoor lifestyle.
Discover Iiflopsi
Salt, sun and 40 knot wind take their toll. Gary Rom keeps the hair in shape between record runs and photo shoots.
Visit Gary Rom
Keeping Karo's skin in shape after countless hours of salt, sun and 40 knot wind exposure.
Discover Skin & Laser Co
Medical-grade skincare supporting Karo's skin through years of sun, salt and offshore wind.
Visit Neostrata
High-performance sun protection for hours-long sessions in direct coastal sun.
Visit Heliocare
Wingfoiling gear for Karo's growing time on the foil, alongside her windsurfing career.
Visit AirushWant more details on a clinic, race or event above? Send a message and Karo's team will get back to you.