by SFT | Dec 29, 2024 | St Francis
Eddie Went and Landon McNamara Wins…
There were emotional scenes at Waimea Bay today, as Landon McNamara won the prestigious’ Rip Curl The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational’ in front of his father, and Contest Director, Liam McNamara.
The iconic big wave competition took place in monstrous 40+ feet surf, for just the eleventh time in its 40-year history.
Alongside taking the win, Landon also won the Best Wave Award with a perfect score of 50 out of 50, and the honour of being the first ever goofy footer to win the event.
“I don’t know how to feel right now; I think I’ve already cried ten times,” said Landon. “I’m so grateful to be here; I’m grateful to the Aikau Ohana, grateful to my Uncle Garrett and to my dad. I’m grateful to Eddie. They say Eddie picks the winner; I’m just so grateful he picked me.”
Contest Director
Landon’s father, Liam McNamara, who is also a highly decorated surfer, took on the role of this year’s Contest Director. One of his most stressful responsibilities involved making the decision of whether or not to run the event.
“We didn’t really know if it was going to be an Eddie-sized swell until about 3-4 days before. Not one swell forecaster told me I should run [the event], and no one said that I shouldn’t run it. Basically, they all left me on the fence. Ultimately, it came down to trusting my own knowledge of monitoring swells and my gut.” said Contest Director, Liam McNamara.
“A big part of deciding whether to run is making sure that there are enough consistently big waves to give all surfers enough opportunity. It was a tough decision and a bit of waiting game, but ultimately, the Bay called the day,” continued McNamara.
Last year’s winner Luke Shepardson on an absolute bomb at the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
Liam taught Landon to surf just down the road from where the event was won.
“As a dad, I don’t know if there are many days that will surpass this one,” said Liam. “I think your circle of life is always blessed when you live from the heart, that’s the motto that I try to live by, and I think that was returned to my family today.”
The event featured a lineup of 35 men and 10 women whose scores were determined by their best 3 waves. The competitors were a mix of current surfing legends, local up & coming Hawaiians, and big-wave royalty.
The cultural significance of this event cannot be overstated. More than a competition, the day was a living tribute to Hawaiian hero, Eddie Aikau, to community, and to Hawaiian culture.
“Today has been one of the best days we could have hoped for. Great weather, consistent surf. You can just feel Eddie’s spirit so strong,” said Linda Aikau, President of the Eddie Aikau Foundation and younger sister of Eddie Aikau.
Aikau Foundation
“We are so proud to be the instrument that makes all of this happen. There are a lot of sponsors and foundation members that work really hard to get where we are today and we are so happy to see it result in such as successful day, and something we can continue to perpetuate in Eddie’s honour. He helped so many people, and he still continues to do so ’til this very day,” Linda finished.
Remembered by his family and all those who surfed today in his honour, Eddie’s legacy continues to reverberate through Waimea Bay, where he once patrolled the shore.
Rip Curl is honoured to have partnered with the Aikau Foundation on this iconic event and looks forward to a long and successful future together.
Landon McNamara Wins – Final Results
- Landon McNamara
- Mason Ho
- Billy Kemper
- Jamie O’Brien
- Nic Lamb
- Luke Shepardson
- Nathan Florence
- Kai Lenny
- Koa Rothman
Twiggy Baker got a last-minute nod into the event and finished off 24th, while Matt Bromley finished 30th.
According to Augusy Howell, reporting for Surfer Magazine, Twiggy went hard.
“Waimea legend Mark Healey bowed out early in the morning after busting his eardrum. His replacement was Grant “Twiggy” Baker, who put out a standout performance and won the lone heat he surfed in. The first wave – classic Twiggy, taking off late and riding over a boil that almost had whitewater coming off it (a hard-earned 42.8 out of 50). He backed it up with another solid gem, taking off behind fellow South African Matt Bromley.”
Full results here – LIVEHEATS
Best wave: Landon McNamara
Mark Foo Spirit Award: Greg Long
by SFT | Dec 29, 2024 | St Francis
Kouga Municipality would again urge all beachgoers to prioritize safety and avoid becoming potential casualties of dangerous rip currents or other common hazards.
Rip currents are narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from the shore. They can reach speeds of nearly 3 meters per second. Rips are often formed in gaps between sandbars, reefs, or other underwater features where water from breaking waves flows back to the sea.
How To Spot Rip Currents
• Darker Water: Indicates deeper channels where waves do not break.
• Wave Gaps: Areas with fewer or no breaking waves may signal a rip.
• Choppy Water: Turbulent patches surrounded by calmer areas.
What To Do If Caught In A Rip Current
• Stay Calm: Conserve energy and float if needed.
• Swim Sideways: Escape the current by swimming parallel to the shore.
• Signal for Help: Raise your arm and call for assistance.
How To Assist Someone In Trouble
• Call for Help: Dial 112 from your cellphone (a free call) or
• Contact the Kouga Emergency Control Room at 081 367 8557 or
• Phone the NSRI Emergency Number on: 079 916 03 90 (Jeffreys Bay) 082 990 5969 (St Francis Bay) or 082 990 59 68 (Oyster Bay)
• Throw Something That Floats: Use a flotation device, such as an NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy or a surfboard, to assist the person in distress.
• Do Not Risk Your Own Safety: Enter the water only if you are a strong swimmer and equipped with flotation.
Beaches Patrolled By Lifeguards (daily from 08:00 AM to 17:00 PM)
1. Dolphin blue flag beach (main beach)
2. Kabeljous beach in front of the restaurant
3. Kabeljous lagoon
4. Pellsrus Beach
5. Aston Bay Beach (parking area)
6. Aston Bay Lagoon
7. Paradise Beach
8. St Francis main beach
9. Grannies pool
10. Cape St Francis blue flag beach
11. Oyster Bay beach
Public Safety Alert:
• Avoid Alcohol: Never drink alcohol before swimming. Alcohol impairs judgment, reduces your ability to cope in the water, and compromises your chances of survival if you encounter difficulties. Parents and caregivers should also refrain from drinking when supervising children near water.
read more: 80 Paddlers Contested The Exciting 2024 Sporty Anderson Surf Ski Race in SFB
• Supervise Children Closely: Drowning is silent, and children can slip under the water without any noise or warning. Always keep children within arm’s reach when in or near the water.
• Exercise Caution in Easterly Winds: Blue bottles are often more prevalent in the water when the wind blows from the east. These creatures, while small, can deliver painful stings.
Kouga Municipality urges all beachgoers to swim only where lifeguards are on duty: Lifeguarded beaches offer the safest environment for swimming. Always swim between the flags set up by lifeguards as depicted in this image.
by SFT | Dec 29, 2024 | St Francis
Caption: Winning doubles team of Jason Goedhals, second left, and Fanta Gous, far right, with Hein van Rooyen and Oscar Chalupsky
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The Sporty Anderson Surf Ski race has been held in St Francis for over 30 years, even during Covid; this year, there over 80 paddlers contested the 15 km route.
Local paddler Phill Smith, who last won the race in 2020, won convincing this year. He broke the line in just over an hour with Junior Matt Coetzee about a minute behind, followed by last year’s winner Murray Starr.
Winners of the Sporty Anderson Surf Ski race on the left local St Francis paddler Phill Smith winning the men’s section with Jade Wilson top national paddler from East London winning the ladies race
The Route
The route starts at the main beach and heads out towards the harbour. Here, the field makes a left turn towards the Kromme mouth. This year, the light easterly caused a bit of a problem with the paddlers due to the side chop.
Once through the mouth, they head down to the river to the Cove. Here they turn left into the Main canal and the Ski canal. It’s then out the mouth and right towards the Main beach.
This year, Jade Wilson, an international paddler of note, took line honours. She beat the past two years’ winner, Candice Starr, by a sizable distance. Kirsten Scott rounded off the podium.
Oscar and Herman Chalupsky
It was good to see one of South Africa’s greatest sportsmen, Oscar Chalupsky, on the line for the first time. He was paddling in the race after undergoing extensive cancer treatment. He was linking up in a double with National competitor Hein van Rooyen. Oscar’s brother Herman was also at the event. A world-recognised paddler, he paddled in his third Sporty Anderson race sponsored by PW Harvey & Co. He was with Andy Leith in a double. The Moore family from St Francis were the only competitors in an S 3, with Dad paddling with his two sons.
Jason Goedhals and Fanta Gous comfortably won the doubles race. Kerry von Wilderman and Fabian Smith from Blue Water Canoe Club won the mixed doubles section.
The St Francis paddling club and Station 21 NSRI must be thanked for seeing to the smooth running and safety of the event.
Read More: St Francis Bay Celebrates The Opening Of The Season – Check Out The Wonderful Gallery
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