by SFT | May 6, 2025 | St Francis, Surfing Today
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa – 6 May 2025 — South Africa’s premier longboarding event returns to one of the world’s most iconic surf breaks, as the 2025 Billabong SA Longboard Surfing Championships kick off from 6–11 May at Lower Point, Jeffreys Bay.
This highly anticipated edition of the national championships brings together 195 of the country’s top longboarders, who will compete across 17 divisions, ranging from Under 14 to Over 75, showcasing the depth and diversity of South African longboarding talent.
Right-Hand Point-Break
Jeffreys Bay, renowned for its perfectly peeling right-hand point break, provides an ideal canvas for the graceful, flowing style of longboard surfing. Lower Point has a rich history of hosting world-class events, and the return of the SA Champs to this legendary location promises high-performance surfing, sportsmanship, and a true celebration of surf culture.
This event receives critical support from the Kouga Municipality, whose ongoing investment in local tourism, infrastructure, and sports development continues to elevate Jeffreys Bay as a premier destination for surf events. The municipality’s commitment plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the championships, while also stimulating the local economy through visitor footfall and community engagement.
The event is proudly presented by Billabong, one of the world’s most iconic surf brands. With deep roots in South African surfing, Billabong has long supported both elite and grassroots surfing across the country. Their commitment to the sport extends beyond performance — championing a lifestyle that embraces ocean conservation, youth development, and community-driven surf culture.
Sacred Place
“This year’s champs mark a special return to a wave that holds a sacred place in the hearts of surfers around the globe,” said Christy Gilmour, Chairwoman of South African Longboarding. “With nearly 200 competitors and divisions spanning six decades of age, it’s a testament to the inclusivity and longevity of longboarding in South Africa.”
The event is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA) and will feature live scoring, commentary, and community engagement throughout the week. Spectators are encouraged to attend and support local surfers as they carve their way to national titles.
Stay up to date with event highlights, heat schedules, and results via Live Heats, @Southafricanlongboarding on Instagram and on Facebook.
Event Details:
- What: 2025 Billabong SA Longboard Surfing Championships
- When: 6 – 11 May 2025
- Where: Lower Point, Jeffreys Bay
- Divisions: U14 to Over 75, Men & Women
- Presented by: Billabong
- Sanctioned by: Surfing South Africa
About Surfing South Africa
Surfing South Africa is the official National Federation for Surfing in South Africa. SSA is a member of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and is recognised as the governing body by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Surfing South Africa is responsible for developing the sport, hosting National tournaments, sanctioning International events, and selecting National teams in all SSA disciplines. SSA is a member of the African Surfing Confederation (ASC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA), the sport’s World governing body.
by SFT | May 6, 2025 | St Francis, Surfing Today
Jeffreys Bay becomes more than just a world-class surf destination during the SA Longboard Surfing Championships. The town transforms into a celebration of ocean culture, natural beauty, and vibrant local life. Whether you’re competing, a spectator, or simply along for the jol, there’s plenty to experience beyond the waves.
1. Watch the Contest At Lower Point
Start your visit by watching the action unfold at Lower Point. Point offers lekker longboarding conditions, and the atmosphere is pretty vibey during the event week.
2. Explore the JBay Surf Village
After the heats, head to the JBay Surf Village. This area has cool surf shops, handcrafted goods, and local designers – all just steps from the beach.
3. Walk a Shell Trail
Take a moment to unwind on a scenic shell trail. A walk along the water’s edge in JBay will offer shell collecting and photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
4. Surf Alternative Breaks
If you’re keen for a quick paddle for yourself, hit one of the mellower zones, like maybe Kitchens or Magnas. These waves are relatively chilled and will provide a way less stressful, less crowded session than one at Supers.
5. Visit the JBay Surf Museum
To dive into South Africa’s surf heritage, visit the JBay Surf Museum. Flum old ‘vintage’ boards, historical photos, and stories of the town’s surfing roots.
6. Try Sandboarding
For a change of pace, try sandboarding in the dunes near Aston Bay. It’s fast, fun, and suitable for all ages—plus the views from the top are spectacular.
7. Try one of the fantastic local restaurants
Too many to list here and so many favourites, but you could check out the JBay Tourism site or this updated 2025 JBay Top Restaurant list on TripAdvisor
8. Explore Kabeljous Nature Reserve
For nature lovers, the Kabeljous Nature Reserve offers walking trails, estuary views, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. It’s a peaceful break from the buzz of the contest.
9. Check Out The Seekoei River Nature Reserve
Around the corner in Aston Bay, the Seekoei River Nature Reserve is a quiet spot for birding, short hikes, and general quiet time, away from the madding crowd..
10. End the Day with a Beach Walk
Sounds pretty cliché, but walking along the beach in the evening is very cool. Fewer people around, beauty shining through, and shells. So many shells.
Read more: Top Surfers Set To Return To JBay For Corona Cero JBay Open
by SFT | May 6, 2025 | Photo Of The Day, St Francis
An absolutely stunning Photo Of The Day by Clive Wright that we have called – Radiant Anne Avenue
Find more of Clive’s work on Facebook
See more Photos Of The Day here
by SFT | May 6, 2025 | St Francis
Training for a long-distance walk? Searching for a reason to stay fit during winter? Looking for a reason to visit St Francis in Winter? Why not join the inaugural St Francis Walking Weekend from 4 – 6 July 2025.
Walking comes highly recommended by medical practitioners to people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s proven to be beneficial to many serious and less serious medical conditions as well as to mental health. Spending time in nature also gets the creative juices flowing – all good reasons to join in the fun.
Three distances will be walked on Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and Sunday morning. It is not a race, there will be no winners but to ensure safety, you will have to finish before a certain time.
On Friday 4 July between 16h00 and 18h00 walkers can enjoy a circular 5km walk from Port St Francis along sections of the Two Harbours Walk and the streets of Santareme to the Community Garden. Number and map collection will be from 15h00 at Quaysyde on Squid Square, Port St Francis. The entry fee is R50 and route briefing will be at 15h45.
On Saturday morning walkers will walk from Jeffreys Bay to St Francis Bay. The 21km route starts at the Albatros Parking area in Akasia St, Jeffreys Bay, following the coastline all the way to the Kromme Mouth where the river crossing will be done by dedicated barges, taking you to the Small Craft Harbour which is the finish line.
Shuttles can be privately organised through JBay Cabs (083 6111 003) or Simpiwe’s Shuttles (083 957 1331). Number and map collection will be from 07h00, the briefing is at 07h15 and walkers can set off at 07h30. Your allocated time to finish is 12h30 and a food truck will be at the finish line for you to enjoy lunch. Please note there will be no water points along the way, and walkers must be self-sufficient. The entry fee is R250 which includes the river crossing.
On Sunday morning walkers will enjoy a 14km figure 8 walk starting at the Cape St Francis Resort, following the shoreline past Shark Point and into the nature reserve, coming back to the Full Stop Restaurant from where you will walk down to Sunset Rock, turn west to the Seal Point Lighthouse following the shoreline all the way again to the Cape St Francis Resort. Time allocated is 08h00 – 12h00. Number and map collection will be from 07h00 and briefing at 07h45. The entry fee is R140.
Enjoy a finishers brunch at the Cape St Francis Resort.
All routes will be available on Strava and AllTrails and will also be well marked. Roaming marshals and Traffic Officials will be on the route.
Online entries will be open from 1 May 2025 on EntryNinja.
To those interested in educational walks and talks, Harry Bateman will offer a few Strandlopers Experience Walks over the weekend.
The Blowhole walk (5km, 4 hours) covers the wild side coastline from sunset rock and explores the Strandlopers dependence of ocean resources for 165000 years, the shipwreck history, and medicinal plants with an opportunity to picnic at the blowhole while resting. The Flower Reserve Walk (6km, 3 hours) explores the incredible biodiversity of the largest floral kingdom in the world while showcasing the shipwreck memorial and Seal Point Lighthouse. The Shark Point (4 hours, 5km) walk focuses on a tool factory, middens, fish traps, edible landscapes and more.
Walks are suited for all ages and done slowly. The rate is R300pp and bookings can be made directly with Harry Bateman on 0826240124.
On Saturday afternoon you can join a special Walkers Americano Paddle Tournament at The River Club at a special rate.
Participating partners will also offer special rates for deep sea fishing, whale watching tours, canal and river cruises, a visit to the Seal Point Lighthouse, and a calamari tasting as part of a special package for the weekend, organised by St Francis Tourism. For information on all of this, contact Hantie van der Westhuizen on office@stfrancistourism.co.za or 042 294 0076.
The St Francis Walking Weekend is organised by St Francis Sport, hosted by the Cape St Francis Resort and the beneficiary is St Francis Tourism.
Recent Comments