by Craig Jarvis | Jun 2, 2025 | St Francis
Image: Tour Manager Travis Logie at Pipe back in the day © WSL/Cestari
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Press Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif., USA (Sunday, June 1, 2025). The World Surf League (WSL) today announced that the Challenger Series Adds Pipeline and Newcastle to 2025-26 Schedule. This will be to help decide the qualifiers for the 2026 Championship Tour (CT). Pipeline will be added to the schedule as the penultimate event. Newcastle will return as the seventh and final event of the season.
With the recently announced changes to the Championship Tour schedule and format, this season’s Challenger Series season will now run from June 2025 to March 2026. The last two events being held at Pipeline in January and Newcastle in March. It will be the first time since 2022 that a wave on the North Shore of O’ahu in Hawai’i has counted for Challenger Series points. Also, the first time since 2020 that Pipeline has contributed to a surfer’s CT qualification.
Pipeline is one of, if not the most, important waves in surfing, playing host to some of the biggest moments in the culture and the sport. Its addition to the Challenger Series schedule will give the next crop of CT surfers a taste of competition at one of the most perfect and intense waves on the planet. This will ensure each batch of qualifiers is being prepared for the intensity of the Tour.
Pipeline and Newcastle
“The WSL is super excited to announce that Pipeline and Newcastle will be the last two stops of the Challenger Series this season,“ said WSL Senior Tour Manager Travis Logie. “Pipeline is the ultimate proving ground and one of the most perfect yet challenging waves on the planet. For the next crop of CT surfers to get the opportunity to compete out there is a huge step forward for the Challenger Series. Not to mention incredibly exciting for our fans to enjoy two major events at Pipe in just a couple of months. To then finish the season and decide our CT qualifiers at the iconic Newcastle SURFEST is amazing. It’s an event with so much surf history. The whole town gets behind it. To see our CS surfers realize their dreams in front of thousands of fans at Merewether will be a huge moment.“
In 2026, the iconic Newcastle SURFEST will celebrate its 40th anniversary. This will cement the event as one of the longest-running professional surfing competitions in the world. Born from one of the most passionate and talent-producing towns in Australian surfing, Newcastle SURFEST has been won by the biggest names in the sport. This includes Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Tom Curren, Layne Beachley, Mick Fanning, Frieda Zamba and Mark Occhilupo. With so much history to celebrate, it will be a fitting location to decide the qualifiers for the 2026 Championship Tour.
Pictured: Challenger Series Adds Pipeline and Merewether, which will host the final event of the Challenger Series. It will decide the qualifiers for the 2026 Championship Tour. Credit: WSL
2025-26 WSL Challenger Series Schedule:
- Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia: June 2 – 8, 2025
- Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: June 30 – July 6, 2025
- Huntington Beach, California, USA: July 29 – August 3, 2025 (US Open festival window: July 26 – August 3)
- Ericeira, Portugal: September 29 – October 5, 2025
- Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: October 11 – 19, 2025
- Pipeline, Hawai’i, USA: January 28 – February 8, 2026
- Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia: March 8 – 15, 2026
At the end of the season, the top 10 men and seven women from the Challenger Series Rankings will earn a spot on the 2026 CT. The best five of a possible seven results count towards each competitor’s end-of-season ranking.
Both the Challenger and CT schedules are transitioning into their new looks and seasons. Therefore, as a one-off, for the 2025-26 season, the Burton Automotive Newcastle SURFEST will count twice in the one season. Merewether will host the opening and closing events of this year’s Challenger Series.
The regional Qualifying Series (QS) will continue as a year-round series in each of the seven WSL regions, with a specific number of surfers from each region graduating from the top of the QS rankings to the Challenger Series each year.
by Craig Jarvis | May 26, 2025 | Notes From The Editor, Seal Point Boardriders club
I Just Wanted a Few Waves
I hadn’t surfed in weeks. Work. Kids. Stuff. My brain was mush. I needed water. Salt. A few waves. Just that.
I grabbed the big blue 9’0 soft top. The Log Model. The one everyone disenjoys me riding, A superior paddle machine.
My friends don’t mind. I’m not selfish in the water. I’m too unfit to be inconsiderate.
The others, though. They glare. They mutter, and they don’t greet. Don’t acknowledge. Don’t shake hands.
They also don’t catch many waves. They ride ego-driven, superlight, narrow pro models. The boards have great turning but no paddle power.
The ultimate quest in surfing is finding the marriage between paddle power and turning ability. You can’t have optimum levels of both.
I don’t care too much about turning. I just want a few waves. Just a few. No one dies. Everyone gets wet.
The Wave. The Surfer. The Air.
Late afternoon. Golden light. Long shadows. Wind going slack. That clean hush before dark.
I paddled out to join my daughter, Brin. Twelve-years-old. And her best friend, Summer. Also trouble.
Got one. An absolute bomb. Swung and went. It stood up just right. Smooth wall. My feet found the sweet spot.
But the sun. Right in my eyes. Blinding. Like fire. And then, a blur. Some young guy. Blue wetsuit.
He was paddling straight up the face. A wrong move. Should have paddled into the whitewater and ducked under. A golden rule. I saw his head too late. Too close.. Point blank range.
Instinct took over. I bunny-hopped. On a 9’0. Full credit card air. Not easy with 90 litres of volume.
A full leap of faith. Board went light. I lifted off the water. Floated. Briefly.
Somehow, I cleared him.
No thud of fins to head. No scream and no blood.
He popped up blinking.
I carried on riding.
Blue Cheese on Wheels
Brin and Summer screamed from the channel.
Someone hooted from the car park.
Someone whistled. A long, single-tone whistle, indicating a ‘shew, that was close‘ vibe.
In the distance, a dog barked.
I paddled back out to the guy. A little bit shaken. Apologised for giving him a scare. Gave him a thumbs up. He was fine. Still blinking. But fine.
He went straight in after that. Paddled in. Over the rocks. Driven over by a tanker. Enough for one day.
Brin reappeared as I paddled back to the top of the point.
Summer was with her.
Pirates
They paddled straight at me. Grinning like pirates. Both punched me solidly on the shoulder.
“Blue Cheese on Wheels!” they shouted.
And burst out laughing.
Not about the kid in the blue wetsuit.
About some arb blue car in the car park.
If you see a blue car, you can punch some and shout, ‘blue cheese on wheels.”
It’s just a game they play.
“But I nearly killed someone,” I said.
“I know,” said Summer. “That was rad. I always wanted to punch you with blue cheese on wheels.”
“That was cwazy,” said Brin, adding the speech impediment for special effects.
She turned. Paddled. Caught an inside wave. Moved on to the next thing in front of her eyes.
Her wave was watched over by the blue car in the car park. Same place it had been all afternoon.
The end./
Further reading: Seal Point Boardriders Club Grom Comp Great Success
by Craig Jarvis | May 14, 2025 | St Francis
Port Alfred, tucked between East London and Gqeberha on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast, is a laid-back coastal gem packed with adventure, charm, perfect waves and history. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or an extended holiday, there’s no shortage of cool experiences to enjoy.
Each April, the town comes alive during the Port Alfred Easter Festival. You can stroll through local craft markets, enjoy live music, and soak up the festive energy. The festival brings the community together and showcases the best of the region’s food, art, and sport. Good for those who want to compete and those who want to chill and have a few beer shandies.
Watch the Easter Surfing Events
As part of the Easter Festival, head down to East Beach and catch the Rip Curl GromSearch and Rip Curl Cup. These surfing events draw South Africa’s top up-and-coming surfers. Sit on the pier with a coffee or camera and enjoy some of the most exciting wave-riding action of the year.
Surf at East Beach
If you’re feeling inspired, and there are no contests on the go, grab a board and hit the water yourself. East Beach is known for its consistent right-hand break and sandy bottom, making it perfect for both seasoned surfers and beginners. Local surf schools offer gear rentals and lessons.
Stay at the Royal St Andrews Hotel
Treat yourself to a night or two at the Royal St Andrews Hotel. Its heritage charm, luxury rooms, world-class spa, and proximity to the beach and town make for a comfortable and elegant base.
Dine at The Highlander Restaurant
Within the Royal St Andrews Hotel, the Highlander exudes that classic pub atmosphere. Enjoy hearty meals, craft beers, and locally sourced produce—all in a cosy, welcoming setting and at good prices.
Explore the Kowie River by Boat
Hop on a boat cruise or paddle upriver in a kayak. The Kowie River winds through lush scenery and offers views of kingfishers, fish eagles, and even the occasional otter.
Relax on West Beach
For a more peaceful beach day, head to West Beach. It’s perfect for a family picnic, building sandcastles, or reading a book. When you’re done, head over to Guido’s, situated right there, for a delicious pizza and a few dops.
Play Golf at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club
Tee off on one of the country’s most scenic coastal courses. The wind and terrain make for a rewarding challenge, and the views are unbeatable.
Browse the Local Markets
Spend a morning wandering through Port Alfred’s markets. Pick up handmade crafts, homemade preserves, local art, and souvenirs that reflect the town’s coastal charm.
Unwind with a Spa Day
Whether staying at the Royal St Andrews or visiting for the day, book a massage or spa treatment at CSpa Wellness. The calm setting and expert therapists will leave you feeling recharged.
Attend Bands in the Bush
This music event, part of the Easter Festival, features top South African performers across genres. Enjoy live sets under the stars in a natural setting.
Hike the Coastal Trails
Put on your walking shoes and explore one of the nearby hiking trails. With indigenous bush, ocean vistas, and birdlife galore, these paths showcase the unspoiled beauty of the Eastern Cape.
Whether you’re after action or chill, Port Alfred delivers it all with small-town friendliness and natural beauty.
Read also: Big Changes Ahead For Twenty-Two Eatery and Legends in St Francis Bay
by Craig Jarvis | Apr 3, 2025 | Photo Of The Day
Lighthouse Views Seal Point – images by Gerhard Venter
More here – photos of days
CNN Photos
by Craig Jarvis | Apr 3, 2025 | St Francis
Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality has announced that their Customer Satisfaction Survey Open To All Kouga Residents is for all stakeholders to share their experiences and help shape the future of service delivery by participating in the 2024/2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey.
The survey is now open and will remain available until 3 May 2025.
With the financial year ending on 30 June 2025, this survey provides an essential platform for the community to evaluate municipal services and suggest areas for improvement. The focus is on core service delivery areas, including water, electricity, refuse removal, sanitation, and roads.Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, emphasised the importance of community input in strengthening service delivery.
“Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and their feedback is invaluable in helping us identify what is working well and where we need to improve,” said Bornman. “This survey is an opportunity for every resident and stakeholder to actively contribute to the future of Kouga. I encourage everyone to take part and make their voices heard.”
This initiative does not replace community meetings but rather enhances public participation and accountability in municipal governance.
How to Participate
The survey is available online at https://arcg.is/TP5PW.
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey before 3 May 2025 and play a role in shaping a more responsive and effective municipality.
read more: Monthly Kouga Municipality Service Delivery Highlights March 2025
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