A major boost has arrived for the community raffle supporting a local surfer heading to the North Shore of Oahu this December. One of the headline prizes is now a Billy’s Beach Season Pass, one of the most sought-after tickets of the summer. Its inclusion has added real excitement to the fundraiser and has already drawn strong interest from locals. Thanks to those legends at Billy’s for the incredible donation and support. Entry details on poster, below.
Local Surfer
Among the group of surfers preparing for this journey is 17-year-old Cape St Francis local, Rylan Jarvis. He forms part of the dedicated crew aiming to test themselves on one of the most demanding coastlines in world surfing. The North Shore is a place that rewards discipline and humility. Waves from Haleiwa to Pipeline push even seasoned professionals to their limits, and for young athletes, it can be a life-changing experience. The group has spent months training on heavier local surf and building fitness.
Getting young surfers to Hawaii is a costly endeavour, especially during peak season, and the community has stepped in to help close the gap. The raffle is a transparent and straightforward way to support the trip, and adding the Billy’s Beach Season Pass has significantly elevated the prize pool while preserving the spirit of the fundraiser.
Raffle Ends Sunday
Trips like these shape young surfers in ways that last for years. They return stronger, more focused and more aware of their potential. The raffle runs until Sunday, and tickets are R100. With the prize list growing and the purpose clear, this is a chance to support the next generation of South African surfers while standing a good chance of winning something genuinely special.
Two new videos are doing the rounds about the Long-Term Coastal Protection Scheme — and both are well worth a watch. Instead of choosing one, we thought we’d show you both, because they tell the story of our changing coastline from two very different but equally passionate perspectives.
Trevor Hansen – Next Offshore Adventure
Trevor Hansen was born and raised on St Francis Bay’s main beach. He produces the Next Offshore Adventure series on YouTube — and if you haven’t subscribed yet, do yourself a favour. Trevor has been documenting the sand and beach nourishment progress, the groyne builds, and the new waves forming as the coastline reshapes itself. Living in J-Bay, he’s seen the effects of sand erosion firsthand, and that’s part of what drives him to keep filming. His knowledge of St Francis runs deep, his commentary is candid, and his clips manage to balance nostalgia with technical insight.
(Watch his latest update below, ‘New Pier In St Francis.’)
Brad Peens – Down the Line
Then there’s Brad Peens, whose YouTube channel Down the Linehas become a quiet favourite among St Francis surfers. Brad’s footage is all about waves — pure, clean, no frills. When Bruce’s lights up, he’s there. When some half-forgotten corner starts firing, someone sends a message, and Brad somehow appears — camera in hand, before the crowd knows it’s on. Affable and easy-going, he’s part of the fabric of the local surf scene. He’s great with the groms, knows where to stand for the best light, and has that instinct for when to press record. His channel is a must-add to your subscriptions if you want a locals-eye view of our coastline.
In the end, groynes bring waves, waves bring smiles, and YouTube brings proof.
The 2025 South African Surfing Championships kicked off in clean, playful waves at Lower Point, Jeffreys Bay, setting the tone for a week of classic Eastern Cape conditions. Sunshine, offshore winds, and shoulder-high walls greeted surfers from across the country as the first heats hit the water.
Spectators lined the boardwalk and sand early, cheering on some of the country’s best as they carved through the long, running walls that Lower Point is famous for. The event brings together the top provincial surfers from every coastline, from the warm waters of KZN to the icy reefs of the Western Cape, all vying for national titles and bragging rights.
Local interest was high, with Rory Dace, Rylan Jarvis, Jack Erlank, Slade Shooter, David ‘The Ripper’ Moussouris, Leo McLeod, and Jesse Moulang all taking to the water on opening day. Each surfer looked comfortable in the familiar waves, drawing cheers from family, friends, and plenty of proud St Francis and J-Bay locals who came down to support.
It’s always special when the national champs roll into town, a mix of serious competition and easy smiles, beach tents fluttering in the breeze, and the smell of coffee drifting from the car park. The surf held steady throughout the day, and the forecast promises more fun conditions as the event continues through the week.
Well done to all the local surfers representing our region with style and enthusiasm. The community is behind you every step of the way — and as always, Lower Point delivers the kind of magic that makes Jeffreys Bay the beating heart of South African surfing.
(Kody McGregor Photo gallery below – proudly presented by St Francis Today.)
Shifting sands, cautious optimism, and a few promising waves on the horizon, with many surfers talking about a new surf mecca.
The new groyne project at St Francis Bay has been eagerly awaited. Nobody really knows what to expect, but everyone’s watching. VV scroll down for video VV
With the first groyne only halfway built, interest is growing fast. Early signs of new surf life are appearing along the once-flat bathing beach, and for the first time in years, locals are quietly hopeful. What was once a calm stretch of sand now looks alive again, shaped by tide, wind, and innovative engineering.
This isn’t just construction; it’s transformation. For surfers, homeowners, and beachgoers, it marks a possible turning point. The groyne structures are already showing how the ocean might respond, and so far, the whispers are good.
Much of the action is being documented by Next Offshore Adventure on YouTube at – Ocean Adventures 365
Rory Dace
Jack Erlank
Brin Jarvis
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