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
Brad Peens has been taking a close interest in the Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme, particularly in how it affects the waves and the wider surf environment. Even at this early stage of the project, there are already some surprisingly positive results to note. He captured some excellent waves at Annes on the recent southerly swell in the bay.
Just a week ago, Brad captured a few sessions at the partially completed Anne Avenue Groyne, and the footage suggests things are looking decidedly promising for local surfers. The waves are beginning to show shape and potential that many didn’t expect to see so soon.
In addition to checking out the groyne, Brad has also been keeping tabs on the sand dredging now underway beyond the Kromme Bridge, as well as the early work on the River Mouth Groyne. His latest update, somewhat dramatically titled We’ve Created a Monster, makes for a very watchable clip—combining visuals, updates, and his own thoughtful surf-centric commentary.
If you’d like to stay in the loop with what’s happening along our shoreline and upriver, it’s a good idea to subscribe to Brad’s channel, Down The Line. It’s a simple way to keep track of the changes, both on the beach and in the surf.
The waves on Saturday morning for the start of the 2025 Seal Point Boardriders Club Champs were solid. Hard to pin a size on them, but it was about as big as it gets before things wash through and turn unplayable.
With most of the younger surfers away at the Nelson Mandela Bay team training and colour awards in JBay, it was left to the ballies to hit the water.
For the older divisions, the real challenge was the paddle out. Head off from the top, and you could glide out with your hair dry, or die and then break your legs, in that order. Take the bottom route, and you could spend your entire 20-minute heat perfecting duck dives with no chance of clearing the lineup.
On balance, it was better from the beach. Most surfers got out safely, while one or two got washed down the beach and went through the rinse cycle – not ideal in 20-minute heats.
The rest of the day brought some inspiring performances as the wind dropped and the tide filled in, though the current was relentless. A welcome early-afternoon finish wrapped things up.
Day Two was a different story: epic, with clean three-foot runners and the odd larger set. The surfers smashed it, the food disappeared, and a few refreshments were enjoyed on the beach. Ari Kraak lit up the mic as the finals rolled on, leading into a raucous prize-giving. Nearly 80 entries made for another hugely successful SPBRC Champs.
Next up: the Interclub Challenge against JBay Boardriders—details to follow.
Flavii, Better Days, Decor Pro, New York Pizza, Dace Construction, The Store, Surf Sense, Pig & Rooster, Rimeself, Coastal Gym, MFI Freight International, Hogan Wines, Hurricane, Village Square SuperSpar, Knot E Macramé, St Francis Brewery, and Pizza 163. #sealpointboardridersclub
Next up there is an Interclub between Seal Point Boardriders Club and JBay Boardriders Club. This will take place sometime towards late October / Early November at Point in JBay. As arguably the biggest and most active surf club in the country, Seal Point Boardriders is proud to be behind the push for more competitive surfing at a Club level, as it is the backbone of competitive surfing and the institution that keeps surf legacy, culture, values, and team spirit alive. The SPBRC Interclub Team will be announced soon.
Cape St Francis – The stage is set for the final stop of the 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch Junior Surfing Series, taking place at Seal Point from Friday, 3rd – Sunday, 5 October. This decisive contest will crown the series champions in the prestigious U16 Boys and Girls divisions, with the winners securing coveted spots at the Rip Curl GromSearch Global Finals in Europe later this year.
With rankings tight in both premier divisions, every heat at Seal Point will be critical. Competitors’ final tallies are calculated from their best three of four results across the series, meaning the Seal Point showdown will make or break dreams. Unadjusted rankings are available here.
Entries are filling up at quite a pace, with four divisions already fully subscribed. Junior surfers are urged to move quickly if they want to be part of this highly anticipated event.
Seal Point is recognised as one of South Africa’s premier high-performance right-hand pointbreaks, offering the perfect arena for junior surfers to showcase their talent in pursuit of ranking points and prize money. With strong local support from Sea Harvest, the Kouga Local Municipality, Cape St Francis Resort and others, organisers are confident that conditions will deliver the kind of waves Seal Point is known for.
While all eyes may be on the U16 divisions, the Rip Curl GromSearch offers a full spectrum of competition, featuring divisions for U12, U14, U16, and U18 Boys and Girls.
Follow the Action
Fans and families can follow the event live on LiveHeats.
The Seal Point Boardriders Club will host its annual championships on Saturday, 27 September and Sunday, 28 September 2025 at Seal Point, Cape St Francis. Registration will begin at 07:00 on Seal Point Boulevard on Saturday. Heats will run throughout both days.
The championships will include divisions for Under 14, Under 18, Open, Over 40s, Over 50s, Over 60s, Girls Under 18, and Ladies. Each division will compete through heats, with finals taking place on Sunday. Prizes will be awarded in every category, and judging will follow the standard guidelines of the South African Surfing Association to ensure fair and consistent scoring.
Sponsors
The event is supported by a strong group of local sponsors. These include Flavi, Better Days, Decor Pro, Dace Construction, The Store, Surf Sense, Pig & Rooster, Rimeself, Coastal Gym, MFI Freight International, Hogan Wines, Hurricane, Village Square SuperSpar, St Francis Brewery, and Pizza 163. Their support covers prizes, logistics, and the overall operation of the competition.
Members of the Seal Point Boardriders Club will manage registration, heats, scoring, and prize-giving. So, get your registration in early; it’s going to be a busy contest!
The Boardriders Champs are a regular highlight of the club’s annual calendar. It gives surfers of all ages the chance to participate in structured competitions. Furthermore, the weekend is a community gathering, with supporters gathering on the beach and sharing in the atmosphere, accompanied by a few refreshing libations for those of age.
Prize-giving
After the finals, a prize-giving ceremony will be held, accompanied by braais, food, and refreshing libations for all of age. In addition to division winners, prizes will be handed out for fun and unusual categories.
Updates will be shared via the Seal Point Boardriders Club Facebook and Instagram pages.
Pull in on Saturday morning. The forecast looks promising. Fun waves expected and a light onshore breeze (air wind) on Saturday, but some lekker swell and offshore on Sunday.
The Seal Point Boardriders Club isn’t just a local surf club; it’s arguably the biggest and most active boardriders club in the country. Based in Cape St Francis and centred around Seal Point, the club has built a strong, inclusive surf community. It champions young talent, promotes ocean awareness, and maintains high local stoke levels all year round.
The club runs around ten grom comps and coaching sessions held annually, run by Luckyfish Surf School, a club championships, an AGM, and a legendary fundraiser party to wrap up the season. The club runs one of the most consistent and ambitious grassroots surfing programs in South Africa. It’s a well-oiled, volunteer-powered machine that offers something for everyone. From first-time groms learning to paddle out, to experienced juniors fine-tuning their contest strategies.
Club Chairman
The club is currently headed up by the very capable Dan Thornton. His calm leadership and tireless enthusiasm have helped shape its growing reputation. Under his guidance, the club continues to evolve, while keeping its core values of community, sportsmanship, and stoke firmly intact.
Crucially, the Seal Point Boardriders Club is able to do all this thanks to the generous support of its key sponsors: Billy’s Beach and Rotary St Francis. Their backing means contest entry remains accessible, events are professionally run, and the groms get to compete in a properly supported environment.From rash vests and T-shirts to prizes, wax, equipment and infrastructure. This kind of support is deeply appreciated, especially by the young surfers and their families who are at the heart of the club.
Friday beers and barrels
Whether it’s a mellow Sunday comp at the beach, Friday barrels, beers and boerie-rolls at the carpark, the AGM where new plans are hatched, or the big end-of-year jol where funds are raised and stories are swapped, the Seal Point Boardriders Club continues to grow. In numbers, in energy, and in impact.
The club has its own clothing range. Funky and popular, it is worn proudly by club members at other surf events around the country.
With a couple of lekker waves in the hood, a supportive community behind it, and the future of South African surfing emerging from the junior club ranks, we are all proud to be part of it.
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