October 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE: 2025 South African Waveski Surfing Championships Wrap-Up
on UncategorizedLamberts Bay | 8–12 October 2025
The 2025 South African Waveski Surfing Championships took place in the waveswept town of Lamberts Bay, where YOYOs delivered consistent surf, camaraderie, and world-class performances from riders across the country. Hosted by the Western Province Waveski Association and supporter by the South African Waveski Surfing Association, the event brought together Cadets, Juniors, Novices, Masters, Grand Masters, Legends, Grand Legends and Open competitors in a powerful display of South African waveski surfing.
Clean 3–5ft swell and glassy mornings made for prime conditions through most of the week, setting the stage for exceptional heats and tight finishes across divisions. The growing Novice and Junior divisions stole the spotlight, reflecting SAWSA’s ongoing commitment to development and accessibility within the sport.
On Thursday, SAWSA partnered with SunWave Project NPO to host a Waveski Surfing Development Clinic for local youth. Led by experienced waveski athletes, the session gave youngsters their first taste of riding a waveski — an unforgettable session filled with laughter, mentorship, and stoke.
The South African Waveski Surfing community also rallied together to donate wetsuits and surf items to support SunWave’s future ocean programs. These contributions will go a long way in introducing more children to the sport and ocean safety.
Congratulations to Andre Burger [Buffalo City Waveski Association] and Tracy Sassen [Western Province Waveski Association] on clinching the SA Champ Open Titles. The Novice Open division was dominated by Buffalo City Waveski Associations, Ethan Nicholas who showcased pure determination and continuous growth throughout the contest week.
The level of surfing throughout the week was electric — from the power surfing in the Open Men’s division to the composure and finesse of the Women’s heats and the determination of the Novice Division. Lamberts Bay once again proved to be one of South Africa’s most consistent and challenging venues, rewarding both patience and precision.
Results:
Open Men:
1st – Andre Burger
2nd – Francois Steyn
3rd – Bruce Viaene
4th – Grant Kendrick
Open Women:
1st – Tracy Sassen
2nd – Courtney Schalhase
3rd – Hayley Brand
4th – Saskia Moniz
Open Novice:
1st – Ethan Nicholas
2nd – Kevin Gaynor
3rd – Lily Mavronicolas
4th – Mark Venske
Cadet Boys:
1st – Trent Williams
2nd – Levi Edwards
3rd – Aiden Davies
Junior Women:
1st – Saskia Moniz
2nd – Courtney Schelhase
3rd – Lily Mavronicolas
4th – Bernita Du Plessis
Junior Men:
1st – Jethro Keys
2nd – Ethan Nicholas
3rd – Noah Nettmann
Senior Men:
1st – Storm Van Antwerpen
Masters Women:
1st – Hayley Brand
Masters Men:
1st – Bruce Viaene
2nd – Andre Burger
3rd – Kevin Whitfield
Grand Masters Women:
1st – Tracy Sassen
Grand Masters Men:
1st – Stuart McHattie
2nd – Francois Steyn
3rd – Craig Bartlett
4th – Rory Taylor
Legends Men:
1st – Kevin Gaynor
2nd – Louis Botha
3rd – Mark Venske
Grand Legend Men:
1st – Ken Clemments
Following the culmination of the 2025 season, SAWSA is proud to announce the 2026 South African “A” Squad, selected based on combined results from the 2024 World Waveski Surfing Titles, 2025 Eastern Province Open, 2025 Reef Royalty, 2025 SA Champs, and 2025 Western Province Open.
Open Men:
Andre Burger (Master) – 5470 pts
Francois Steyn (Grand Master) – 4660 pts
Bruce Viaene (Master) – 4356 pts
Pierre Slabber (Grand Master) – 3910 pts
Grant Kendrick (Grand Master) – 3313 pts
Kevin Whitfield (Master) – 3090 pts
Darren Bunker (Grand Master) – 2690 pts
Jethro Keys (Junior) – 2655 pts
Craig Bartlett (Grand Master) – 2595 pts
Pierre Schelhase (Grand Master) – 2556 pts
Rory Taylor (Grand Master) – 2500 pts
Mike Wessells (Master) – 2410 pts
Open Women:
Courtney Schelhase (Junior) – 4440 pts
Tracy Sassen (Grand Master) – 4340 pts
Saskia Moniz (Junior) – 3010 pts
Sandra Pienaar (Grand Master) – 2220 pts
Reserve Selections:
Louis Botha (Legends) – 2245 pts
Trent Williams (Cadet) – 2220 pts
Hayley Brand (Master) – 2190 pts
Storm van Antwerpen (Senior) – 2000 pts
Ethan Nicholas (Junior) – 1900 pts
The above athletes will be invited to a national training camp in June/July 2026, in preparation for the 2026 World Waveski Surfing Titles, to be held in Huanchaco, Peru (20–29 October 2026). Competitors not listed above but interested in representing South Africa are encouraged to contact the SAWSA Committee to express interest.
Upcoming SAWSA Calendar:
– 2026 Eastern Province Open – 1 May 2026 (Port Alfred)
– 2026 SA Squad Training Camp – June/July 2026
– 2026 Novice & Junior Championships – Muizenberg
– 2026 World Waveski Surfing Titles – 20–29 October, Huanchaco, Peru
– 2027 & 2028 SA Champs – Lamberts Bay
The contest concluded with a festive Prize Giving at the Weskus Bar, where surfers, families, and supporters came together to celebrate a week of achievement and shared passion.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the SAWSA Committee and the Western Province Waveski Surfing Association for their tireless work and dedication in ensuring a successful and well-organized event — both in the water and behind the scenes.
“This year’s Championships captured the true essence of our sport — community, resilience, and ocean connection,” said SAWSA Chairwoman Trystan Viaene. “The growth across regions, especially in the novice and junior divisions, is inspiring. We’re building something strong and sustainable for the future of South African waveski surfing.”
