Surferkids shine at Steven Jeggels Invitational and soak up the action at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay!

From July 8th to 20th, The Surfer Kids Non-Profit had the incredible opportunity to take 14 of our young surfers to Jeffreys Bay — one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations — for an unforgettable surf-filled experience.

Competing in the Steven Jeggels Invitational

Before the start of the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, our surfers took part in the Steven Jeggels Invitational, held at Kitchen Windows in Jeffreys Bay. The event is named after the legendary Steven Jeggels, a pioneering figure in South African surfing and a three-time South African Surfing Union Champion (1987, 1988, and 1989). He was also one of the founding members of the Jeffreys Bay Surf Club in 1983 and, in 1994, co-founded the Freedom Raiders Surf Academy to teach children from the township of Pelsrus how to surf.

Sibulele Ntosho surfing his way to a 2nd place finish in the u/14 Boys division at the Steven Jeggels Invitational.

Our kids did exceptionally well at the competition:

• Three boys reached the U14 final, finishing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

• In the U16 division, we had one finalist, who proudly took home 3rd place.

  
  

The event was not only a major success, but it also served as vital preparation for those who will represent Eden at this year’s SA Junior Championships, which will also be held in Jeffreys Bay.

Witnessing the World’s Best at the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay

After the competition, the real show began: our young surfers got to witness the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, the 10th stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. For many of our kids, this was a dream come true — seeing their surfing heroes up close, watching the best in the world ride the legendary right-hand point break of Supertubes.

The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of spectators from across South Africa and around the globe coming together to celebrate world-class surfing. Our kids were buzzing with excitement, running up and down the beach, collecting autographs and snapping photos with their idols. It was pure joy to witness their wide-eyed wonder and uncontainable enthusiasm.

Highlights from the Championship Tour Event

• Connor O'Leary representing Japan and Australia claimed victory in the Men’s division, moving up 4 place to World No. 11 on the World Rankings.

• Gabriela Bryan from Hawaii took the win in the Women’s division and is now ranked second in the world.

  
  

A Trip to Remember

This trip was more than just surf and competition, it was about inspiration, growth, and the power of dreams. Our young surfers returned home with sand in their bags, salt in their hair, and stars in their eyes.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year. And who knows — maybe in ten years, one of our Surfer Kids will be paddling out in a jersey, representing South Africa on the world stage at J-Bay.