Jeffreys Bay’s own Steven Sawyer made waves at the 2025 Billabong South African Longboard Surfing Championships, clinching the Men’s Open title in his hometown over the weekend. The victory, coming after more than a decade of dedication to longboarding, marked a significant moment in Sawyer’s career, reaffirming his decision to transition from shortboarding to longboarding.
The prestigious competition spanned five days, with surfers from across the country competing in 17 categories, ranging from Under-14 to Over-75. Conditions were ideal for the event, providing the perfect setting for some thrilling performances. In the Men’s Open final on Saturday, Sawyer faced off against the defending champion, Durban’s Sam Christianson, in a highly anticipated showdown.
Sawyer’s victory marked a highlight in a weekend filled with standout performances. Surfing talent from Gqeberha also made their mark, particularly in the Under-16 and Masters divisions, where they showcased impressive skill and determination.
The Billabong SA Longboard Championships have long been a cornerstone of the local surfing community, and Sawyer’s win continues a tradition of excellence in South African longboarding. As the event wraps up, it’s clear that the sport’s future remains bright, with new champions emerging and seasoned surfers like Sawyer continuing to leave their mark.