Sarah Scott Defends Her Title Winning the SA U18 Double at the SA Junior Surfing Champs in Jeffreys Bay

The 28th edition of the Sea Harvest SA Junior Surfing Championships, presented by SMTH Shapes and supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Ocean Freedom, was completed at Lower Point in Jeffreys Bay in good surf conditions on Sunday, September 29th.

After five days of beautiful waves and intense competition, the East London-based Buffalo City Surfriders took the coveted Freedom Cup from Cape Town Surfriders, last year’s winners.

Maya Malherbe Crowned U12 Girls SA Surfing Champ for the Second Year Running at Jeffreys Bay

The Freedom Cup is awarded to the team accumulating the highest points across all divisions at the five-day tournament. Buffalo City finished with 41040 points, and Cape Town Surfriders came with 40930 points, as close as it gets. Ethekwini scored 39055 points and came third, while Cape Winelands were fourth with 37832 points.

Sarah Scott is South Africa’s New Junior Surfing Champion

From the gsport Newsroom 2023 Archives

Firing surf, strongly buffed by the southwesterly, was the scene for the final of the Sea Harvest SA Junior Champs presented by SMTH Shapes. After five days of excellent waves, fierce competition, camaraderie and friendships, the tournament culminated in a series of final heats and champions crowned.

***All the surfers were going hard, but was Sarah Scott on top of her game in her last event as a junior at the final buzzer of the contest. Photo: Kody Mcgregor***

Anastasia Venter (pictured) finished in second, with Tyra Von Mollendorf and Zia Hendricks taking third and fourth placed finishes. Photo: Kody Mcgregor — ***All the surfers were going hard, but was Sarah Scott on top of her game in her last event as a junior at the final buzzer of the contest. Photo: Kody Mcgregor***

U14 Girls

The U14 Girls heat was a similar buzzer-beater situation, with Leah Lepront chasing a small score in the final minutes. A bigger set came through, and the surfers were out of position, but Lepront picked it up on the inside to slam a final move on her backhand, get the required score and become the U14 Girls Champion. Jasmine Venter was the runner-up, with Camilla Heuer third and Lila Aszalos fourth.

***Smooth powerful surfing from Remi Fourie saw her climb into the lead early final, staying there for the heat and the U16 crown. Photo: Kody Mcgregor***

Emily Jenkinson (pictured) claimed silver in the U16 age-group, with Taylor Emslie in third and Maxine Kauffman in fourth. Photo: Kody Mcgregor — ***Smooth powerful surfing from Remi Fourie saw her climb into the lead early final, staying there for the heat and the U16 crown. Photo: Kody Mcgregor***

U16 Girls

Smooth and powerful surfing from Remi Fourie saw her climb into the lead earlier in the U16 Girls final. She remained there for the entire heat and was crowned the SA Champ, with Emily Jenkinson in second, Taylor Emslie in third and Maxine Kauffman in fourth.

“I’m just so grateful for the support and for everyone who believes in me,” said Fourie.

***The U14 Girls final was a tight race, but Leah Lepront set a small lead and timed the big set to slam a final backhand move for the win. Photo: Kody Mcgregor***

Jasmine Venter (pictured) was the U14 runner-up, with Camilla Heuer third and Lila Aszalos fourth. Photo: Kody McgregorMcGregor — ***The U14 Girls final was a tight race, but Leah Lepront set a small lead and timed the big set to slam a final backhand move for the win. Photo: Kody Mcgregor***

U18 Girls

The waves were pumping for the U18 Girls final, with the high tide causing the swell to push nicely allowing everyone their fair share of set waves. The surfers were going hard, but at the final buzzer of the contest, it was all about Sarah Scott, on top of her game in her last event as a junior.

Scott was the defending champion and claimed the double, with Anastasia Venter in second. Tyra Von Mollendorf and Zia Hendricks filled the minor positions.

2024 Freedom Cup

Buffalo City 41040
Cape Town Surfriders 40930
Ethekwini 39055
Cape Winelands 37832
Nelson Mandela Bay 35570
Ilembe 34777
Eden 34708
Ugu 28010

Loud and Proud

The Loud and Proud Award for the most enthusiastic cheering and support at the event went to Cape Winelands.

The 2024 SAST Girls Champions

U12 Girls – Brin Jarvis
U14 Girls – Leah Lepront
U16 Girls – Louise Lepront
U18 Girls – Louise Lepront