The World Surf League (WSL) Africa eThekwini Surf Pro 2025 crowned victors across the Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000, Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000 and Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1,000 divisions in fun one-to-two-foot surf at North Beach, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 21 June 2025.
It was a spectacular winter’s day on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and with the best conditions on offer all week-long, it was a fitting end to the second edition of the eThekwini Surf Pro on International Surfing Day.
South Africa’s top Challenger Series contender and former Durban local, Sarah Baum, has been the standout all event long, scoring excellent rides to book a spot in the QS 2,000 Final against Morocco’s Lilias Tebbai. Tebbai, a six-time Moroccan national champion, got a quick start to put pressure on Baum, but local knowledge reigned supreme.
Baum grew up in Durban, surfing these waves between the piers, and found herself back on the podium in front of family and friends. “This is a really nice confidence boost going into the Challenger Series,” said Baum.
“I’m just so stoked to be here at home in front of family and friends, and just be able to surf and enjoy myself. I stuck to the same game plan I had during this event, and I couldn’t have asked for much more.”
eThekwini Surf Pro QS 2,000 Women’s Champion, Sarah Baum
The women’s Pro Junior final was an exciting matchup between top seed Anastasia Venter, Louise Lepront, Emily Jenkinson and Emma Schermbrucker. The ocean pulsed halfway through the heat to change the entire dynamic of the heat, with all surfers getting a wave.
Jenkinson rolled into the biggest wave of the set, going left on her backhand and milking it for all its worth, earning an excellent 8.33. After a flurry of rides, no one improved their scores and Jenkinson won her first Pro Junior since the Buffalo City Pro Junior in 2024.
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“I feel like I wasn’t surfing my best on the first few waves of the contest,” Jenkinson reflected. “I’m glad it all came together in the final. When Louise took the lead I was in quite a tricky situation and I waited quite a while.”
“Then that wave came through but I was late on the takeoff and I didn’t think I was going to make it. It lined up perfectly and gave me a few good sections to work with, so I knew it would be a good score.”
eThekwini Surf Pro QS 2,000 Women’s Champion, Sarah Baum
Expertly navigating the bumpy conditions thanks to the late afternoon onshore, it was a close matchup between Crystal Hulett and Cara Stubbs for the eThekwini Surf Pro Longboard Final. As the region’s only World Longboard Tour (WLT) qualifier, more than just a title was at stake.
The two traded waves back-and-forth, but Hulett’s wave selection was the point of difference, offering her longer rides that allowed her to cross-step and hang ten her way to the win, successfully defending her title and earning a ticket to the WLT.
“What a day, what a week of competition,” Hulett reacted.
“The waves have been epic. I think it was a great call to move location today, and I had a great final. I was lucky to get some nose rides and turns to go all the way. Cara is such an amazing competitor. I’m stoked to take the win.”
eThekwini Surf Pro Longboard Women’s Champion, Crystal Hulett
The next stop for the Pro Juniors is the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior from June 25-26, and the next stop on the QS season is the Ballito Open presented by Flojos from June 27-29, 2025.
The eThekwini Surf Pro ran from Wednesday, 18 June through Saturday, 21 June. Watch all the action again on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL YouTube or the free WSL app. For more information visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
eThekwini Surf Pro QS 2,000 Women’s Final
1- Sarah Baum (RSA) 12.50
2- Lilias Tebbai (MAR) 9.86
eThekwini Surf Pro Junior Women’s Final
1- Emily Jenkinson (RSA) 12.66
2- Louise Lepront (RSA) 10.33
3- Anastasia Venter (RSA) 7.80
4- Emma Schermbrucker (RSA) 7.10
eThekwini Surf Pro Longboard Women’s Final
1- Crystal Hulett (RSA) 12.50
2- Cara Stubbs (RSA) 9.20
Original Copy: Surging South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: South Africa’s top Challenger Series contender and former Durban local, Sarah Baum, scored excellent rides to win the eThekwini Surf Pro QS 2,000 Women’s final over Morocco’s Lilias Tebbai in fun one-to-two-foot surf at North Beach, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 21 June 2025. All Photos: WSL / Pierre Tostee
Photo 2 Caption: Baum: “I’m just so stoked to be here at home in front of family and friends, and just be able to surf and enjoy myself.”
Photo 3 Caption: Emily Jenkinson rode the biggest wave of her set left on her backhand and milking it for all its worth to win the women’s Pro Junior final.
Photo 4 Caption: Crystal Hulett took on Cara Stubbs for the eThekwini Surf Pro Longboard final, catching a superior wave selection offering her longer rides that allowed her to cross-step and hang ten her way to the win to defend her title and earn WSL World Longboard Tour qualification.
