At 22 years old, Jessie van Niekerk is no stranger to high-pressure moments. But her recent win at the WSL Cape Town Surf Pro QS 1,000 was more than just a competition victory, it was the culmination of years of hard work, cross-continental sacrifice, and a fierce desire to push herself to the next level in the sport she loves.
Born in South Africa and raised in Australia, Jessie’s journey in surfing has been anything but conventional. Her family relocated when she was seven, so she and her brother could grow up in one of the most competitive surfing environments in the world.
“That was the biggest reason. My parents wanted us to be constantly challenged and surrounded by world-class surfers.”
That decision paid off. With a junior career rooted in the Australian surf scene, Jessie learned quickly how to handle pressure, adapt to different breaks, and keep pushing her level.
“There’s no room for complacency. Being in the water here constantly sharpens your skills, it’s why I train up and down the East Coast. There’s always someone better than you, and that’s the best motivation.”
Despite being based in Australia, Jessie remains proudly South African, and qualifying for the 2025 Challenger Series through the African QS route holds deep significance. Her win at Long Beach in Kommetjie, Cape Town, sealed her place in the global field and reminded her just how far she’s come.
“It wasn’t my cleanest performance. But I knew what was on the line, and I just kept my faith that everything would come together in the end.”
Her experience from two prior years on the Challenger Series helped her stay calm and strategic, clawing back into contention and eventually claiming the win in the dying minutes of the heat. It was a performance that showcased not just talent—but maturity, composure, and a hunger for more.
With her ticket to the 2025 Challenger Series secured, Jessie is more focused than ever.
“This will be my third year, and every event has taught me something. I’ve been working incredibly hard between seasons to keep developing my surfing, and I’m aiming to break into the top 10 this year.”
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For Jessie, it’s not just about rankings, it’s about representing her roots, honouring her family’s sacrifices, and inspiring the next generation of South African girls in the water.
“South Africa has always had high-level surfers. It’s been a while since we’ve had a woman on the Championship Tour, but the talent is there. What’s needed is support, financial backing, more competition opportunities, and international experience.”
She knows how tough it can be. Surfing is an expensive sport, and competing at the highest level requires more than just talent. But Jessie is committed to staying the course, not just for herself, but for the dream of seeing South African women surfing on the world stage again.
Off the board, Jessie brings the same discipline to her personal life as she does to her training. Whether it’s managing the mental demands of competition, maintaining a rigorous training schedule, or representing two countries with pride, she’s all in.
With the Challenger Series season ahead, Jessie van Niekerk isn’t just chasing waves, she’s carving out space for herself in surfing’s elite and showing young women across Africa that they belong in the lineup, too.
Main Photo Caption: From East Coast surf missions to a QS win in Cape Town, Jessie van Niekerk is carving her way to the top of world surfing. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Born in SA, raised in Australia, and now in her third year in the Challenger Series, she’s chasing waves and making space for the next generation.
Photo 3 Caption: Jessie: “South Africa has always had high-level surfers. It’s been a while since we’ve had a woman on the Championship Tour, but the talent is there.”
Photo 4 Caption: Based in Australia, proudly South African Jessie qualified for the 2025 Challenger Series through the African QS route.
Photo 5 Caption: Her win at Long Beach in Kommetjie, Cape Town, sealed her place in the global field, and reminded her just how far she’s come.
