Ant Smyth surfs to silver: Team SA takes 10th at ISA World Para Surfing Championships

South African Para Surfer Ant Smyth secured a silver medal at the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championship, which took place from November 2 to 7 in Oceanside, California.

Competing in the Men’s Stand 1 Division, Smyth went wave-for-wave against Brazil’s Davi Lima. The South African narrowly missed the gold in the final minutes, needing a 6.9, but ultimately earned a proud second-place finish in the world.

“I am so grateful for my team Nolu, Rae, Sabelo, and JP. They are warriors who gave everything they had for their country,” Smyth said following the event. “We had a powerhouse coaching team in Roxy Davis and Sam Christianson—you both inspire us to give our all. Personally, I’m disappointed not to take the win—it stings, but it drives me to push harder and come back stronger. Thank you to everyone back home for the incredible messages and support. It truly means the world to us. Till next year.”

READ: Team South Africa makes waves at World Para Surfing Championship

TEAM SA RANKS 10th GLOBALLY

South Africa was proudly represented by a team of five athletes at the championship, which saw 24 nations vie for top honours. Team South Africa placed 10th overall among the world’s best para-surfing teams.

Coach Dr Roxy Davis praised the team's effort: “Our athletes have given everything this week. Every heat, and every moment in the water reflected the heart and spirit of South African surfing.”

In the Men’s Stand 2 Division, former 2024 champion JP Veaudry placed fourth, earning a copper medal after a hard-fought final.

“Watching the waves for hours before, I had a clear game plan. Unfortunately, once out there, that plan changed many times and nature was against me. It was challenging to say the least! After one decent wave, I couldn't find a backup and ultimately ran out of time,” said Veaudry. “Thank you to the support of [the] small, but powerful SA team, who helped get me to the podium and a copper medal.”

Team South Africa Final Individual Results:

Ant Smyth: 2nd – Men’s Stand 1 Division

JP Veaudry: 4th – Men’s Stand 2 Division

Sabelo Ngema: 7th – Men’s Visually Impaired 2 Division

Noluthando Makalima: 9th – Women’s Prone 2 Division

Raemondo Lessing: 11th – Men’s Prone 2 Division