GEORGE NEWS - Herolds Bay provided the perfect backup venue for Finals Day as four champions emerged from the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2 000 and the inaugural Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior on Saturday 21 June.
With small surf forcing organisers to move from Victoria Bay, clean two-to-four-foot waves provided an ideal canvas for the final-day performances of some of the country's most talented and dedicated surfers.
Adin Masencamp and Sarah Baum claimed the men's and women's Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2 000 titles, while Simon Winter and Anastasia Venter won the inaugural Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior divisions.
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2 000 marked the opening event of the WSL Africa 2026/2027 Qualifying Series season, while the newly introduced Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior served as the second stop of the regional Junior Qualifying Series.
“I'm so stoked,” said Masencamp. “This is one I really wanted to tick off the list.”
The women's QS title went to Baum after a strong performance against France's Sarah Leiceaga in a high-quality final.
“I'm so stoked I got to go left all day,” said Baum. “Sarah was ripping, so it was an awesome final.”
New Pro Junior event produces new winners
The inaugural Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior proved to be a successful addition to the event, with two new champions crowned in the junior divisions.
Kommetjie's Simon Winter secured the biggest result of his young career, claiming his first Junior Qualifying Series victory with a winning total of 13.50 in the final against top seed Levi Epenetos.
“I went out there, got two waves and got it done,” said Winter.
In the girls' division, Anastasia Venter capitalised on a dramatic final to secure victory and move to the top of the regional rankings.
“I feel so amazing,” said Venter. “I'm just so happy to be here and to take out the win. I'm glad to be back up on the podium.”
Standout performances earn special awards
While four titles were decided in the water, several competitors were also recognised for exceptional performances throughout the weekend.
The Royal St Andrews Hotel awarded Brad Scott a four-night stay during the 2027 Port Alfred Easter Festival, which includes the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup QS 4 000 event.
The prize recognised Scott's outstanding performances throughout the competition, including one of the highest heat totals on his run to the final.
Bilt Surfboards International presented custom De'zin Creations trophies and custom surfboard prizes to Simon Winter and Emily Jenkinson for their breakout performances in the Pro Junior event.
As part of the award, Winter and Jenkinson will each receive a surfboard of their choice from the Bilt International stable, including Channel Islands Surfboards, Lost by Mayhem, Bilt and Chilli Surfboards.
Finals Day had to be moved to Herolds Bay due to wave conditions. Photo: Jeff Ayliffe Media
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro men's final results
Adin Masencamp (RSA) – 14.50
Brad Scott (RSA) – 9.50
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro women's final results
Sarah Baum (RSA) – 12.83
Sarah Leiceaga (FRA) – 11.84
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior men's final results
Simon Winter (RSA) – 13.50
Levi Epenetos (RSA) – 11.53
Luc Lepront (RSA) – 9.44
Ryan Coelho (BRA) – 8.67
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior women's final results
Anastasia Venter (RSA) – 10.67
Louise Lepront (RSA) – 9.44
Camilla Heuer (RSA) – 9.33
Emily Jenkinson (RSA) – 8.00
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2 000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior were supported by George Municipality, George Tourism, The Pottery, Sir Fruit, Bliz Eyewear, Bilt International, Betify, Yeti, Red Bull, The Royal St Andrews Hotel and Harcourts South Africa.
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