From Khayelitsha to Cali! Incredible para-surfers Noluthando Makalima and Raemondo Lessing didn’t just represent South Africa in California; they put on a world-class show, helping secure Team SA among the Top 10 nations.
California, United States (13 November 2025) – We rallied behind them ahead of their journey and last week, para-surfing Khayelitsha talents Noluthando Makalima and Raemondo Lessing, proudly represented South Africa at the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championships!
Held in Oceanside, California, from November 2 to 7, the pair successfully made the trip and owned the waves thanks to support from the public, the Roxy Davis Foundation and a financial contribution from the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Fund.
According to Surfing SA, the final day of the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championships delivered a mix of near-perfect morning conditions and a fresh swell that continued to build throughout the day.
As the midday low tide met a light onshore wind, conditions became increasingly tricky, with several waves closing out through the pier. Despite the challenges, the fresh swell created opportunities for excellent scores, including multiple perfect tens as the world’s top para surfers showcased their talent.
Noluthando Makalima finished her campaign ranked 9th in the world at the 2025 ISA World Para Surf Championships in the Prone 2 Women’s Division, a proud result reflecting her consistency and determination throughout the event.
Raemondo Lessing concluded his second World Championships with a confident performance, placing 11th in the world in the Prone 2 Men’s Division at the ISA World Para Surf Championships, showing significant growth and composure in solid conditions.
Fellow teammate and top SA seed, Ant Smyth, competing in the Men’s Stand 1 Division, needed a 6.9 to secure gold but narrowly missed the score in the final minutes, earning the silver medal and a proud 2nd place finish in the world.
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Reflecting on the final, Ant shared:
“I am so grateful for my team, Nolu, Rae, Sabelo, and JP. They are warriors who gave everything they had for their country. 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!”
JP Veaudry, competing in the Men’s Stand 2 Division, placed 4th after a hard-fought final.
“Watching the waves for hours before, I had a clear game plan,” said JP.
“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. Thank you to the support of the small but powerful SA team, who helped get me to the podium and a Copper Medal.”
Sabelo Ngema, competing in the Visually Impaired 2 Division, finished 7th in the world after a strong showing against a highly competitive field. His composed surfing and positive attitude throughout the event reflected his dedication and growing experience on the international stage.
Proud coach, Dr Roxy Davis, commended the athletes’ stellar performance:
“Every heat, and every moment in the water reflected the heart and spirit of South African surfing. Team South Africa placed 10th out of 24 nations, proudly standing among the world’s best para-surfing teams.”
Final individual results for Team South Africa :
- 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
Well done to all our incredible athletes. You surfed with heart, made the top 10 and showed the world that Mzansi is a force to be reckoned with!
Sources: Roxy Davis Foundation | Surfing SA
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