Champs & Icons: Surfing's Week in Focus
What a whirlwind week in the world of surfing! From the shores of California to the Gold Coast and beyond, the stoke is high with stories of victory, history, and fierce competition. Let's dive into some of the most exciting updates from the water.
First up, we're stoked to share the incredible achievement of Llywelyn Williams, who just clinched his fourth consecutive Para-surfing world title in California. Williams, who had his leg amputated at 16 after a skateboarding accident, has shown what true grit looks like in the lineup. He's been dominating the men's kneeling category since 2022, and this year was no exception. The Abersoch native reached the finals for the ninth time, proving that passion and perseverance know no bounds. You can get the full story as reported by AOL.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the Australian surfing community is honoring one of its own. Cronulla's Graham "Sid" Cassidy is set to be inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame at the 2025 awards on the Gold Coast. Cassidy was a driving force in professional surfing during the 70s and 80s, helping shape the sport we love today. He played a key role in forming the first association of pro surfers in Australia and later headed the Association of Surfing Professionals. Six-time world champion Layne Beachley beautifully summed up his impact: "Sid's love for surfing was boundless; it ran deeper than the ocean's trenches." For more on this surfing legend, check out the coverage over at The Leader.
And if you've been following the pro tour, you know the Super Girl Surf Pro is heating up. In the semifinals, Alyssa Spencer delivered a standout performance with a heat total of 15.13, including an excellent 8.00. She's in the final rematch, proving her skills against the best. This is exactly the kind of high-level action that keeps us glued to the screens. You can catch all the action on the WSL website.
From para-surfing triumphs to legends honored and pro heats won, it's clear that the spirit of surfing is alive and thriving. Whether you're a surfer, photographer, or just a fan of the ocean, these stories remind us why we love the waves. Keep pushing the limits, keep capturing the moments, and we'll see you in the lineup.