Local Trials Champion Sarah Baum goes all out for WSL victory in J-Bay

Sarah Baum defeated Sally Fitzgibbons in clean three to four foot waves at Supertubes to win the World Surf League J-Bay Classic presented by Corona Specialty at Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape in South Africa on Saturday, June 22, 2024. “I can't even believe what just happened!” World Surf League J-Bay Classic Champion, Sarah Baum It was a bittersweet end to a week-long WSL competition and carried the aura of something very special: a celebration of surfing. Everyone loves Fitzgibbons, but the local crowd cheered for Baum, the local trial winner who made it to the final. Supertubes pumped perfect waves all day, if a little slow at times, and Australia's Fitzgibbons stayed busy building her house with two mid-distance scores, while Baum played the waiting game. Both surfers improved their scores after a great exchange, with Baum receiving an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10), but she still needed an average score to overtake Fitzgibbons. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Sarah Baum (RSA) share a moment after their final in the Eastern Cape. Photo © WSL / McGregor SA champion Sarah Baum on the shoulders of Sally Fitzgibbons (right) and a fan after her historic J-Bay Classic win on Saturday. Photo © WSL / McGregor Time was running out as the locals started whistling, the spectators in the stands chanted 'go, go, go' and Baum got the message and swung around in a beautiful wave. Two big turns in the pocket and Baum charged towards a meaty area on the inside as the crowd held their breath. Baum emerges from a whitewater explosion, the beach erupts and she stands tall, both arms extended in the air. She achieved the required score, becoming the first South African woman to win an event in J-Bay since Shavonne Hill in 1987. “As soon as I hit that wave, all the emotions were flowing, uncontrollably. Normally I don't claim waves, but I did claim that wave. I heard everyone on the beach blowing up, I even got goosebumps on my head.” Australia's Fitzgibbons led for most of the final after two early waves, but Baum came back in style to take the win. Photo © WSL / Tostee “I made a few mistakes, so I tried to move forward and not think about that. This event was just to iron out a few wrinkles in my surfing and I feel like I did that. Now I'm going to Ballito and then the Olympics so hopefully I can continue this momentum and keep believing in myself because that's the main thing I want to do,” Baum said. Longtime competitors Fitzgibbons and Baum are both trying to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour and will head to Ballito for the next Challenger Series event. “Seeing how Baumy went for the score and seeing her make that turn and the crowd erupting, I think that by far replaced my best memory of J-Bay!” World Surf League J-Bay Classic silver medalist, Australian Sally Fitzgibbons “To be part of a very important moment when she is the first South African to win since 1987, I think it is a good way to end this week. I couldn't ask for anything more, I'm so pleased and satisfied.” J-Bay Classic presented by Corona Women's Final Results in Jeffreys Bay on Saturday 22 June 2024 1. Sarah Baum (RSA) 14.272. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.13 J-Bay Classic presented by Corona women's semi-final results Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.07 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.57Heat 2: Sarah Baum (RSA) 13.90 DEF. Coco Ho (HAW) 12.97 Original content: WSL Africa, edited by gsport Main photo caption: Sarah Baum World Surf League J-Bay Classic Presented by Corona Specialty over Sally Fitzgibbons in clean three to four foot waves at Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape in South Africa, on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Photo: © WSL / Tostee Photo 2 Caption: SA champion Sarah Baum on the shoulders of Sally Fitzgibbons (right) and a fan after her historic J-Bay Classic victory on Saturday. Photo © WSL / McGregor Photo 3 Caption: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Sarah Baum (RSA) share a moment after completing the Finals in the Eastern Cape. Photo © WSL / McGregor Photo 4 Caption: Australian Fitzgibbons held the lead for most of the final after two early wins, but Baum came back in style to take the win. Photo © WSL / Tostee

Local Trials Champion Sarah Baum goes all out for WSL victory in J-Bay

“I can’t even believe what just happened!”

“Seeing how Baumy went for the score and seeing her make that turn and the crowd erupting, I think that by far replaced my best memory of J-Bay!”

Vaseline

“I can’t even believe what just happened!”

“Seeing how Baumy went for the score and seeing her make that turn and the crowd erupting, I think that by far replaced my best memory of J-Bay!”

Vaseline

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