In a candid interview, South African surfer Sarah Baum shares her thoughts after exiting the Corona Cero J-Bay Open.
She reflects on the challenges she faced, personal goals for the season, and the significant rise of women’s surfing. As she prepares for upcoming events, Baum concentrates on continuous growth and long-term development.
BAUM ON TOUGH LUCK AT SUPERTUBES
As the sun rose over Jeffreys Bay, Sarah Baum geared up for her opening heat eager to make an impact. Unfortunately, she crashed out early at the hands of American teenage sensation Caitlin Simmers when the surf failed to cooperate. Nonetheless, she remains upbeat, focusing on long-term progress over a single result.
“I had the goals set out for myself … even though I didn’t hit the results I was looking for on paper, I’m forever just ticking boxes,” Baum told The South African. “Everything that I learned moving forward—it’s all a step forward in the right direction.”
Despite her heat loss to Simmers, Baum’s focus remains on continual improvement. She approaches each event as an opportunity to refine her craft and strengthen her competitive mindset.
“My personal goals haven’t changed,” she said. “I keep learning so much about myself in a competitive way. I’m still happy with everything.”
The competition has provided clarity on her next steps. Baum aims to build on her past quarter-final finish at J-Bay and the title she claimed when it ran as a specialty event. Now, she focuses on adjusting and learning from this setback.
“Taking everything that I learned over the last few days, I’ll be putting them into the next few events,” she explained. “We go to the US Open next week … then Portugal and Brazil. I’m forever just learning … once we stop learning, we’re pretty much done for.”
SOUTH AFRICA’S EMERGING STARS AND THE FUTURE OF WOMEN’S SURFING
With each J-Bay visit, Baum witnesses a surge of new South African talent ready to step onto the world stage.
“There are so many great up-and-coming girls right now,” she said. “Leah Lepront has surfed really well, she is also one to watch. A bunch of talented girls from Ballito are emerging too. The future of women’s surfing in South Africa is looking bright.”
Competition aside, Baum remains profoundly optimistic about women’s surfing. She highlights the sport’s evolution and the need for expanded opportunities for rising talent.
“Women’s surfing has come such a long way … the level is just insane now,” she said. “We have a small group on the CT, and there are so many hungry girls on the Challenger Series. If we could expand the CT and give more women the chance to compete, it would take things to the next level.”
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