KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo Surf Festival 2025 has brought surf enthusiasts from around the world for an exhilarating display of talent, skill, and community spirit.
Held between Feb 21 and 23 at Karambunai Beach near here, the festival attracted 85 participants, with elite surfers from Finland and Australia competing alongside strong local representation from Johor, Kelantan, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Ensuring the highest level of officiating, the judging panel consisted of experienced professionals from Bali, Indonesia, and Sumatera, Nias, all certified ISA Level 3 judges.
This event is also sanctioned by the Persatuan Luncur Ombak Malaysia and approved by the Malaysian Sports Commission.
Surfers competed in five key categories, and the winners are as follows:
Men’s Shortboard Category
Champion: Norezuani Matlin (Sabah)
Runner-Up: Muhamad Helmi Jasni (Johor)
Third Place: Mohd Nazrin Jifferi (Sabah)
Fourth Place: Mohamad Alif Hakimi Jasni (Johor)
Men’s Longboard Category
Champion: Mohd Nazarul Ezra Matlee (Sabah)
Runner-Up: Mohd Alif Hakimi Jasni (Johor)
Third Place: Mohd Asyraf Awang Salamat (Sabah)
Fourth Place: Mohd Nazrin Jifferi (Sabah)
Women’s Shortboard Category
Champion: Nea Qathryna Afdul Mutalip (Sabah)
Runner-Up: Kyra Arianna Ishmardie (Sabah)
Third Place: Siti Fazilawati Hamjah (Sabah)
Fourth Place: Arora Abigail Ronald (Sabah)
Grommet (Junior) Category
Champion: Mohammad Nazarul Ezra Bin Matlee (Sabah)
Runner-Up: Muhammad Dylan Jurnalis (Johor)
Third Place: Mohamad Amer Fiqri Bin Mohd Yusof (Johor)
Fourth Place: Vincent Lehmuskallio (Finland)
Master Category
Champion: Jeaner Alex (Sabah)
Runner-Up: Rizal Ikhwan (Sabah)
Third Place: Mohd Nazrul Bin Jifferi (Sabah)
Fourth Place: Ivan Nicholas (Sabah)
The champions not only walked away with cash prizes but also exclusive trophies and merchandise sponsored by Rip Curl Malaysia, the festival’s official surf partner.
