Community, Love & Gratitude!

R.I.P Stephan Bibb

On the 20th of June 2025, we lost one of our dearest friends at our local break, surfers point on a big winter swell. Stephan Bibb rode his last wave. Artist, surfer, friend, but most importantly a dad.

He was the artist of the artwork on the most recent @onelastwaveproject board, that is heading to Lofoten, Norway. This is one of the last projects he shared with the world before his passing.

Many more paintings, shared among the community and left behind like a fingerprint of Jeffreys Bay, through Stephans artwork he is always remembered and remind us of his legacy. 

He was inspired by the beauty of the waves, nature, wildlife and most importantly the spiritual aspect of art and life itself. Fascinated by the beauty of the dolphins that were also an important part of his paintings and an animal that we feel he resonated with deeply.

Not only an artist but also a true soul surfer, contributing to everyone around him with kindness and light, especially within the surf culture. Often seen at the point or walking the dogs on the beach with a big smile.

Stephan never fought for waves - only shared them, waited for the waves to come to him. A true example of what the surf culture should be about.

The energy in Jeffreys Bay truly shifted after his passing. For many the news left with a heavy heart. Especially to close friends, but also for those who only knew him as a part of the community and as an artist. Truly a kind man, who showed his morals through his actions, spreading gratitude and love - as he always signed his art pieces.

The community organized two paddle-outs to honour him for the person he was. A large part of the surf community in Jeffreys Bay came together, with a crowd of about 200 people gathering on the beach, bringing flowers and standing around to take a moment for him. The weather was beautiful, with perfect waves running down the point, not a breath of wind and as the ceremony started a large pod of dolphins came down from Boneyards surfing the waves in perfect time and light. With shouts of stoke from the beach, we could feel his presence among us.

We had one more paddle-out for Stephan Bibb about a week later intentionally arranged to share the circle in the ocean with his daughter, Sage, as the waves were smaller and more accommodating for some. A few people that held Stephan Bibb dear came together and shared stories and moments with him in a smaller more intimate setting. Sage also shared a few words from a children´s book she has been writing in memory of Stephan, sharing a poem of his life and memory of him, tears were shared before everyone caught one wave at the point for him. 

Stephan Bibb will always be missed. But seeing the community coming together to share something in common was the most beautiful thing this winter. Love & Gratitude - will guide us forever.

https://naturallystokedjbay.com/