The Frenchman, Eden Rock & The Lepront Legacy
On the golden shores of the South Coast, where the ocean meets untamed luxury, two worlds have collided – fine dining and world-class surfing. At the heart of it all is The Frenchman, an exceptional culinary destination, and Eden Rock, a sanctuary of opulence that believes in nurturing ambition, celebrating talent, and helping young athletes take their dreams further.
That’s exactly what Luc and Louise Lepront have done. Born and raised on these very shores, the siblings have taken their passion for surfing from the South Coast to the world stage. Their journey is a testament to talent, determination, and the power of belief – both in themselves and from those who support them along the way.
Riding the Wave to Global Success
For Luc, surfing has always been more than a sport – it’s a way of life. With support from sponsors like Eden Rock, he has been able to enter top competitions and compete on a global stage. His upcoming season kicks off in Morocco, followed by stops in Gqeberha, George, and Cape Town for the SA Open, Vic Bay Surf Pro, and Cape Town Surf Pro. At each event, he’ll be testing his skills against the best, proudly representing the South Coast and pushing his limits. With a strong foundation and unwavering dedication, he continues to prove that local talent can thrive on the international stage.
Louise has also made her mark, recently representing South Africa at the ISA World Junior Championships in El Salvador, where she brought home a bronze medal. Since then, she’s continued to climb the ranks, delivering a standout performance at the Pro Taghazout Bay in Morocco, where she placed fifth and secured her position at the top of the Africa 2024/2025 Women’s Qualifying Series Rankings. With a strong season ahead, she’s training for upcoming competitions, keeping her sights set on the WSL Challenger Series.
A Relationship Built on Passion and Belief
At its core, The Frenchman is more than a restaurant. It’s a place where precision, passion, and excellence come together – values that mirror the dedication of elite athletes like Luc and Louise. Just as a perfectly crafted dish requires skill, patience, and heart, so too does the journey to becoming a world-class surfer.
It was this shared love for excellence that first drew Gabriele and Michael Lachinger, the owners of Eden Rock, to The Frenchman. Huge fans of the restaurant, they dined there often, forming a close relationship with Julien Lepront, the visionary behind its exceptional cuisine. Over time, they came to know Luc and Louise and saw firsthand the incredible talent and dedication they poured into their surfing careers. Recognising their potential, they stepped in – not just as sponsors, but as believers in their journey.
The Power of Sponsorships in Surfing
For young athletes like Luc and Louise, competing on the world stage is about more than just talent – it requires opportunity, resources, and financial backing. The reality of professional surfing is that competing at the highest level demands ongoing sponsorships to cover essentials like travel, entry fees, and accommodation. Support from businesses and individuals who believe in their journey makes all the difference, helping them take their talent beyond the shores of the South Coast.
Eden Rock’s sponsorship is just one example of how important this kind of support is. It has helped ease the burden and allow Luc and Louise to focus on what they do best – riding waves and representing their community with pride. Their success is not just their own – it’s a victory for the South African surf scene, proving that homegrown talent has what it takes to shine on the world stage.
A Future as Bright as the South Coast’s Horizon
From the shores of El Salvador to the kitchens of The Frenchman, from the rolling waves of Morocco to the luxury of Eden Rock, one thing is clear: when you invest in passion, the world takes notice.
And this is just the beginning.
