Llywelyn ‘Sponge’ Williams
I’m Llywelyn ‘Sponge’ Williams, a professional para surfer from Abersoch, North Wales. My passion for surfing began at the age of 12, when I first rode the waves with my local youth club. From that moment, I was hooked.
At 16, my life took an unexpected turn when I was involved in a longboarding (skateboarding) accident in September 2011. I was hit by a car, resulting in the loss of my leg above the knee and sustaining multiple severe injuries, including a shattered pelvis, split liver, dislocated hips, and collapsed lungs. Despite the immense challenges, I made an extraordinary recovery and was home before Christmas.
From the moment I woke up in the hospital, my goal was clear—I was going to surf again and come back stronger than ever. As I emerged from my coma, I told my friend ‘Will’ that I was determined to return to the water and surf better than before. My hospital room became my motivation, decorated with images of waves, surf culture, and the familiar scent of Sex Wax air fresheners, making it the best-smelling room in the hospital and a favorite among the nurses!
Competitive Surfing Career
I began competing in para-surfing events worldwide in 2016, placing 5th in the ISA World Championships—my first-ever competition. Since then, I have competed in 59events, achieving 58 podium finishes, including: 4 time ISA world champion (first Welsh surfing world champion)
✅ 33Gold Medals
✅ 14 Silver Medals
✅ 8 Bronze Medals
✅ 3 Copper Medals
Major Titles & Achievements
🏆 ISA WORLD PARA SURFING CHAMPION (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
🏆 Australia Pro Adaptive 2025,2026
🏆 European Champion 2025
🏆 AASP world tour champion 2025
🏆 US open defending champion 2025
🏆 English Adaptive Surfing Champion 5x
🏆 Bali Adaptive Pro (2019)
🏆 US Adaptive Surfing Champion (2021-2024)
🏆 Huntington Pro Champion (2021)
🏆 Spanish Champion (2022)
🏆 French Champion (2022)
🏆 Welsh Champion (2022)
🏆 French Grand Champion (2022)
🏆 Haleiwa Champion (2022)
🏆 Hawaii Champion (2023)
🏆 South Africa PSL Champion (2023)
🏆 Spanish PSL Champion (2023)
🏆 European Champion (2023)
🏆 French PSL Champion (2023)
🏆 Welsh PSL Champion (2023)
Contributions to the Surfing Community
In 2019, I founded the Welsh Para Surfing Championships, hosted at Surf Snowdonia, which became Wales’ first-ever adaptive surfing competition. (Thanks to the mailing room) This event has since evolved into a key stop in the Para Surf League (PSL), which now includes seven international competition locations.
Beyond competing, I am passionate about giving back to the ocean and my community. I regularly participate in local beach cleanups at Hells Mouth, particularly after storms that bring large debris ashore.
I also serve as an ambassador for Smart Energy (SmartEnergyGB.org), promoting sustainability and clean energy initiatives.
Recent Success & 2025 Goals
Becoming the ISA World Para Surfing Champion in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and 2025) has been the highlight of my career. Representing Wales and hearing the national anthem on the podium was an unforgettable moment. Winning in 2022 made me the first-ever Welsh surfing world champion, an achievement I still find surreal.
In 2021 in the last 3 minutes I lost my gold through taking the best wave of the day without thinking about priority. Dropping in and seeing yellow ‘Altair’ paddling in I should of kicked out but I was surfing it and we criss-crossed twice and I blew it and came 3rd.
That’s how I learnt about priority.
In 2023, I competed in 13 events, securing:
🏅 9 First-Place Finishes
🥈 4 Second-Place Finishes
However, after returning home in December 2023, I underwent a hernia operation, which temporarily put my surfing on hold. As a result, I placed 3rd in two of my World Tour stops. Now, I am focused on rehabilitation, strength training, and refining my surfing technique to return at full force for the 2026 season.
🔜 Upcoming Events for 2026
➡️ AASP World Tour – Byron Bay, Australia (March)
➡️ Hawaii , Japan and California and ISA world champs
➡️ Further Expansion of Para-Surfing in North Wales
In addition to competition, I am working on expanding para-surfing opportunities in North Wales, organizing events to introduce more people with disabilities to surfing, and helping grow the sport globally.
Sponsorship & Support
As I prepare for 2026, I am seeking new sponsors who are passionate about supporting para-surfing and helping expand opportunities for adaptive athletes.
Why Partner With Me?
🔹 Representing a growing and inspiring global sport
🔹 Sponsoring a multi-time world champion and dedicated athlete
🔹 Helping raise awareness and expand accessibility in para-surfing
If you’re interested in collaborating and becoming a sponsor, I would love to connect!
Follow My Journey
For updates, competitions, and behind-the-scenes insights into my journey, follow me on:
📷 Instagram: @spongeabersoch
📘 Facebook: Llywelyn ‘Sponge’ Williams
https://youtu.be/PMhmA6v6LrA?si=e4S5wnAo-zTi–4R
Thank You!
I appreciate your time and support on this journey. I am determined to keep pushing the boundaries of para-surfing and continue inspiring the next generation of adaptive athletes.
See you in the water!
