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J-Bay Open Preview

Who’s hot, who’s not and what moments have defined Jeffreys Bay.

Everyone’s favourite point break is back on the ASP World Tour. Losing such a prestigious event left a huge void on the calendar as we longed to see emerald corduroy stacked to horizon and the world’s best surfers at carving down the line at J-Bay. Thank Christ sanity has prevailed, the event has been reinstated and everything about surfing is good again.

Here are 10 things worth remembering going into this year’s event.

J-Bay

The view we all want to see during this year’s Jeffreys Bay Pro. Photo: Joli 

Joel Parkinson’s rookie win in 1999 was no fluke. It’s been 15 years since the Cooly kid carved his way to victory in South Africa. He won it in again in 2009, won a world title in 2012 and was giddy with excitement during the lay days in Fiji. The old guard has taken a bit of a battering so far this season but don’t count them out at one of their favourite stops.

No one will do another soul arch like Heath Joske. In 2012 J-Bay was a six star event and as if in protest it lit up for four days of perfect waves. Heavily bearded, unsponsored, Heath stroked into a bomb, high lined through Supers in a classic soul arch. The clip went viral and everything about surfing felt fun again.

The Kelly Slater vs Andy Irons final in 2005 was the best in history. During the peak of their rivalry, Kelly and Andy hated each other. The pair had many battles but seeing them ignite at J-Bay in a final that went down to the wire was exceptional. A.I lead with seconds to go, already heading toward the shore, before Kelly found a set wave needing a 9.23. He smashed four big turns but fell on his final re-entry however was given a 9.5 by the judges and won.

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Michel Bourez has realised he can win and it is frightening to watch. Photo: Joli 

Michel Bourez is in the greatest form of his life. He’s currently in second place on the world rankings and had two career victories this year (Margies and Rio). And let’s not forget a semi-final appearance in Fiji. The man who has realised he can win is looking deadly and will continue to dismantle his opponents.

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Gabriel Medina freesufing Snapper rocks earlier this year. Leading the pack for the goofies this year. Photo: Joli 

Gabriel Medina has never competed at J-Bay. And I don’t know if he’s ever surfed it. But he has one an event this year (Snapper), on his backhand and all eyes will be on the current world number one as he hopes to carry momentum from a win in Fiji. If he does win J-Bay he will be the first goofy to do it in 30 years and really put the pressure on claiming Brazil’s maiden world title.

Owen Wright is the best chance of a goofy win. Jordy Smith says so. In an interview with Craig Jarvis on STAB, Jordy states that Owen’s height is one of his main advantages. “Being tall helps you spring between the fast sections of the wave, and not miss sections.” We saw flashes of brilliance at Snapper and in Fiji it looked like the real Owen Wright was back and here to stay. Owen has also been in Africa for the past few weeks so knows the wave and African vibe.

Occy was the last goofy footer to win at J-Bay. And that was 30 years ago in 1984. Why so long? There hasn’t really been a goofy-footer that has dominated the tour since Occy and J-Bay is tough on your backhand unless it’s big. Occy just shaved his dreads ending one dynasty so is it an omen that goofy can eclipse his crown?

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Don’t think that Jordy can’t mix it up if it’s small. He still knows how to crush the smallest of canvases. Photo: Joli 

Jordy Smith is the defending champion and aiming to win his third J-Bay title. The big bru from South Africa is hurting. This was supposed to be his year for a world title. He predicted it as his best shot having relinquished the quest for the best video part but rather silverware on the mantle piece. He will be a caged animal out here, with the crowd behind him and looking to recapture his form and go for a three-peat.

Taj-800

Taj Burrow swooping in 2011 at the Bay. Photo: Joli  

Taj Burrow is the silent assassin. Two thirds (Gold Coast, Rio) and a second at Bells makes for a very consistent score sheet. When Taj is on he’s on and he has previously won this event back in 2007.  After costing himself a win at Bells due to some priority mistakes you can count that he’ll want to make amends and notch up his first event win of the year. Side note, one thing Taj will ho

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South Africa’s Dylan Lightfoot will surf his first event at Jeffreys Bay in round one. Photo: Joli 

Wildcards are the arch nemesis of the top seeds. Like a legendary ghost-like monster the bogeymen are especially dangerous when it comes to J-Bay. Sean Holmes was a master at erasing Andy Irons and later Kelly Slater when they were in their prime. This year it’s up to 19-year old, Dylan Lightfoot who grew up just footsteps from Supertubes.

The Forecast looks a little up and down. It’s no secret the ASP are banking on a good swell window for this event. Unfortunately it’s looking 50/50.  The beginning of the waiting period (Thursday) will coincide with the largest swell of the event window but decrease rapidly. Then it looks like small 2–3 foot waves through the middle rounds with a larger swell showing signs toward the end of the waiting period. This may play into the favour of the aerialists like John John, Filipe and co.

Check out the heat draw here 

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