Celebratory 'Feeling J'Bay' film premieres at Corona Cero Open
This short documentary highlights the essence of Jeffreys Bay, one of the world's most iconic surf destinations, as it explores the community's connection to the famed Supertubes break.
Featuring local legends, surfers, and artists, the film celebrates the history, culture, and beauty of the area, intertwining aerial shots, personal stories, and powerful imagery. Directed by Peri vP, Feeling J'Bay is an ode to the wave and the people who have shaped its story.
WHAT THE FILM IS ABOUT
Long before it became a world tour stop, Jeffreys Bay was just a farm town with perfect waves. Today, it's one of the world's most iconic surf destinations – and the subject of a new film by Corona Studios, launched during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay.
Titled Feeling J'Bay, the short documentary is less about surfing and more about what happens when nature, identity, and community come together. From dolphins threading the backline at sunrise to the sound of hand-carved boards hitting water, the film captures the spirit of a place where time slows and life feels lighter.
Premiered as part of Corona's 100-year celebration and new global 0.0% alcohol beer partnership with the World Surf League (WSL), the screening took place at Casa Corona, overlooking Supertubes the legendary wave that built the town and sits at the heart of the film.
Shot in and around Jeffreys Bay's famed point break, Feeling J'Bay weaves aerial shots, historical surf clips, and intimate interviews with locals, legends, and artists into a visual meditation on the wave — and the people who have lived and surfed its story.
'I grew up with this wave right outside my door. It taught me everything — discipline, joy, belief,' said professional surfer Joshe Faulkner who shares his story in the film. 'Seeing our stories told like this reminds me that J-Bay is bigger than any one surfer. It's a feeling that belongs to all of us.'
Directed by Peri vP, the film also features voices and visuals from across the town's past and present, including surf industry pioneer Cheron Kraak, professional surfers Jordy Smith and Mike February, and writer-freediver Amal Perrotin.
'With this film, the goal really was to capture the feeling of J-Bay from different perspectives,' said Peri 'It's an ode to the magic and intrigue of this iconic wave and the community around it.'
'There are few breaks on earth that carry the soul of surfing like Jeffreys Bay,' said Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand, Corona South Africa.
'As we celebrate a century of Corona and 130 years of South African Breweries, this film is an invitation to reconnect with nature, community and those golden-hour moments that remind us why we fell in love with the ocean in the first place.'
Also featured is Corona content creator and surf coach Wade Schouw, who empowers people through surf and skate culture.
Following the premiere, guests – including Kouga Municipality Mayor Hattingh Bornman, MC and WSL commentator Paul Evans, WSL athletes Caitlin Simmers, Gabriela Bryan and Italo Ferreira, and local cultural leaders – moved to the shoreline for a traditional Xhosa blessing and dance ceremony, setting the tone for the week ahead.
'Our love for Jeffreys Bay goes beyond the film,' added Melanie Nicholson. 'Every aspect of the Corona Cero Open J-Bay has been shaped with the community, not just for it — from surf workshop partnerships to local vendor collaborations. This is our way of giving back to a town that's given so much to the surfing world.'
WHAT WOULD YOU RATE THE 'FEELING J'BAY' FILM?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Surfers' dream — this is what makes Jeffreys Bay one of the best surf spots in the world
The quaint town in the Eastern Cape has a reputation that extends far beyond South Africa. Jeffreys Bay is a quaint little town about an hour's drive east of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. For 11 months of the year it's a quiet, picturesque stopover when travelling to the bigger cities in the province. But in July, Da Gama Road – the main street in the town – fills with bumper-to-bumper traffic as tourists from around the globe stream to Supertubes at Dolphin Beach, where a huge wooden deck provides a stunning view of the waves below. Surfers from all over the world are found below, trying to catch the crest of the nearly perfect waves as the World Surf League (WSL) is in town for the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, which has made a welcome return. This leg of the WSL was cancelled last year because it clashed with the Olympic Games. Speak to one of the world-renowned surfers fighting for a top-five spot on the WSL rankings and they all gush about how much they enjoy surfing in Jeffreys Bay. 'Jeffreys Bay is just one of those iconic locations that everyone wants to see every year on tour,' said South African surfer and 2024 Olympian Matthew McGillivray. But what makes the waves any different from those found close to the shores of any other beach in the world? The answer most given is the right-hand point break. Most of the popular surf spots in the world, including the other WSL tour spots, break on the left, favouring goofy surfers. This point break also stretches across for long distances, extending several hundred metres over Supertubes. 'The swell comes from the south and it breaks towards the right-hand side,' said Cheron Kraak, who is part of the surfing fabric in Jeffreys Bay. 'There are many right-hand waves around the world. But if you look at the shape of the bay, the wave, when it's big you can ride from here all the way down to a kilometre or so, which is completely unique in the world.' Prestigious spot The high wooden deck at Supertubes also provides spectators with breathtaking views of the action in the ocean. The point break is relatively close, so fans can watch without binoculars. 'As far as surfing goes, it's one of the most core prestigious surf spots in the world,' South African surfing legend Jordy Smith said just before the start of the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. 'It's an extremely natural environment. It's like an amphitheatre. 'It's really easy viewing, so you get to feel the surfers when you see them riding waves. And that's not the case at many other waves around the world. A lot of the time they can be pretty far out, but here at J-Bay you see the lines coming, you see the guy paddling, riding the waves, and obviously they're immersed in nature. 'There's thousands of dolphins, there's whales, some years even sharks, so there's a lot of action, whether you're on the beach or in the water.' For the past few tours there has been little chance of these sea creatures disturbing any of the surfers because there have been designated animal watchers deeper in the ocean, who alert staff closer to the shore when to call the surfers in at the possibility that the water could become dangerous. This was initiated after the 2015 competition, when Australian surfer Mick Fanning was attacked by a great white shark at the final of the J-Bay Open. He survived by punching the shark. Fanning and his final opponent, Aussie compatriot Julian Wilson, decided not to finish the final and split the victory – the only time this has happened in J-Bay. Fanning won in 2014 and 2016. The official magazine for this year's nine-day surf event has the winners listed in chronological order. The winner of 2015, according to the mag? The shark. A changing town McGillivray was born in Gqeberha and moved to Jeffreys Bay a few years ago to have regular access to one of the best beaches in the world. Smith, originally from Durban, has also made the small town his home for a period. But Jeffreys Bay wasn't always centred on surfing. 'Originally, it was a really quiet little fishing town with holiday houses for Afrikaans farmers,' said Kraak, who moved to Jeffreys Bay in the late 1970s from Johannesburg. 'And of course, once the surfers came to town, it was a shock. It was like aliens [had arrived].' Kraak saw the explosion of surfing in the town and was part of making it more accessible. She started the surfing brand Country Feeling in the early 1980s, and the original store is still on Da Gama Road. 'It was a very gradual process,' she said, 'but then people came to live here. Electricians, plumbers… Obviously there was nowhere for them to work so they started their own little businesses. 'Also, in those days, we couldn't find a place to rent – nobody would rent to the surfers. So, you found people who came here wanted to stay here. They then bought pieces of land, which were incredibly cheap, and built little houses. And it grew because people want to be here. Surfers want to be here. 'I mean, it's a dream of every guy in the world to live here.' For a few days in July, Jeffreys Bay is akin to a bustling city, but despite the drastic changes it has undergone over the past few decades and the influx of people, it still has its charm as a small town – which just happens to be one of the best surf spots in the world. DM
The South African
14-07-2025
- The South African
Celebratory 'Feeling J'Bay' film premieres at Corona Cero Open
The Corona Studios film Feeling J'Bay premiered during the event's opening ceremony on Thursday afternoon. This short documentary highlights the essence of Jeffreys Bay, one of the world's most iconic surf destinations, as it explores the community's connection to the famed Supertubes break. Featuring local legends, surfers, and artists, the film celebrates the history, culture, and beauty of the area, intertwining aerial shots, personal stories, and powerful imagery. Directed by Peri vP, Feeling J'Bay is an ode to the wave and the people who have shaped its story. WHAT THE FILM IS ABOUT Long before it became a world tour stop, Jeffreys Bay was just a farm town with perfect waves. Today, it's one of the world's most iconic surf destinations – and the subject of a new film by Corona Studios, launched during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay. Titled Feeling J'Bay, the short documentary is less about surfing and more about what happens when nature, identity, and community come together. From dolphins threading the backline at sunrise to the sound of hand-carved boards hitting water, the film captures the spirit of a place where time slows and life feels lighter. Premiered as part of Corona's 100-year celebration and new global 0.0% alcohol beer partnership with the World Surf League (WSL), the screening took place at Casa Corona, overlooking Supertubes the legendary wave that built the town and sits at the heart of the film. Shot in and around Jeffreys Bay's famed point break, Feeling J'Bay weaves aerial shots, historical surf clips, and intimate interviews with locals, legends, and artists into a visual meditation on the wave — and the people who have lived and surfed its story. 'I grew up with this wave right outside my door. It taught me everything — discipline, joy, belief,' said professional surfer Joshe Faulkner who shares his story in the film. 'Seeing our stories told like this reminds me that J-Bay is bigger than any one surfer. It's a feeling that belongs to all of us.' Directed by Peri vP, the film also features voices and visuals from across the town's past and present, including surf industry pioneer Cheron Kraak, professional surfers Jordy Smith and Mike February, and writer-freediver Amal Perrotin. 'With this film, the goal really was to capture the feeling of J-Bay from different perspectives,' said Peri 'It's an ode to the magic and intrigue of this iconic wave and the community around it.' 'There are few breaks on earth that carry the soul of surfing like Jeffreys Bay,' said Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand, Corona South Africa. 'As we celebrate a century of Corona and 130 years of South African Breweries, this film is an invitation to reconnect with nature, community and those golden-hour moments that remind us why we fell in love with the ocean in the first place.' Also featured is Corona content creator and surf coach Wade Schouw, who empowers people through surf and skate culture. Following the premiere, guests – including Kouga Municipality Mayor Hattingh Bornman, MC and WSL commentator Paul Evans, WSL athletes Caitlin Simmers, Gabriela Bryan and Italo Ferreira, and local cultural leaders – moved to the shoreline for a traditional Xhosa blessing and dance ceremony, setting the tone for the week ahead. 'Our love for Jeffreys Bay goes beyond the film,' added Melanie Nicholson. 'Every aspect of the Corona Cero Open J-Bay has been shaped with the community, not just for it — from surf workshop partnerships to local vendor collaborations. This is our way of giving back to a town that's given so much to the surfing world.' WHAT WOULD YOU RATE THE 'FEELING J'BAY' FILM? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
09-07-2025
- The South African
Corona Cero Open J-Bay 2025 preview: Dates, surfers, and what's at stake
The World Surf League (WSL) makes its highly anticipated return to South Africa with the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, the 10th stop on the 2025 Championship Tour. Running from July 11 to 20, this iconic event at Jeffreys Bay serves as the penultimate stop of the regular season – and a critical opportunity for surfers chasing a coveted place in the Final 5 for the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji this September. With high stakes, world-class waves, and a packed leaderboard, J-Bay promises plenty of drama. Here's what you need to know heading into the event. After an incredible 18 years on the Championship Tour, South Africa's surfing hero Jordy Smith is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. After two CT wins and currently ranked No.1 in the world, Smith's goal is to put himself in the best position possible for the Lexus WSL Finals. As a two-time winner in Jeffreys Bay, he will be one of the favorites at Supertubes for his third CT win in front of family and friends. 'We all know J-Bay is one of the world's best waves,' said Smith. 'More importantly for me, it's a place to reconnect with old friends that I've grown up with my whole life. There's a lot less pressure I put on myself. I spend my entire off season there, I have a house on the beach, so it's a very comfortable place for me, and I can surf with ease. 'To come in wearing the Yellow Jersey is epic. It's testament to the hard work and sacrifices over the years, and we keep swinging and see how the rest of the year plays out.' As the penultimate stop of the regular season, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay has the potential to break hearts or ignite World Title dreams, as the race for the WSL Final 5 intensifies. After taking out the win at the Rio Pro, Griffin Colapinto (USA) moved up three spots up the rankings to challenge for the Final 5 cutoff, while former J-Bay winner Ethan Ewing (AUS) is holding onto fifth place. Molly Picklum (AUS) will wear the Yellow Jersey in J-Bay after her win at the Rio Pro. Picklum finished runner-up in J-Bay in 2023 to Lakey Peterson (USA) and has proven herself as a formidable threat at Supertubes. 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) has enjoyed three Finals Day appearances in J-Bay, and she's on the cusp of the Final 5 cut-off. Three more South Africans will be in the Corona Cero Open J-Bay lineup alongside Jordy Smith. Former CTer and J-Bay local Matthew McGillivray received the call up from Tours & Competition, while top ranked Challenger Series contenders Sarah Baum and Luke Thompson received the regional wildcard spots. Baum previously earned a Quarterfinals appearance as a wildcard in 2023, and won the J-Bay Classic Specialty in 2024. 'It means the world to me to get the wildcard,' said Baum. 'I surf these Challenger Series events to get to that world stage and showcase my surfing. Getting a 5th in 2023, surfing against Carissa Moore and Lakey Petersen was incredible. I hope I can ruffle a few feathers again this year.' Since being announced as the official global 0.0% alcohol beer partner of the WSL in March 2025, Corona Cero has brought a fresh energy to the Championship Tour. In the year that marks 100 years of Corona's connection to the beach, the brand's evolution at J-Bay reflects a continued commitment to more mindful ways to unwind and celebrate—without compromising on experience. The Corona Cero Open J-Bay is not only a continuation of this legacy, but also a celebration of how beach culture, surfing, and conscious living are coming together in South Africa's most iconic coastal town. 'This year marks 100 years of Corona's connection to the beach, and there's no better place to celebrate that legacy than Jeffreys Bay,' says Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand, Corona South Africa. 'As we evolve into a new era of mindful celebration, we're proud to bring Corona Cero to one of the most iconic stops on the tour. This occasion, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, reflects our long-standing support of the surf community and South Africa's beloved beach culture.' The Corona Cero Open J-Bay holds a competition window from 11 – 20 July 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL's broadcast partners. WILL YOU BE FOLLOWING/WATCHING THE CORONO CERO OPEN? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
