Latest news with #CoronaCeroOpenJ-Bay
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Sport
- 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
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Gabriela Bryan and Connor O'Leary crowned Corona Cero Open J-Bay champs
Gabriela Bryan and Connor O'Leary won the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, stop No 10 on the World Surf League 2025 Championship Tour. It was all-time Supertubes conditions, with solid four-to-six-foot surf in offshore wind, with the world's best putting on a high-performance show in front of thousands of surf fans lining the beach. Molly Picklum (AUS) and Yago Dora (BRA) finished runners-up after producing some of the top performances throughout the week. The next stop on the 2025 CT will be the Lexus Tahiti Pro, the final regular-season event before the one-day, winner-take-all Lexus WSL Finals in Cloudbreak, Fiji. Only the Top 5 men and Top 5 women on the world rankings will compete in the event. Following today's competition, there are now four men's spots and two women's spots remaining. The seeding and final positions will all come down to the world-renowned Teahupo'o from August 7 through August 16, 2025. Japan's Connor O'Leary won his first-ever CT title at the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, a career-best result in his seven years on Tour. O'Leary burst onto the scene in his Rookie year in 2017, and his last Finals appearance was at the Fiji Pro of that year. This season, the 31-year-old from Cronulla had a run of ninth-place finishes and two Quarterfinal appearances, and has jumped to No. 11 on the rankings after his win, his best result for 2025. 'I don't have any words,' said O'Leary. 'I'm just so happy with how I performed today. [Richard] 'Dog' Marsh has been telling me that it's coming this year, but it's been hard to believe sometimes. All the stars aligned for this one, so I'm stoked. 'It felt good to have so many people cheering for me, and then to perform for them. I intended to do some of the best backhand surfing you've ever seen, and to compete with a fellow goofy in the final, hopefully it inspires other goofy-foot surfers that they can compete against the best in perfect right-hand point breaks.' O'Leary took the win over Yago Dora (BRA) in an all-goofy-foot battle at Supertubes. O'Leary's flawless backhand attack saw him earn the event's only 10-point ride (out of a possible 10) to knock out three-time J-Bay winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) in an exhilarating semi-final clash to advance to his first final for 2025. O'Leary had a massive challenge ahead, with Dora seemingly unstoppable in J-Bay and in his third Final for the season. Locking into a classic leg burner, O'Leary scored an excellent 8.17 and 7.50 for a total of 15.67 (out of a possible 20) for the win. On the hunt for his third CT win of the season, Dora showed his affinity for the long-running walls of Supertubes, finding excellent scores in almost every heat at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. On his way to the final, Dora took out Griffin Colapinto (USA) in an exciting semi-final and defeated Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in the quarter-finals. With this result, Dora clinched his spot in the WSL Final 5, marking his first appearance in the Lexus WSL finals to compete for the World Title. In her fourth Final appearance in 2025, world No 2 Gabriela Bryan earned her third CT win of the season and the fourth of her career in dramatic fashion, defeating world No 1 Molly Picklum (AUS) by the narrowest of margins. After an early exit at the VIVO Rio Pro, Bryan lost the Yellow Leader Jersey to Picklum and flew out to South Africa to reset and get in a few extra reps at Supertubes. 'I don't think it's sunk in yet,' said Bryan. 'I came here early, putting in a lot of time here, and it paid off. I'm so stoked. It's been a dream of mine to win here at J-Bay. It's an iconic wave and one of my favourites in the world. 'The Yellow Jersey comes with a lot of pressure, so I definitely had less pressure in that Final. I personally like chasing something that I want to go after. The only time I want to be wearing Yellow is the first event next year.' Bryan clinched her place in the WSL Final 5 and will compete for the world title in the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji. The 23-year-old dispatched two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) in the quarter-finals, before taking out the 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) in the semi-finals. 'I can't even believe it,' said Bryan. 'From last year, where I think I missed out by one heat, and now to do it with one event left in the regular season. I get to go back to Fiji, one of my favorite places in the world, to compete for a world title, it's mind-blowing. 'It's been a great day. I knew that waking up, that's it's going to be a huge day no matter what. I'm going to do everything I can to make it a great day. There are so many good things to take away, but I just tried to simplify things, because it's so exhausting out there today, so I just focused on getting two good waves.' World No 1 Picklum (AUS) will wear the Yellow Leader Jersey going into the last event of the regular season, the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA. She overcame an in-form Isabella Nichols (AUS) in the semi-finals, getting one back after Nichols won their semi-final clash in El Salvador earlier this year. Picklum, runner-up in 2023 to Lakey Peterson (USA), defeated Peterson in the quarter-finals but had to settle for another runner-up in 2025 to Gabriela Bryan. 'It's a one-of-a-kind wave,' said Picklum. 'It definitely has a specific timing and rhythm to it. Last year I felt I could learn a lot about my surfing here, and this year I was just trying to hold the throttle down a bit more, and find that rhythm.' Heading into this event, Picklum had clinched her spot in the WSL Final 5 early. Leading the pack going into Tahiti, the 22-year-old will be one to watch as she's been known to charge waves of consequence, such as Teahupo'o and Cloudbreak, up next on the schedule. Caity Simmers also secured her spot in the WSL Finals with her result today and the results of her competitors. With only two spots remaining for the women, it will all come down to the Lexus Tahiti Pro, which holds a competition window starting 7 August 2025. 1 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 13.60 2 – Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.34 1 – Connor O'Leary (JPN) 15.67 2 – Yago Dora (BRA) 14.23 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.
Kyodo News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Surfing: O'Leary victorious at J-Bay, becomes Japan's 2nd tour winner
TOKYO - Connor O'Leary claimed his maiden title on the World Surf League's Championship Tour on Friday at South Africa's Jeffreys Bay, joining Kanoa Igarashi as Japan's only winners on the elite circuit. Australia-born O'Leary, whose Japanese mother Akemi is a former pro surfer, beat overall season leader Yago Dora of Brazil in the final at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. The 31-year-old O'Leary rode only three waves but scored 8.17 and 7.50 for his two best attempts, logging at total of 15.67 points. Dora was more active, taking seven waves, but could only tally 14.23 points in the 10th event of the season. Two fifth-place finishes had been O'Leary's best results this season. To even have a chance at the win, O'Leary had to spectacularly save his semifinal with a last-ditch 10-point wave that featured a barrel and several big whipping turns to beat Brazil's Filipe Toledo. Igarashi, who has two runner-up finishes this season and won on the tour in 2019, lost in the quarterfinals but remains third in the overall standings with one event left. O'Leary chose to represent Japan in 2023 after watching the sport's debut at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, motivating him to compete at the Paris Games. He went out in the third round along with Igarashi in Teahupo'o, French Polynesia, where the 2024 Olympic competition was held. Their compatriot Reo Inaba reached the quarterfinals.
The South African
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
UPSET ALERT: Jordy Smith stunned at J-Bay
South Africa's world No 1 surfer Jordy Smith was eliminated from the Corona Cero Open J-Bay on Sunday in the Round of 16. The loss saw Smith relinquish the Yellow Leader Jersey, as the field narrows heading into finals day. The Corona Cero Open J-Bay, stop number 10 on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, continued in three- to five-foot Supertubes conditions. However, a fading swell prompted organisers to call off competition for Monday, 14 and Tuesday, 15 July. The next call will be made on Wednesday, 16 July at 07:45 for a possible 08:03 start. French rookie Marco Mignot shocked the local crowd as he outmanoeuvred Smith in tricky conditions, advancing to his second quarter-final appearance on the Championship Tour. While Smith waited for a set wave that never arrived, Mignot stayed busy, racking up a solid scoreline and leaving Smith needing a near-excellent wave in the dying moments. 'If you take on No 1 and beat him, it's a bigger reward,' said Mignot. 'I always want to surf against the best and push myself. Before coming here, I was watching clips of Jordy, because I think he's the best out here.' On Monday Jordy Smith took to social media to write: 'Didn't go the way we wanted but I am so grateful for all the support that has been poured into me this last week. Really appreciate every single one of you guys. The show must go on and so we continue to show up and keep swinging 💪🏼' Meanwhile, Griffin Colapinto (USA) got revenge on compatriot Cole Houshmand in their Round of 16 rematch, just a week after facing each other in the final of the VIVO Rio Pro. Colapinto controlled the heat early and sealed it with a 7.50 ride, thanks to powerful turns and clean carves down a J-Bay wall. 'This one matters because I want to make the Final 5,' said Colapinto. 'He's like a big brother to me, but I'm in that position now where every heat is important.' Brazil's Yago Dora, now the new world No 1, continued his charge at J-Bay. After breaking the fin on his favourite board in his heat against compatriot João Chianca, Dora changed equipment and responded with a huge aerial move that scored an excellent 9.00, securing the win. 'I didn't want to change boards, so I just changed the fin,' said Dora. 'There was a long lull, and I tried to stay patient. The second-best feeling in surfing is flying through the air and landing in the flats. It's scary, but when you pull it off, it feels so good.' Although Dora now holds the Yellow Jersey, Japan's Kanoa Igarashi remains in contention for the top spot after also advancing. Heat 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.57 defeated João Chianca (BRA) 13.67Heat 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.34 defeated Jack Robinson (AUS) 9.76Heat 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.50 defeated Crosby Colapinto (USA) 9.33Heat 4: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.37 defeated Cole Houshmand (USA) 12.57 Heat 5: Marco Mignot (FRA) 14.57 defeated Jordy Smith (RSA) 11.17 Heat 6: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.97 defeated Barron Mamiya (HAW) 10.60Heat 7: Connor O'Leary (JPN) 12.83 defeated Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.33 Heat 8: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 12.00 defeated Jake Marshall (USA) 10.00
The South African
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
