Classic lineup shot from one of the world’s best right-hand point breaks. Photo: Scholtz / WSL
Day one of the twelve-day waiting period for the 2015 J-Bay Open begins on July 8th and runs through July 19th at South Africa’s legendary Jeffrey’s Bay. As stop number six on the 2015 Men’s World Championship Tour, the J-Bay Open represents the season’s midway point.
Jeffrey’s Bay has been described by many ardent surfers as the planet’s premiere performance point break. Of the ten different sections, it’s Supertubes that will be the main focal point during competition. Supertubes is at its finest during a mid- to long-period, 6- to 8-foot SSW swell, and matched with strong offshore winds. Competitors, fans, and event promoters will undoubtedly be hoping for such conditions this year.
Former event champions in the 2015 J-Bay Open field include Jordy Smith (2010 and 2011), Joel Parkinson (1999 and 2009), inaugural event winner Kelly Slater (1996, 2005, 2003, and 2008), Taj Burrow (2007), and defending champion Mick Fanning (2002, 2006 and 2014). Additionally, keep an eye out for current world No. 1, Adriano de Souza, who won the 2012 Billabong Pro Jeffrey’s Bay 6-star event at Supertubes.
If there’s any goofy-footer that can win at J-Bay, Owen Wright’s the guy. Photo: Chris Bond
Solid challengers that have the skill set conducive for a maiden J-Bay victory in 2015 include regular-footers Julian Wilson (world No. 5), Adam Melling (world No. 21), and Kolohe Andino (world No. 30). In fact, no goofy-footer has ever won J-Bay besides Mark Occhilupo in 1984. However, right-foot-forward-surfers with the most realistic shot at winning this year include recently crowned 2015 Fiji Pro Champion, Owen Wright (world No. 3), Nat Young (world No. 7), and reigning World Champion, Gabriel Medina (world No. 20).
The 2015 JBU Supertrial presented by RVCA winner, Slade Prestwich, will join the top 34 surfers competing at the 2015 J-Bay Open as the trials wildcard. Additionally, Slade will be joined by wildcard Dane Reynolds and injury wildcard Alejo Muniz. Alejo Muniz, fresh off a win at the QS1500 Ballito Pro, will be replacing Jeremy Flores who received a fractured face and brain contusion during a horrific wipe out during a recent surf trip in Indonesia. As for John John, he’ll be replaced by Brazilian Tomas Hermes.
All the live and on-demand action at the 2015 J-Bay Open can be viewed on the WSL website.
