The Nelson Mandela Bay Surfriders would like to congratulate the following Junior Surfers who will represent NMBS at the SA Billabong Junior Championships in October in J Bay:

u13 Girls 
Lisa van Heerden 1 
Tanith Moreton 2

u13 Boys 
C-Jay Posthumus 1 
Kye Mcgregor 2 
Nathan Plomaritis 3

u15 Girls 
Kai Woolf 1 
Kelly Fenton 2 
Kelly Medley 3

U15 Boys 
Ryan Lightfoot 1 
Angelo Faulkner 2 
Dylan Hendricks 3 
Jannik Bouwer 4 
Daniel Orpen 5

U17 Girls 
Zoe Smith 1 
Kirsty McGillivray 2

U17 boys 
Joshe Faulkner 1 
Arnold Vermaak 2 
Rewaldo Abersalie 3 
Marco Venter 4 
Sebastian Williams 5

Manager : Lorraine Fenton
Assistant manager: Peter Coffey

Coaches: Graham Hynes and Etienne Venter

​Three-time WSL ChampionMick Fanning (AUS) has won the J-Bay Open, stop No. 6 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), defeating John John Florence (HAW) in an exciting Final in three-to-four foot (1 metre) surf at Jeffreys Bay.
 
Today’s incredible victory comes a year after a dramatic incident during the 2015 J-Bay Open Final where Fanning was attacked on live television by what is believed to be a Great White Shark.
 
“It’s definitely a very different feeling this win,” said Fanning. “There was a real emotional build up coming back here this year. That Semifinal with Julian was really special and it was wonderful to have a heat with him again. Definitely some emotions went into it paddling out and it was just really special having a surf with him out there and both of us come in safe. I’m stoked that I got to come back and right the wrongs that happened last year. I’ve done that now so I can move on.”
 
The win today is Fanning’s 22nd Championship Tour victory and his fourth at the J-Bay Open, which sees him equal Slater’s record of four event wins at Jeffreys Bay. Fanning defeated Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Julian Wilson (AUS) en route to the Final today.
 
Fanning, who is taking a personal year in 2016 and only surfing in select events this season, leaps up from 16th to 5th place on the WSL Jeep Leaderboard.
 
“It’s awesome to be in 5th place but I don’t really care about results this year,” said Fanning. “I just want to thank everyone who has supported me over the past year, I’ve had so much support, and I’m looking forward to celebrating. For me this year feels a lot lighter not going for a world title so I’m really enjoying my surfing and having a lot of fun. I’ll be surfing at Trestles and I think that might be my last event of the year. World titles aren’t the biggest thing for me at the moment - I’m all about enjoying my surfing.”

​Today’s runner-up finish for Florence sees him move up to second place on the Jeep Leaderboard for the first time in his career and close the gap on ratings leader Matt Wilkinson (AUS) heading into the next event on the CT, the Billabong Pro Tahiti.
 
Florence, who was absent from the J-Bay Open in 2015 due to an ankle injury, defeatedJordy Smith (ZAF) in the Quarterfinals and Josh Kerr (AUS) in the Semifinals before facing Fanning in the Final and earning his best ever result at Jeffreys Bay.
 
“I’m really stoked to be back here this year and to be in the Final surfing against Mick,” Florence said. “I wasn’t here last here when everything went down so just to see Mick win it is pretty inspiring coming back after that.”
 
“It feels really good to move up to second place but I’m not really thinking too much about the points, just taking it event by event,” Florence continued. “I’m really excited about these upcoming events. This second half of the year I’ve always had a lot of fun and done really well. Hopefully we get some big waves in Tahiti and at Lowers, one of the most rippable waves in the world, and also have some fun in France and the European leg and I can’t wait for Pipe.”

Fanning got things started in the Final with a solid 7.17 but Florence answered with a technical aerial maneuver followed by two aggressive turns and was rewarded with an 8.50 and the lead. The Australian went on to find the wave of the Final and unleash his trademark turns on the walls of Jeffreys Bay to secure a near-perfect 9.93 and an impressive advantage. Florence fought back with an air reverse with eight minutes remaining to post a back-up score but it wasn’t enough to take first place. The final exchange saw Fanning race down the line while Florence delivered two full-rail carves and another air reverse. Florence earned an 8.63 but the score fell short and Fanning took the win with a 17.70 heat total.
 
Josh Kerr (AUS) took on runner-up Florence in the opening Semifinal match-up. Florence got things started with an air reverse and 5.83 points. An exciting exchange between saw both surfers take to the air but Florence took the edge with an 8.23, leaving Kerr in need of a near-perfect 9.17 as the clock wound down. Just before the final buzzer Kerr got to his feet but didn’t get the score. The result today is Kerr’s best of the season and also his best ever at Jeffreys Bay. Kerr leaps up ten places to 17th on the Jeep Leaderboard.
 
“I’ve really enjoyed the event and it’s been a good result for me,” Kerr said. “Tahiti coming up is one of my favorite locations so I’m looking forward to that.”
 
A rematch of last year’s dramatic final between Fanning and compatriot Julian Wilson (AUS) played out in the second Semifinal bout. Both surfers opened strong but it was Wilson who had the edge. A strategic and selective Fanning used his priority to best advantage to take the wave of the heat and unleash his typical speed and power, posting a decisive 9.10 to win the heat. Wilson goes home in third place and moves to 9th place on the Jeep Leaderboard.
 
“It’s a great result for me,” said Wilson. “It’s really got my year back on track. I’m so pleased I got have that Semifinal with Mick. I just wish I could have found an opportunity and the right wave to have a real chance at winning.”
 
11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) was defeated in the Quarterfinals by Kerr. The four-time J-Bay Open winner kept busy throughout the heat, with nine scoring rides, but wasn’t able to find the 6.45 required to surpass Kerr. Slater finishes the event in 5th place and moves from 26th to 19th place on the Jeep Leaderboard.
 
“I got here about 5 minutes later than I wanted to be this morning,” Slater said. “I was trying to turn it around during the heat but I wasn’t as patient as I could have been. It really came down to priority in the end and I didn’t quite get the score I needed.”

“I love this stretch of events,” Slater continued. “We go to Tahiti and then Trestles which are waves that have historically been on my side and waves I feel I do well at. They show the better side of my surfing I think. I’m not in the title hunt so I’m just enjoying it and enjoying the time in South Africa. Let’s see what Tahiti holds for us. I think the title race is about to get real interesting. Gabriel and John John are right behind Wilko and they both absolutely shred in Tahiti so Wilko should definitely be there right now practicing!”

2014 WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) was eliminated in 5th place by Wilson in Quarterfinal 3. Medina controlled the opening part of the heat with an excellent 8.33. Wilson, however, took the lead with a 10.83 heat total until Medina found a small back-up score to take the top spot. With one minute remaining Wilson, who was in need of a 5.01 for the win, found a wave and was rewarded with a 6.50. Medina answered quickly on a smaller wave but it wasn’t enough. Medina drops down one place to third on the Jeep Leaderboard.
 
“Everyone is hard to beat and everyone wants to win,” said Medina. “John John and Filipe, all these guys want to win. I’m lucky I got my first title just two years ago. Hopefully we can all keep battling -- that’s what makes it exciting. It’s good to see John and Wilko doing well because I think it will be really exciting at the end of the year.”
 
Filipe Toledo (BRA) battled Fanning in a thrilling Quarterfinal duel. Fanning opened strong with a 7.67 but Toledo used his air game to earn an 8.67 under Fanning’s priority. Fanning responded with an excellent 9.27 for a series of critical turns and took a narrow lead. With the pair separated by just half a point they went wave-for-wave through the remainder of the heat. Fanning improved his lead with another excellent score, an 8.37, and Toledo continued to chase down an 8.98. The Brazilian was given an opportunity in the final minute but fell on his last maneuver and leaves the event in 5th place, his best ever result at the J-Bay Open, and moves to 13th on the Jeep Leaderboard.
 
“Definitely it’s a really good result for me,” said Toledo. “I’m really happy to make a really good heat against Mick. It’s always exciting to surf against him. Now I’m just training harder, looking forward and looking for good results. I’m going to Indonesia before Tahiti, right after the US Open, and will probably spend two weeks over there. I’m going to train a lot and try to do my best in Tahiti and at Pipe.”
 
Highlights from the J-Bay Open are available at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as theWSL app.

High Res Images from this event available for editorial use via Reuters
 
The next stop on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour will be the Vans US Open of Surfing, which will see the world’s best female surfers resume this season’s title race from July 25 - 31.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com
 
J-Bay Open Final Results:
1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.70
2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.13
 
J-Bay Open Semifinal Results:
SF 1: John John Florence (HAW) 16.50 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 14.43
SF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.10 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.17
 
J-Bay Open Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: John John Florence (HAW) 10.70 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 10.50
QF 2: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.94 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 11.97
QF 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 12.33 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.93
QF 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.64 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.40
 
WSL Jeep Leaderboard Top 5 (after J-Bay Open):

                  1. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 34,250 pts

                  2. John John Florence (HAW) 31,900 pts

                  3. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 29,200 pts

                  4. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 24,400 pts

                  5. Mick Fanning (AUS) 23,450 pts  
 ​

​The Board of Directors of Surfing South Africa have confirmed the names of the surfers who have been selected to represent South Africa at the 2016 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Sao Miquel, Azores Islands, Portugal from September 17th – 25th.

The team U18 Boys Team members are Jordy Maree (Kalk Bay), Adin Masencamp (Strand),Joshe Faulkner (Jeffreys Bay) and Bevan Willis (Salt Rock) with Ford Van Jaarsveldt (Kommetjie) the non travelling reserve. The U18 Girls are Crystal Hulett (Cape St Francis) and Sophie Bell (Salt Rock) with Taghiti Gericke (Wilderness), the non travelling reserve.

The Under 16 Boys are Max Elkington (Kommetjie), Angelo Faulkner (Jeffreys Bay), Sebastian Williams (Durban) and Koby Oberholzer (Warner Beach) with Eli Beukes (Kommetjie) the non travelling reserve. The U16 Girls team is Kirsty Mc Gillivray (Jeffreys Bay) and Kai Woolf (Jeffreys Bay). Olivia Izzard (La Lucia) is the non travelling reserve.

Karen Elkington is the Team Manager and the Coaches are Dave Malherbe and Chris Bond.



​Close on 300 surfers from over 30 countries are expected to participate in this popular ISA event which will determine the ISA World Junior Team champions as well as the U18 & U16 Boys and Girls individual championship titles.

Surfing South Africa is the recognized governing body for the sport and is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA). All South African surfing teams that participate in international events are chosen by the National Selectors and in terms of the SSA Constitution. All national teams are ratified by the Board of Directors of Surfing South Africa prior to being forwarded to SASCOC for colours approval.

​JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Sunday, July 10, 2016) - Competition at the J-Bay Open, Stop No. 6 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), continued today with the opening Quarterfinal match-up in three-to-four foot (1 metre) deteriorating surf at Jeffreys Bay.
 
John John Florence (HAW), current No. 3 on the Jeep Leaderboard, battled two-time J-Bay Open winner Jordy Smith (ZAF). Following a heat restart, Smith claimed a solid lead early in the heat with a 6.33. Florence went on to take to the air and was rewarded with a 7.33 and the advantage. A set in the final minutes saw both surfers find a small back-up score. It was Florence who edged the win by just 0.20 and secured his place in the Semifinals for the first time at the J-Bay Open.
 
“Everything was close in that heat,” said Florence. “Before the competition started there was just set after set after set. It had definitely gotten smaller so we really had to adjust to the conditions. It was tough out there so I’m really stoked to make it through. We were both waiting for sets -- there were a lot of mid-sized waves coming through but I was waiting for a bomb. It was scary in those last couple of minutes and you really start overthinking it. That was definitely my favorite 3.37 ever! I’m just being positive and happy that I’m still in it and will be working on adjusting everything for these new conditions. I’m stoked to be in the Semifinals.”
 
“The conditions definitely are not the best,” Smith said. “There were some waves before but the charts showed that it’s going to get more windy throughout the day. Unfortunately, these kinds of things happen and you cannot do too much about them. I am super bummed out as I would have like to have had some clean, open walls and a better battle. But that is why we love surfing, for these kinds of reasons. Hopefully I can get the bump on the next one.”
 
Following the conclusion of Quarterfinal 1 the decision was made to put the competition on hold and ultimately call if off for the day as conditions deteriorated and winds rapidly increased.
 
“It’s tough out there,” said WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow. “It was looking good but we’ve just seen the ocean shut down and the wind is really blowing in so we’re going to call it off and come back and reassess tomorrow. Forecast is looking interesting for next week and there’s some potential for the end of the window, which is looking better than what we’ve got currently.”
 
When competition resumes 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) will face Josh Kerr (AUS), Julian Wilson (AUS) will take on Gabriel Medina (BRA) and three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) will battle Filipe Toledo (BRA) in the remaining Quarterfinal match-ups.
 
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 7 a.m. local time for a possible 7:30 a.m.start.
 
Surfline, official forecaster for the World Surf League, are calling for:
 
Fun to mid size SSW swell trends down through the day on Sunday, strongest in the morning. Onshore flow builds through the day. Fading and smaller surf is expected Mon/Tue, with a modest SW swell possible Wed/Thur along with onshore to sideshore wind. There is at least some potential for a larger swell over the final weekend of the waiting period, although we’re low confidence on specific details.
 
The J-Bay Open has a competitive window from July 6 - 17, 2016 and will be webcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the WSL app.
 
The event is also being carried by the WSL’s LIVE broadcast partners Fox Sports Australia, CBS Sports in the United States, ESPN Brasil, Globosat, Edgesport, Sky NZ, Sport TV, Canal + Deportes, Channel Nine, MCS, Starhub, and Oceanic Time Warner Cable 250 & 1250 in Hawaii.
 
Highlights from the J-Bay Open will be webcast LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
 
High Res Images from this event available for editorial use via Reuters
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com
 
J-Bay Open Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: John John Florence (HAW) 10.70 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 10.50
 
J-Bay Open Remaining Quarterfinal Match-Ups:
QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
QF 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
QF 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Thursday, July 7, 2016) - The J-Bay Open, Stop No. 6 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), continued today. Competition ran through the remaining heats of Round 2 followed by the opening four heats of Round 3 before being called off as conditions deteriorated. The WSL Top 34 battled to avoid early elimination in three-to-five foot (1 - 1.5 metre) surf at Jeffreys Bay. Top seeds dominated the day’s action, winning eight of the twelve match-ups.
 
Jordy Smith (ZAF) was the day’s top performer and commanded his Round 3 heat. The home-town hero stormed through his match-up against Kolohe Andino (USA) with an 18.20 heat total. Smith used his experience at Jeffreys Bay to find back-to-back excellent rides that earned him an 8.70 and 9.50 and a place in Round 4. Andino was left in a combination situation and leaves the competition in 13th place.
 
“I’m just so happy to be home and surfing good waves -- it’s been absolutely firing,” said Smith. “There’s a lot of history here for me so it definitely brings up a lot of emotions. I’m just going to stick to the same things I’ve been doing. Just surf, wait for the good ones, and have fun with it. That’s it really.”
 
Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) also posted big scores and gave an impressive performance in Round 2. Dantas built his scoreline steadily throughout the heat, finishing with a near-perfect 9.50 to net an excellent 18.27 two-wave heat total and the win over compatriotJadson Andre (BRA). Dantas will surf in Round 3 when competition continues while Andre is eliminated in 25th place despite a strong showing.
 
“I knew it was pumping and I had priority so I just tried to get the next wave and get a good score,” said Dantas. “I felt comfortable and had fun surfing J-Bay with two guys in the water. I put everything into the wave. It’s hard surfing against Jadson. He’s a friend of mine, but a heat’s a heat and there are no friends in the water when you compete.”
 
John John Florence (HAW) and Dusty Payne (HAW) went head-to-head in an all Hawaiian match-up in Round 3 Heat 2. With Florence chasing a World Title and Payne fighting for requalification the pair battled for the advantage. Payne kept busy catching nines waves, but Florence took the win by just 0.90 thanks to an 8.33 on his third wave and moves on to Round 4.
 
Payne, who leaves the contest in 13th place, previously posted the highest single-wave score of event so far, a near-perfect 9.77, in his Round 2 heat against Stuart Kennedy (AUS).
 
Josh Kerr (AUS) showed variety and flair in this Round 2 heat against Jack Freestone (AUS) and an excellent 8.23 at the midway point gave him a solid lead over his compatriot. Kerr followed this with a technical stalefish reverse aerial maneuver for 6.27 and finished with a near-perfect 9.23 to seal the win and his place in Round 3.
 
“I had a frustrating heat yesterday,” said Kerr. “Today I was so excited -- the sun’s out and it’s warmed up. It’s about as rippable as J-Bay gets out there. It definitely zaps you with no jet ski assist, especially when you want to take chances on waves and catch a lot and make some scores happen. You come in pretty tired, especially with 35-minute heats. When you don’t have those howling offshores and it’s pretty buttery out there you can do whatever you want to do -- some big turns or airs, it’s pretty fun.”
 
Kerr’s excellent run of form continued in Round 3 when he eliminated current No. 4 on the Jeep Leaderboard Italo Ferreira (BRA) in Heat 3. Kerr wowed with crowd with more aerial antics to net a 16.40 two-wave heat total and secure his place in Round 4.
 
Two-time event winner and 2012 WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) took on Matt Banting (AUS) in Round 2 Heat 7. Parkinson opened up strong with with a 7.67. Despite two good scores from Banting, Parkinson found a 7.50 to back up his opening score and take the lead, leaving his compatriot in need of an excellent 8.67. Parkinson moves on to Round 3 and Banting takes home his third 25th-place-finish of the season.
 
“I was really pleased to surf early this morning because conditions were great,” said Parkinson. “I’m feeling almost 100% again and am improving every day. I love J-Bay so it’s great to be back here.”
 
Alejo Muniz (BRA), three-time Quarterfinalist at the J-Bay Open, found two long waves to eliminate Nat Young (USA) in Round 2. Young was the busier of the two surfers, riding nine waves to Muniz’ four, but could not match the Brazilian’s top two scores and leaves the competition in 25th place.
 
“Yesterday I had a little bit of a shocker in my heat,” said Muniz. “I was really excited to go out and be in a heat with Conner (Coffin) and Mick (Fanning) , which I think are the best two guys out here. I was just too excited and didn’t stay calm so today I wanted to fix that and take off on the good waves and try to do my best. There’s a little bit of pain in my knee still. It’s cold in the mornings here, which is why I didn’t surf before my heat, so I could rest.”
 
“Whenever you’re sitting out there in second place with the time winding down all you want is the opportunity,” said Young. “I got the opportunity but the wave wasn’t all that good with a flat spot in the middle of it. It’s definitely a bummer for me. It’s a long journey and to lose that first round is tough. I feel lately I’ve been so dedicated and I feel like I do everything I can to make it through heats, so it’s a bummer when you put in all that work and come up short, but there’s the next contest.”
 
Michel Bourez (PYF) dispatched 2016 WSL Rookie Ryan Callinan (AUS) in a close battle in the opening heat of the day. The rookie held control for a majority of the heat with a 12.90 heat score, but an excellent 8.40 ride at the buzzer pushed Bourez into the lead to earn a spot in Round 3.
 
“It was kind of stressful out there,” Bourez said. “I was waiting for that last one. I let Ryan go on that small wave and I knew he was going to get the good score. I knew the set was breaking wider than it was supposed to do and it worked out. I don’t really get good results in cold waters so I feel like it is hard for my body to get used to it. At the end of the day, J-Bay is the best place and it is just beautiful.”
 
Adam Melling (AUS) stole a win from 2016 WSL Rookie Connor Coffin (USA) with some last-minute heroics in Round 2 Heat 9. Coffin held the lead through most of heat with a 14.67 heat total, but a score of 6.93 from Melling at the end of the bout saw him claim his place in Round 3 by just 0.19 points. Coffin is eliminated in 25th place.

“It was a pretty hectic heat,” said Melling. “He got the first wave, which I thought looked really nice, but my one doubled up pretty nice and I’m pretty happy to get the score there. It was a bit of a tricky one because I hadn’t really surfed much before I came here. I love right-hand points and that’s what I grew up on so I feel pretty confident out there.My ankle is playing on my mind a bit but it’s good to get through that heat.”
 
“Going forward I’ll be mixing it up a bit, not doing the same maneuver,” said Coffin. “It sucks losing at J-Bay. Fiji and J-Bay were the two events I was looking forward to. You have to try and learn from all your results but it’s also important not to think about it too much. You surf the way you surf.”

The final heat of the day saw 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) dispatchAdrian Buchan (AUS) with an early score of 6.33 on the best wave of the heat. Slater advances on to Round 4 while Buchan is eliminated in 13th place.
 
“It was a tough heat for both of us because the wind sprung up early on,” said Slater. “I was fortunate that I was in the right position early in the heat to pick off the best wave. That was the difference between winning and losing.”

Surfline, official forecaster for the World Surf League, are calling for:
Fading, but fun size, SW swell mix prevails Thursday as wind backs down (and turns side/onshore in the afternoon). A potentially larger SW swell could move in for the weekend, although wind conditions do look more problematic with at least some periods of onshore flow. We’ll be watching for a fun size swell around mid next week, with potential for larger swell during the final weekend of the waiting period.  

The J-Bay Open has a competitive window from July 6 - 17, 2016 and will be webcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the WSL app.

The event is also being carried by the WSL’s LIVE broadcast partners Fox Sports Australia, CBS Sports in the United States, ESPN Brasil, Globosat, Edgesport, Sky NZ, Sport TV, Canal + Deportes, Channel Nine, MCS, Starhub, and Oceanic Time Warner Cable 250 & 1250 in Hawaii.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 7 a.m. local time for a possible 7:30 a.m.start.

Highlights from the J-Bay Open will be webcast LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

High Res Images from this event available for editorial use via Reuters

For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com

J-Bay Open Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.47 def. Steven Sawyer (ZAF) 7.93
Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.27 def. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 11.77
Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.54 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 14.34
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.50 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 3.87
Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.07 def. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 12.90
Heat 6: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.27 def. Nat Young (USA) 12.93
Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.17 def. Matt Banting (AUS) 12.17
Heat 8: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 18.27 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 17.13
Heat 9: Adam Melling (AUS) 14.86 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 14.67
Heat 10: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 15.67 def Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.44
Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) 18.06 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 15.26
Heat 12: Dusty Payne (HAW) 17.47 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 11.44

J-Bay Open Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 18.20 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.10
Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 14.83 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 13.93
Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.40 def. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.20
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 11.73 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 5.20

J-Bay Open Upcoming Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 5: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 8: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Heat 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Heat 11: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
Heat 12: Adriano De Souza (BRA) vs. Davey Cathels (AUS)

Images WSL

​JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Wednesday, July 6, 2016) - The J-Bay Open, Stop No. 6 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), commenced today and the world’s best surfers took to the water for a full day of exciting action at Jeffreys Bay. Competition ran through Round 1 and the opening four heats of Round 2, and the WSL Top 34 battled for a place in Round 3 in building three-to-five foot (1 - 1.5 metre) surf.

All eyes were on three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) who surfed in the opening heat of the day -- his first heat at Jeffreys Bay since the dramatic J-Bay Open Final last year where he was attacked on live television by what is believed to be a 12-to-15-foot Great White Shark. Despite suffering an ankle injury during a freesurf last week, Fanning looked confident and claimed a solid victory over Alejo Muniz (BRA) andConner Coffin (USA). Fanning found a classic Jeffreys Bay wave, one of the longest rides of the day, for a 7.50 to secure his win, while his opponents were unable to find the back-up scores required to challenge the Australian.
​
“It’s been a big week actually,” said Fanning. “I got here early but then hurt my ankle so had to sit on the sidelines and watch the amazing waves go through. The medical staff have worked wonders and I’ve got it taped up. I feel good when I’m up and riding and each day my ankle gets better and better. It’s great to get back out there.”

Julian Wilson (AUS) looked untouchable in the penultimate heat of Round 1 and delivered the day’s biggest scores. Wilson showed skillful wave selection and earned two excellent nine-point rides for a combination of barrels and carves. His near-perfect 18.77 heat total sees him move directly to Round 3, while his opponents Nat Young (USA)and Jack Freestone (AUS) will surf again in elimination Round 2 when competition resumes.

“It’s so nice out there today, there’s plenty of swell on the opening day and it’s incredible to be back,” said Wilson. “It’s one of the best heats I’ve had all year and the conditions are really nice. I’m just enjoying the waves here and it feels good to have a strong heat.”

​Another of the day’s top performances came from replacement surfer Sebastian Zietz (HAW). A huge opening score (a 9.17) from Zietz gave him an early lead over Stuart Kennedy (AUS) and Michel Bourez (PYF) in the final heat of Round 1. The Hawaiian quickly found an excellent back-up score for an impressive combination of attacking carves and left his opponents searching for opportunities.

“I am excited to be here in J-Bay and make it out of that heat,” said Zietz. “My boards were feeling good and after Fiji I got down here early to get my feet in the wax. I’m stoked to advance to Round 3 and excited to catch more waves.”

2016 CT Rookies Davey Cathels (AUS) and Kanoa Igarashi (USA) delivered big upsets today, both winning through their Round 1 heats and advancing directly to Round 3. 

Cathels defeated No. 1 on the Jeep Leaderboard Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 6, sending him to elimination Round 2. Cathels managed to manufacture an 11.33 two-wave heat total to edge out Wilkinson and wildcard Steven Sawyer (ZAF) and claim an important Round 1 win.

“This is an event that I’ve always watched and wanted to come and compete at,” said Cathels. “It’s great to be here and really fun. Wilkinson is always so good out here and he’s having a hell of year so it feels good to get that win.”

Wilkinson went on to win through Round 2, defeating Sawyer in a close-fought battle. The South African finishes the event in equal 25th place and Wilkinson will advance on to Round 3. Wilkinson’s victory will see him retain the Jeep Leader Jersey heading into the next event on the CT, the Billabong Pro Tahiti.

“That was a super tricky heat,” said Wilkinson. “I’m lucky I can keep this jersey. I was so excited out there but I kept falling, so luckily I got through it. I’m excited to keep that jersey and excited to make it through.”

“It’s definitely a setback being ill, but it wouldn’t have changed the end result I don’t think,” Sawyer said. “I was falling and doing silly things out there. I was just waiting for that bomb but was uncomfortable on the waves I got. It’s bit of a bummer because I know I could have done it but I’ll have to come back next year.”

Igarashi caused another upset, defeating John John Florence (HAW) and Keanu Asing (HAW) in Round 1 Heat 3. It was a polished performance from the rookie who asserted himself early on in the heat with an excellent 8.17 for multiple tube rides. Igarashi, who showed no nerves taking on Florence, backed up his score with 7.47, leaving his Hawaiian opponents searching for scores.

“I’ve been here for six days now and I’ve just been surfing as much as I can,” Igarashi said. “I have a lot of experience around me, which probably helps me get more experience that I was lacking before. I feel like I haven’t been able to do my best surfing this year yet and I want to show what I can do in good waves like this. I’ve been having a good time, my boards are feeling good and I’m learning a lot so I’m excited for the rest of the season.”

Florence recovered from his Round 1 loss by storming to victory in Round 2 Heat 2 against Alex Ribeiro (BRA). Just two waves from the Hawaiian were enough for him to build a 17.27 heat total and advance to Round 3.

“The first time I came to J-Bay I think I was 12 or 13-years old,” Florence said. “I’ve been coming here every year since. This is one of my favorite places in the world. Going into Round 2 is always pretty stressful, but I am stoked because the waves are firing right now. It is a little less windy than it was this morning and I am excited that there are waves. It is fun to get some nice, open-faced waves.”

Current World No. 2 Gabriel Medina (BRA) was in top form, winning through his Round 1 heat with a 17.27 heat total. Medina kept busy throughout the 35 minute bout and dominated from start to finish. A combination of powerful turns and high-risk maneuvers earned the 2014 WSL Champion an excellent 9.10 and the win. Dusty Payne (HAW)and Ribeiro were both left in a combination situation and sent to Round 2.

“I like J-Bay. It is a tricky wave, but at the same time it is good,” Medina said. “I found a good board and tried to go for the set waves. I am feeling good. After Fiji I have not been surfing and that was my second surf, so it feels good to surf well and make the heat.”

​Jordy Smith (ZAF) looked fired up for his first heat at Jeffreys Bay. The two-time event winner and lone South African on the men’s CT pulled together an impressive combination of maneuvers to find two excellent scores - an 8.10 and 8.33. Despite a near-perfect 9.27 from opponent Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Smith took the win, sending Dantas and Adam Melling (AUS) to Round 2. 

“You really have to surf out of your skin at J-Bay to get good scores,” said Smith. “It was a great heat and there were lot of opportunities. Last year I didn’t really get the opportunity to surf my best so it feels good to be back. It’s incredible to be home and have the crowd behind me. Every time you do a big turn you hear the crowd erupt and it feels great -- it’s good to be home.”

11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) defeated Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Matt Banting (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 7 and will advance directly to Round 3.

“Jeffreys Bay is so special because there aren’t many pointbreaks that barrel like here,” said Slater. “In that heat, I was just trying to find anything to give me a score. I did have a couple of good waves early, but it is tough out there with the bump on the face and the high wind gusts. I probably could have maximized a couple of other waves earlier in the heat and not put the stress on myself. I am super happy to win that heat and have another day to get acclimated and used to my boards and the waves.”

Toledo went on to storm through his Round 2 heat by taking to the air and netting an impressive 16.54 heat total to eliminate Kai Otton (AUS) from the competition. 

“I’ve really been working a lot and trying to improve at places like J-Bay,” said Toledo. “I’m super excited to be here and surfing in perfect waves like this. I’m really happy. Surfers like me love to do airs and crazy maneuvers, but I know if I want to be a world champ I have to improve my other types of surfing like barrels.” 

Reigning WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA) also won through Round 1 to secure his place in Round 3. De Souza defeated Otton and Josh Kerr (AUS) in Heat 4.

“Before the event started, I saw the forecast and I’ve surfed this wave so much over the past ten days,” De Souza said. “I’ve been learning a lot here and know I need to apply what I’ve been doing in the last few weeks. I am happy to move on. It was a tricky heat against Kai and Josh, as they both have an amazing history here at J-Bay.”

Surfline, official forecaster for the World Surf League, are calling for:

Medium size SW swell mix prevails Wednesday along with very strong offshore flow, before trending down Thursday and into Friday morning as wind eases significantly. A potentially larger SW swell could move in for the weekend of the 9th-10th, although wind conditions do look more problematic with at least some periods of onshore flow. At this point the early to middle part of next week looks pretty slow, with some fun to possibly mid size SW swell around the last three days of the waiting period.

The J-Bay Open has a competitive window from July 6 - 17, 2016 and will be webcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the WSL app.

All images Kirstin Scholtz WSL