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Corona Open J-Bay

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Friday, July 15, 2022) - The Corona Open J-Bay, Stop No. 9 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2022 Championship Tour (CT), is ON for the final day of competition. The Corona Open J-Bay will start at 7:35 a.m. SAST with the men’s Quarterfinals, followed by the women’s and men’s Semifinals, and women’s and men’s Finals. Four-to-six foot waves are on offer at Supertubes with light, variable winds for what promises to be another memorable day.

In the opening men’s Quarterfinal, World No. 2 Jack Robinson (AUS) will meet Samuel Pupo (BRA) for their first CT matchup. Robinson has the opportunity to gain some ground on World No. 1 Filipe Toledo (BRA) after he was eliminated in the Round of 16.

South Africa’s Jordy Smith is in his third Quarterfinal of the season but has yet to advance to the Semifinals. The two-time event winner will be up against World No. 3 Ethan Ewing (AUS) who has also produced superb performances at Supertubes this week.

The first women’s Semifninal matchup will see two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) take on seven-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS). The Corona Open J-Bay is Wright’s first CT event back since the Roxy Pro G-Land, and despite it being her first time competing at J-Bay, she’s looking poised for a great result.

The 2019 Corona Open J-Bay winner Carissa Moore (HAW) will face a big challenge in the second Semifinal against Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA). Weston-Webb showed her comfort in bigger conditions and put on a goofy-foot masterclass at J-Bay to book her spot for Finals Day.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Corona Open J-Bay Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Connor O'Leary (AUS)
HEAT 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)

Corona Open J-Bay Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)

Watch LIVE
The Corona Open J-Bay will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app, and on WSL's YouTube Channel. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners.

Watch Live

Michael Ho surfing at 64 (now 65)

One of the happiest and craziest 65 year old surfers out there! This video is a tribute to Michael Ho's 65th year alive surfing. Aside from the 1982 flashback intro ALL clips are from this year 2022.

In this video: Starting at Backdoor, Uncle Mike shows us how its truly done by getting a wave of the day amongst the Pipeline pack. He then chases his son down to one of the most sketchiest surf spots on the island. Wrapping it all up back at his childhood surfspot in Waimanalo.

Surfers: Michael Ho & Paul Woolery
Filming: Rory Pringle & ABC.
Jams: Backdoor Man.
Location: All of Oahu.

Vans x JUJU Surf Club

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, has teamed up with JUJU Surf Club on a nature-inspired surf capsule that uplifts the nonprofit’s mission to give back to and broaden the African surf community.

Weaving together lighthearted surf vibes and the signature colors of JUJU Surf Club, the easy-to-wear capsule takes its cues from global influences. Founded by Vans team rider Michael February and his wife Zelti February, JUJU Surf Club is bringing greater awareness to existing and emerging African surf programs, by sharing resources, connecting individuals from across the world, and supporting fundraising efforts for essential surf equipment.

The Vans x JUJU Surf Club Collection is anchored in gold and burnt orange hues, seen across a head-to-offering that leads with the JUJU boardshort. Technical features include 2-way mechanical stretch fabrication and a fixed waistband with drawcord, maximizing movement and comfort in the water. On land, a cargo pocket and key loop detail on the right waistband mix function and form. The African-inspired jacquard webbing down the left side seam evokes the spirit of JUJU Surf Club and its roots, and the Vans and JUJU woven labels on the left side seam at the hem display both brands with pride.

The collection also includes a short sleeve tee, graphic crew fleece, and bucket hat. A Vans Checkerboard silhouette of the African continent pays homage to JUJU Surf’s origins, and the African-inspired jacquard print makes another appearance on the bucket hat. Pops of gold and burnt orange on the cuffs of the graphic crew nod to JUJU Surf’s signature palette.

The footwear range includes various designs across women’s, men’s, and kids’ categories, with a focus on Vans all-new UltraRange VR3, which follows Vans strict materials guidelines with one or a combination of regenerative, responsibly sourced renewable, and recycled materials that make up at least 30% of the product. The Sk8 Hi 38 Decon VR3 SF infuses an upper crafted from 50% recycled cotton and 50% hemp, with the clean yet bright colorways that define JUJU Surf’s heritage. Design details carried over from the apparel collection include a Checkerboard silhouette of the African continent, and gold and burnt orange raised stitching alongside the shoe’s upper. The ideal post-surf sandal, the La Costa Slide-On receives similar pops of color and both brand’s logos on the sole.

As one of the most iconic professional surfers in the modern world, and co-founder of JUJU Surf Club, Michael February uses his platform to develop and grow the burgeoning surf scene in Africa. As a proud South African, he and his wife Zelti have made it their mission to give back to the community. This hard-working and humble spirit has no doubt played a role in his successful surfing career, with Mikey rising to the world stage after qualifying for the 2018 World Championship Tour. With his quirky signature style and desire to give back to his community, Mikey is truly making an impact on the world of surfing.

The Vans x JUJU Surf Club Collection is now available at Vans retail locations and at vans.eu/surf.

Meet Blind Surfer Pete Gustin

Pete Gustin is voice actor and on-camera host and surfer. Two-time winner of the 'Outstanding Movie Trailer Voice Over of the Year' award, Pete's voice can be heard on many major theatrical releases as well as on promos for TV networks. He also hosts the inspirational weekly series called Blind Surfer, yup he's blind but that definitely doesn't hold him back.

Sweet Adventure – World Tour

There are those movies that come along and capture the moment, the magic, the zeitgeist and Sweet Adventure, the latest offering from multi award winning filmmaker Peter Hamblin, is one of those rare gems.

Combining jaw dropping surfing, stunning cinematography, secret spots, new discoveries, good times and more, Sweet Adventure follows ground breaking surfers Albee Layer and Matt Meola, plus skate megastar Nora Vasconcellos, from the thumping waves of Maui to the jungle point breaks and empty beaches of El Salvador in search of the perfect wave. And it’s all tied together by the grand, all-seeing, all-knowing narrator, Selema Masekela.

Innovative South African Director Peter Hamblin, who brought us Let’s Be Frank and Riss, has once again lent his trademark blend of Hollywood flair and witty irreverence to the surf film genre. At its very core this is a movie about adventure, but it’s about more than that; it’s about travel and friendship and great waves – it’s about the things we’ve been missing, the things that matter.

Sweet Adventure wears its heart on its sleeve, it has the soul of a surf-travel classic. For many Endless Summer 2 is a landmark of the genre, imprinted on their grommet-hood, and it isn’t long before legends Pat O’Connell and Wingnut appear. Their timeless chemistry sets the hook - through bowl riding, barrel riding… helicopter riding… in fact on this trip, nothing is off the table. There’s a certain sprinkling of magic dust that’s hard to describe. It’s like turning the dial up to 11. Before the end credits even roll you’ll be inspired to assemble your crew and pack your bags, ready for your own Sweet Adventure…

Sweet Adventure Dir. Peter Hamblin has scooped awards at festivals from London to Australia and is now headed off on a world tour with stops in USA, South Africa, Europe and Australia coming up… You’re not going to want to miss this!

Sweet Adventure World Premiere Tour

NEXT DATES:

14th July – Brain Dead Theatre, Los Angeles - TICKETS

21st July – Syndicated Theatre, New York - TICKETS

Stay tuned to @peter.h.hamblin for the next release of dates!

Corona Open J-Bay Opens Today

• South Africans Joshe Faulkner and Matthew McGillivray Ready for Competition Start at Home Break

• World No. 2 Johanne Defay and No. 3 Lakey Peterson Eager to Lock into WSL Final 5 at Corona Open J-Bay

• More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com

The holding period for the Corona Open J-Bay, Stop No. 9 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2022 Championship Tour (CT), will open today, Tuesday, July 12 and will run through Thursday, July 21, 2022. As the second-to-last stop before the Rip Curl WSL Finals, this competition will be pivotal in the World Title race, as only the Top 5 men and Top 5 women on the CT rankings will be eligible to compete in the Rip Curl WSL Finals.

Jeffreys Bay is revered as one of the world’s best right-hand point breaks. Supertubes will play host to the world’s best surfers throughout the next 10 days with promising swell on the way for the first half of the competition window. Additionally, the Eastern Cape boasts unspoiled picturesque coastlines, rolling hills and valleys, incredible wildlife, and the traditional Xhosa culture.

South Africans Joshe Faulkner and Matthew McGillivray Ready for Competition Start at Home Break

Joshe Faulkner (RSA, above) grew up in Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay, a stone’s throw away from the world-class Supertubes break. After being inspired by friends coming home with trophies from local surfing competitions, Faulkner learned to surf and instantaneously fell in love with the sport. This year he is competing on the Challenger Series to try and qualify for the 2023 CT, but this week Faulkner will realise his lifelong dream to compete at his home break in front of family and friends.

“I’m over the moon, I still can’t believe I got this wildcard," said Faulkner. "I’m feeling amazing and ready, let’s do this! I’ve watched this event every year since I started surfing. It’s been a childhood dream for me and I’m super stoked to get this opportunity to be competing in this event. The response has been amazing, there’s so much support from the local crew. I’m excited to put on a show for the locals.”

Matthew McGillivray (RSA) first competed in the Corona Open J-Bay in 2018 as a wildcard and has been dreaming of coming back ever since.

“J-Bay has always been my dream event," said McGillivray. "My family and I would come and watch the event every year. I was always so amazed by what everyone was doing, trying to get their autographs on the beach. I don’t think I even dreamed of being in the event one day, but it slowly became a reality when I got a wildcard entry back in 2018. Now we’re back and we have an amazing forecast, the setup is amazing and so many people from around the country are so excited to come to this competition.

“The forecast is looking promising, I can’t wait. Coming from Jeffreys Bay, it’s always been a dream to compete in this event. There was a big motivation for me to make the Mid-season Cut and it meant a lot to me when I made the cut. It means so much to surf at my home break in front of my home crowd and I’m really excited for this week.”

World No. 2 Johanne Defay and No. 3 Lakey Peterson Eager to Lock into WSL Final 5 at Corona Open J-Bay

Johanne Defay (FRA, above) sits at World No. 2 on the CT rankings and could clinch her spot in the WSL Final 5 in South Africa. The 28-year-old locked in the 5th spot last year, but a favorable result at the Corona Open J-Bay could afford her a higher seed this year and give her a better opportunity to claim her maiden World Title. Despite still missing her luggage and most of her surfboard bags, Defay is staying positive ahead of opening day.

“I’m super motivated,” said Defay. “I live in Reunion Island and it’s not that far from here, so being back in the Indian Ocean, I’m hoping it will give me some good luck! I’m super happy to be here. I’ve had some luggage issues, but it’s part of the journey. I’m happy to see the forecast and I look forward to enjoying it. When you get caught up in the rankings, it doesn’t really work for me, so I’m going to focus on surfing and enjoying it. I hope everyone gets good waves and that we can put on a good show.”

World No. 3 Lakey Peterson (USA) is looking to go all the way this year and lift the coveted trophy. The Californian has been runner-up at the Corona Open J-Bay twice before and has yet to take the win. Peterson’s love for right-hand point breaks shows through her CT success and after a runner-up finish in El Salvador, Peterson demonstrated how close she is to victory in 2022, with J-Bay possibly being her event to win.

“I’d love to get a great result here and solidify my spot to get into the WSL Final 5,” said Peterson. “I love a right-hand point break and J-Bay is not easy, but it feels familiar. The pace of the wave is incredible, it’s such a big open canvas, you can create whatever you want and I love that about it. Hopefully, third time’s the charm.”

Wildcard and Injury Updates for Corona Open J-Bay

Jeffreys Bay local Faulkner has been awarded the men’s event wildcard, and Tia Blanco (USA) will be the women’s wildcard, the last of three wildcards from her Ultimate Surfer prize. The 2019 Corona Open J-Bay winner, Gabriel Medina (BRA), will not be surfing in J-Bay after he injured his knee during the Oi Rio Pro pres. by Corona in Saquarema. He will be replaced by the 2023 wildcard and 2022 injury replacement, Yago Dora (BRA). John John Florence (HAW) also withdrew from this competition following his knee injury at the Quiksilver Pro G-Land and will be replaced by Luke Thompson (RSA), the highest-ranked male South African surfer on the Challenger Series rankings.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Corona Open J-Bay Women’s Opening Round 1 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Brisa Hennessy (CRI), Courtney Conlogue (USA)
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW), Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Tia Blanco (USA)
HEAT 3: Johanne Defay (FRA), Isabella Nichols (AUS), Caroline Marks (USA)
HEAT 4: Lakey Peterson (USA), Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Tyler Wright (AUS)

Corona Open J-Bay Men’s Opening Round 1 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Matthew McGillivray (RSA), Jadson Andre (BRA)
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA), Jordy Smith (RSA), Yago Dora (BRA)
HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS), Kolohe Andino (USA), Luke Thompson (RSA)
HEAT 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA), Nat Young (USA), Joshe Faulkner (RSA)
HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS), Barron Mamiya (HAW), Jackson Baker (AUS)
HEAT 6: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 7: Callum Robson (AUS), Samuel Pupo (BRA), Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 8: Miguel Pupo (BRA), Connor O’Leary (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA)

Watch LIVE
The Corona Open J-Bay opens on July 12 and holds a competition waiting period through July 21, 2022. The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app, and on WSL's YouTube Channel. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners.

Watch live