Author: Craig Jarvis

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Crowds hitting Jbay for the Winterfest 2018

Jordy Smith representing this year at the JBay Winterfest 2018

Crowds hitting Jbay for the Winterfest 2018

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa – The 6th edition of the JBay Winterfest opened today, with the waiting period of the Corona Open JBay officially starting this morning. All the top Championship Tour (CT) surfers are in town, and expectations are high for a great event.

South Africa is well represented in this year’s edition of the Corona Open JBay, with both Jordy Smith and Mikey February representing as CT surfers, with local surfer Matt McGillivray in the event as a wildcard, along with former CT surfer Bianca Buitendag in as the wildcard in the women’s event.

“This is one of the few events that I’m able to surf in front of my friends and family, so I’m doing it for them,” said Jordy Smith of the upcoming event. “They don’t get to travel and see what my life looks like on a day to day basis. I just want to show them my love and what this is all about.”

The forecast is looking very promising for an excellent run of surf, starting to filter through this afternoon (Monday 2nd) and pouring through for the period Tuesday 3rd – Thursday 5th, with surf in the four to six-foot range in the forecast. For now, the contest is on, with fun three-foot sets starting off the day. Updates can be found on the World Surf League website,  and the webcast can be found on the WSL Facebook page. 

Corona Sunset Sessions

As part of the Corona Open JBay there will also be the free music sessions – the Corona Sunset Sessions – at the contest site on Pepper Street. Thursday 05 July will see Sean Koch and Sunset Sweatshop performing; on Friday 06 July it’ll be Rubber Duc and Money for Bali, while Saturday 07 July will feature Desmond & The Tutus and Nic Preen & The World of Birds. All shows are free of charge, so come down and enjoy the vibes.

JBay Winterfest 2018
JBay Winterfest 2018

Money for Bali

 

Funduro  – 7 July

On Saturday 7 July Slake Adventures will be hosting their fifth Funduro, hosted by the JBay Winterfest.

This is a Fun Ride and that no competitor licenses or club memberships are needed. Riders of all levels, together with family and friends are welcome. The event will take place at Seaview Vlakte, just above the Mondplaas petrol garage on the R102.

The loop consists of 15 km single track and is measured as easy-to-medium in difficulty. The terrain will consist of both flat and technical riding. The new unridden terrain will be super fun with some surprises on the way!

JBay Winterfest 2018
JBay Winterfest 2018

Funduro action © Kody McGregor

Cold Water Swim Classic – 8 July

The Coldwater Swim Classic takes place in the saltwater canals of Marina Martinique on 8 July. This swim features sub-15 C water, icy air temperatures. The Marina is renowned world wide as an open water swim venue, and the Swim Classic has been promoted to be an official Robben Island qualifying event. There are three distances on offer during the JBay Winterfest – a Mile, Double Mile and a grueling Triple Mile. All races start at 9:30am.

High resolution images from all events are available for media outlets on request – info@craigjarvis.co.za

Oakley, Kouga Municipality, Island Tribe and Bioplus proudly sponsor the JBay Winterfest.

The festival is anchored by the Corona Open JBay, and there is the JBay Windfarm MTB Classic event, the Cold Water Classic open water swim, the Endurade JBayX Trail Run, the Fishing Skins Tournament and the JBay Winterfest Funduro. More information can be found on the JBay Winterfest website.

The event hash tag is #jbaywinterfest

The JBay Winterfest social media channels:

Website: www.jbaywinterfest.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jbaywinterfest????

Instagram: @jbaywinterfest

For JBay Winterfest information contact

Koffie Jacobs

e.koffie@silverbullet.co.za

Media enquiries:

Craig Jarvis

e. info@craigjarvis.co.za

t. 082 376 4443

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Surfers Pay Tribute to Jack O’Neill In JBay Memorial Paddle Out

Surfers Pay Tribute to Jack O’Neill In JBay Memorial Paddle Out

Surfers Pay Tribute to Jack O’Neill In JBay Memorial Paddle Out

Jordy Smith, Lower Point, JBay © Van Gysen

Lower Point, JBay – Championship Tour surfer Jordy Smith and friends joined locals and other surfers from all over the country for a Memorial Paddle Out in honour of Jack O’Neill at Lower Point yesterday morning.

For the man who pioneered the wetsuit, it was fitting that the weather had arrived in JBay, and it was a freezing, cloudless morning at Lower Point. Surfers were trussed up in their best rubber as they launched through the keyhole into the fresh southwest wind blowing up the point, for the paddle out.

Memorial Paddle Outs were staged worldwide, with Jack’s hometown Santa Cruz leading the proceedings. Over 2500 people joined the celebration there in what was the biggest memorial celebration the surfing world has seen to date. People were on surfboards, in boats in the water, and lining the cliff, as 1977 Surfing World Champion Shaun Tomson from South Africa made a speech honouring the man.

In JBay, Jordy Smith led the proceedings. “Jack O’Neill was such a visionary and a pioneer,” said Jordy. “Apart from wetsuits and all he did there, he was a forward thinker on so many different aspects of our surfing life. I wouldn’t be able to surf in Cape Town if it wasn’t for him. He opened so many doors for people to be able to enjoy the ocean and it’s something that we can be grateful for.”

The gathered circle. @Van Gysen

Jordy had the pleasure of hanging out with the man a few years ago.

“I remember hanging out with him at his house in Santa Cruz a few years ago,” said Jordy. “After a surf he asked me what the water was like. I told him that it wasn’t too bad, not too cold and he smiled and said to me, ‘you’re welcome.’ That’s all he said. It was the craziest thing. It was so funny, and something I’ll remember forever.”

Jordy paddled out into the small surf at Lower Point with a wreath, and surfers followed him out and joined the circle. It was a fitting tribute to the man who pioneered the wetsuit and did so much more for the sport.

Jordy Smith at the Jack O’Neill Memorial Paddle Out © Van Gysen

“It was very heart-warming to see the locals, the groms and everyone else turn out for the paddle out,” said O’Neill South Africa’s Paul Canning. “O’Neill South Africa would like to thank everyone who came down to pay tribute to Jack.”

Groms, girls, moms and dads all arrived for the Jack O’Neill Paddle Out. ©Van Gysen

The tribute video clip on Jack O’Neill – “I Knew Jack O’Neill.” – youtu.be/MVYYEq6Ggt4

Surfers are gathered in JBay for the Corona Open JBay Championship Tour event. The waiting period for the competition starts tomorrow Wednesday 12 July. The Corona Open JBay is the showcase event at the JBay Winterfest, a multi-sport and music festival in Jeffreys Bay from July 12-23. More details at www.jbaywinterfest.com. .

—

For further information please contact:

Paul Canning

c. 082 727 1733

e. paul.c@sectorgroup.co.za

 

Compiled and distributed by:

Craig Jarvis

e. craig@truthcollective.co.za

c. 082 376 4443

 

About O’Neill:

O’Neill, the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O’Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her own game. Pioneering the world’s first neoprene wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop in Santa Cruz soon after.

While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, Jack’s initial vision of producing functional and innovative board riding products continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. O’Neill’s core values – innovation in style and technology – have seen the brand devote itself wholeheartedly to the evolution of the action sports lifestyle.  From the first ever neoprene wetsuit and surf leash, to the world’s first stitchless boardshorts and range of groundbreaking wearable electronics, O’Neill’s progressive spirit will always drive the company forward.  For more information, please visit www.oneill.com

O’Neill Socials:

f: @ONeill  i: @oneill t: @teamoneill #RIPJackONeill

 

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Jordy Smith wins at Ballito 2017

Ballito Pro 2021is on! Jordy Smith flying high at the 2017 Ballito Pro

O’Neill Surfer Jordy Smith Wins Ballito Pro.

A victorious Jordy Smith © Van Gysen

Ballito – O’Neill surfer and third rated Championship Tour competitor Jordy Smith won the Ballito Pro presented by Billabong in front of a packed beach of local spectators on Saturday 8 July, defeating natural-footed Brazilian Willian Cardoso. This is Smith’s second Ballito Pro win, with his previous victory at the event back in 2010.

The big South African overcame a stomach bug that almost disrupted his charge in mid-week to reach the final. He managed to overcome the illness to find unrivaled rhythm for the rest of the event, and charged all the way through to the final day, when he found his peak performance.

“Obviously I love being in Ballito, this will always be the first real contest that I ever competed in on the international stage, so there’s a lot of history and it means a lot to me,” said Jordy of the contest. “It’s a great opportunity for me to stay in tune.”

The theory worked, and he was in tune for the final day in good, contestable conditions at Willard Beach. Smith first eliminated Brazilian goofy-footer Miquel Pupo in the quarterfinals, before beating fellow South African Mikey February in the semi-finals.

“Secretly I was a little bummed for Mikey February. I would have liked to be in the finals with him,” commented Smith on the Kommetjie surfer. “I just wish him all the best, I really hope he brings it and joins me on the tour next year.”

In the final it was Jordy up against the powerful Brazilian Willian Cardoso in the powerful right-handers spinning off over the Willard Beach sandbank. Both surfers had a decent start, until Jordy picked up a set wave, saw a ramp section and took to the skies for arguably the biggest air move of the entire event and a score of 9.73, leaving Cardoso chasing a massive score at the back end of the heat.


Jordy found the ramps and took to the skies in the final. © Van Gysen

“I had a bit of a slow start, but I ended up sticking that first air and from there I was actually enjoying my surf out there,” said Smith. “Eventually I got that one wave with a nice section and got one of the biggest ramps all week and just went for it and I landed it.”

“I’m really happy with my performance this week and hopefully I can take this momentum to J-Bay,” said Smith. “It’s such an honour winning this event with so many of my friends and family here.”

Ballito finals day video recap.

His win will see Smith receive a massive boost of confidence as he heads to Jeffreys Bay for the Corona Open JBay – Stop No. 6 of 11 on the WSL Championship Tour starting on Wednesdaywhere he is a former two-time event winner, having banked wins in 2010 and 2011.

Before the Corona Open JBay starts, Smith will be heading up a Memorial Paddle Out in honour of legendary waterman and the pioneer of the wetsuit, Jack O’Neill. The paddle out is open to all, and surfers are encouraged to meet Jordy and friends at the Lower Point Car Park in JBay onMonday 10 July at 8:30am. For further information please visit the Facebook Event Page.

 

For more on Jack O’Neill, watch the I Knew Jack O’Neill memorial movie below.

 

The Memorial Paddle Out is a forerunner event to the JBay Winterfest. For more information on the multi-sport and cultural festival, taking place in JBay go to www.jbaywinterfest.com

 

For further information contact

O’Neill South Africa brand director Paul Canning on

e. paul.c@sectorgroup.co.za

c. 0827271722

 

Compiled and distributed by

Craig Jarvis

craig@truthcollective.co.za

0823764443

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Jbay 2017: Waiting Period Opens For JBU Supertrial

Jbay 2017: Waiting Period Opens For JBU Supertrial Presented By Monster Energy

jbay 2017
jbay 2017

 

JBay 2017 – The 11-day waiting period for the 2017 edition of the JBU Supertrial has officially opened, and all eyes are on the swell forecasts for the next few days. The JBU Supertrial is one of the most important and lucrative events on the domestic scene, with first place in the tournament being a coveted Wild Card entry into the Corona Open JBay Championship Tour contest.

“There is a bit of activity this weekend, but it seems to be coming in very fast, and leaving just as fast,” said www.wavescape.co.za surf forecaster Spike. “It looks like the window of opportunity for this swell is quite small. There is, however, another interesting looking storm bringing a fresh swell that is due to make landfall early the following Wednesday morning, and although it is quite far away still, this will be the day we will be monitoring closely for an opportunity to run the contest.”

This year this tournament is all about the younger surfers hoping to break out into professional surfing and get onto the championship tour, so the competition has a nice mix of red-hot up-and-comers along with a few JBay stalwarts and past winners.

The invited surfers in no particular order are:

Shane Sykes, Jordy Maree, Dale Staples, Adin Masencamp, Matt Bromley, defending champion Steven Sawyer, Mikey February, Matt McGillivray, Joshe Faulkner, Beyrick De Vries, Davey van Zyl and Dylan Lightfoot.

Jordy Maree from Kalk Bay is one of the invited surfers ready for the contest. The 18-year-old goofy-footer has been in the area training recently, and can’t wait for the tournament to run.  “I’m so thankful to be a part of the JBU Supertrial at my age,” said Maree. “I’m always excited to arrive at JBay and get some waves at Supers. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to get up to JBay about eight times this year already and can’t wait to be in the water with three others out in cooking conditions for the Supertrial. Thanks to everyone for the support, I’m really stoked to be a part of this event.”

Jordy Maree from Kalk Bay, Cape Town, was a last minute walk-up entry into last year’s event, and impressed enough to get an invite into the 2017 tournament ©Van Gysen.

 

The JBU Supertrial presented by Monster Energy is an exclusive invite-only tournament, with first prize being the coveted Wild Card entry into the World Surf League Championship Tour Corona Open JBay. The Supertrial has a waiting period from 1st – 11th June, and historically always enjoyed excellent surf conditions at Supertubes. The Corona Open JBay has a waiting period from12th – 23rd July, and is part of the JBay Winterfest

Hashtags #JBUsupertrial  #JBayWinterfest

The JBU Supertrial is co-sponsored by RVCA.

www.wavescape.co.za is the media partner.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jbaywinterfest

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The JBU Supertrial is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa, the recognised governing body for the sport in South Africa.

About Surfing South Africa

SSA is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA).

The JBU Supertrial also is sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL).

About the World Surf League

The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

For more information contact the event organiser

Koffie Jacobs

Koffie@silverbullet.co.za

Compiled and distributed by

Craig Jarvis

craig@thetruthcollective.co.za

High resolution images are available on request for media outlets.

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Cell C Goodwave 2017 – Watching The Horizon

Cell C Goodwave 2017

Cell C Goodwave 2017 – Watching The Horizon

Craig Jarvis keeping us up to date for the upcoming event…Thanks Jarvi!

Cell C Goodwave teaser video – www.youtube.com/watch

New Pier, Durban – The recent fast and wild storm swell has passed, and we’re all looking forward to the next clean, deep-lined ‘Goodwave swell’ to show up at New Pier.

The Cell C Goodwave official swell forecaster Spike from Wavescape had this to say about the last swell. “That swell contains a lot of mixed up directions and intervals and sizes. These swells straight off the end of the wind fetch will always create good individual waves every now and then, but with a lot of weak, and bumpy waves in between.”

Wild and stormy seas from the last swell ©Flanagan

According to Spike there are bits and pieces on the maps for the upcoming weeks.

“The storms are fragmented and lacking uniformity and directional fetch for Durban,” reckoned Spike. “The high pressure systems are still ruling the roost, sitting too far south. A small storm does form off the coast on Friday, and has a small chance of upgrading into something interesting next week, but it’s early days for that. The other system is a giant storm just north of the ice shelf that blasts a SSE fetch towards Durban this Thursday. However it’s a five-day travel away, and it must pass through the Roaring Forties and several cold fronts before it makes landfall next week, with the swell direction also likely to be too southerly.”

Contest Director Jason Ribbink is confident that the Cell C Goodwave will run within a fairly short period of time.

“As Spike mentioned, we are not looking for those swells that have so many different variables, with different wave heights and directions,” said Ribbink. “We’re waiting for that classic day when the New Pier is just perfect, big barrels all day. When it comes the event will run.”

As an added bonus on the day, Cell C Durban is going to be offering free WiFi on the beach and around the contest site all day. So apart from watching the action live you can get all the replays, commentary and scores on your phone or device for free. This is pretty cool. If you happen to miss a 10-point ride or something else just as remarkable, then it’s going to be available for you on your phone, and you can access via Cell C’s free WiFi.

• The Cell C Goodwave is a South African Surfing Legends event, with Jason Ribbink the contest director.

• California Dreaming, overlooking New Pier on the beachfront, will host the competition on the day. Oakley and Sun International are both supporting sponsors.

• The four World Surf League Specialty Events for 2017 can be found herehttp://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2017/spec

Invited surfers, in no order:

Brandon Jackson, Matt McGillivray, Dale Staples, Shane Sykes, Mikey February, Josh Redman, Damien Fahrenfort, Dan Redman, Mike Frew, Simon Nicholson, Gavin Roberts, Frankie Oberholzer, Matt Bromley, Davey Weare, Grant Baker, Chris Leppan, Sean Holmes, Ricky Basnett, Jason Ribbink, Beyrick de Vries, Gary van Wieringen, Dylan Lightfoot, Chad du Toit, Brendan O’Connor, Warwick Wright, Noel Rahme, Shane Thorne, Paul Canning, Richard Kidd, Davey van Zyl, Robbie Schofield, Greg Emslie.

Alternate surfers, in no order:

Secret International VIP, Alan Johns, Josh Smit, Jordy Maree, Adin Jeenes, Simon Fish, Joshe Faulkner, Matt Pallet, Stever Sawyer, Dylan Stewart, Lee Bisset, Scott Venter, Billy Payne, Scott Hamilton, Ryan Payne, Sam Christianson, Derek Footit, Ben Dancaster, Bevan Willis, Koby Oberholzer, Antonio Bortoletto, Manfred Adrio, Wes O’Driscoll, Elton Cuthbert, Andrew Lange, Blane Wood, Chris Frolich, Wade Simkiss, Rene Terblanche, Frank Solomon, Mikhael ‘MK’ Vawda, Casey Grant, Andrew Banks.

The Cell C Goodwave – in loving memory of Lee Wolins.

 

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