25 February 2014
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) on Monday announced the return of world-famous South African surf spot Jeffreys Bay to the elite Samsung Galaxy World Championship Tour schedule for the 2014 season.
Taking place from 10 to 20 July, the J Bay Open will serve as the sixth of 11 stops on the 2014 WCT schedule and has signed a three-year agreement to host the world’s best surfers from 2014 to 2016.
An elite ASP WCT venue from 1996 to 2011, Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape is universally regarded as one of the best right-hand point breaks on the planet, and will replace Bali on the 2014 schedule.
‘One of the world’s premiere waves’
“It’s only fitting that one of the world’s premiere waves provides the canvas for the world’s premiere surfers again,” Paul Speaker, the CEO of the ASP, said in a statement on Monday.
“Jeffreys Bay has an incredible heritage with the sport, and the local community have been instrumental in returning the ASP Top 34 to South Africa this season. We’re very thankful and we look forward to the 2014 instalment of the event,” he added.
Universally celebrated as one of the best waves on the planet, Jeffreys Bay has existed as a favorite tour stop for the world’s best surfers since its inception and will add a welcome element to this season’s ASP World Title race.
‘It’s about damn time!’
“The fact that J-Bay is back on?! Well it’s about damn time!” South Africa’s Jordy Smith, a two-time event winner, said.
“I am really excited that the event is back on. It’s by far the best stop on the tour for quality of high performance surfing. It’s arguably the best right-hand point in the world and deserves a spot on the WCT.
“I’m proud to be a South African and to have one of the ‘CT spots be in our backyard. It means a lot to our country and the town of Jeffreys Bay. I’m sure the people are going to be really happy to see the event return.”
‘One of my favourite places on earth’
“Such exciting news about going back to J-Bay,” Mick Fanning, the reigning three- time ASP world champion, commented. “The wave is one of my all-time favourites and the place in general is awesome. The people, the animals, the whole area is one of my favourite places on earth. Can’t wait!”
“We were very fortunate to have brought the world’s best surfers to Bali in 2013 and Keramas delivered in amazing fashion for the event,” Kieren Perrow, ASP Commissioner, said. “However, the opportunity to bring the WCT back to South Africa made sense to us and we look forward to the Top 34 showcased on J-Bay’s world- class walls this July.”
JBay Winterfest
The J Bay Open will be the major draw card of the JBay WinterFest, which takes place during the same time period.
“On behalf of the local surf community and the town of Jeffreys Bay, we would like to welcome ASP back to Jeffreys Bay,” stated Koffie Jacobs, the Director of the JBay WinterFest and the J-Bay Open event co-ordinator.
“We obviously believe there is no finer right hand point break in the world, and ASP World Tour is not complete without Supertubes on the calendar.”
‘Extremely pleased’
“We are extremely pleased that the best surfers in the world will be back at Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay this July,” said Johnny Bakker, the Vice President of Surfing South Africa (SSA).
“SSA is proud to be working with the ASP, the local surfing community, and the Kouga Municiaplity on the J Bay Open of Surfing.’
SAinfo reporter
