RVCA Junior Series Jbay Day 2

The waves were tiny, but the Under 20's were still ripping! (Photo: Stix)

It was a tough day for the Groms with small, small waves at the Point in Jbay, but that did not stop the kids from ripping. We saw the first Round of the big lads and Mikey February and Max Armstrong were my pics in the first round. The Under 14's scored for their Quarter Finals as the swell picked up and glassed off towards the end of the day. Check out the Day 2 video...

Josh Kerr at the Billabong Pro

At the start of the year I was so amped that Kerr had made it back onto the tour. Lets face it, the guy is a freak when it comes to new school surfing and I was really hoping he would blow shit up. His start, however, was a little disappointing and I was wondering if I had a made a bad call. Then along came Jbay. Kerr surfed like a man possessed throughout the event and on the 2nd last day, a day many were calling one of the most progressive in contest history, he was the main reason the other guys were pushing so hard. He was punting ridik airs, throwing "Impossible" turns and just to completely mess with every other contestants heads, pulled what Occy referred to as the "Club Sandwich", a mind altering snap to inverted spin, at least I think that's what it was. It took a rampaging Mick Fanning - who ended up in 2nd place - to halt the Kerr. Watch this space, the man is going to blow up spots like France and Trestles!

While he was in Jbay, Kerr kept a video diary, check it out...

Josh Kerr in J'Bay ep.1 from rustyintl on Vimeo.

Josh Kerr in J'bay ep.2 from rustyintl on Vimeo.

Josh Kerr in J'Bay ep.3 from rustyintl on Vimeo.

Josh Kerr in J'bay ep.4 from rustyintl on Vimeo.

Josh Kerr in J'bay ep.5 from rustyintl on Vimeo.

Billabong Pro - Jordy Smith wins back to back Titles

Jordy Smith, the Champ, with cohort, Laces, and Red Bull SA chief, Tristan. (Photo: ASP)

Wow! After a worrying start and lets be honest, not the best waves ever seen at a WCT, let alone Jbay, this contest ended up being one of the best ever. Surfing was taken to the next level, with eventual winner (Boy the Saffers are happy!) Jordy Smith and Josh Kerr pushingn the rest of the crew to pull out the new school moves. In the end it was Jordy and Mick, who kinda flew under the radar till beating his best mate Joel Parko in Semi 2. But, Jordy, after a bit of a wobble in Round 4, never looked like losing and dominated the last 3 rounds with amazing scores in the deteriorating waves. Mr Smith also took the Nixon Winner Takes All award for his incredible wave in Round 5, which saw one of the biggest Air reverses ever made in a heat - His Girldfriend is apparently very happy with her new $10'000 Watch. Well done Jordy, you make us proud my man!



The ASP Press Release:
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Sunday, July 24, 2011) – Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, has taken out the 2011 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in a hard-fought Final over Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, in front of the raucous and hardy hometown crowd on the beach and hundreds of thousands watching online.

Event No. 4 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro culminated in dramatic fashion today with “victory at sea”, three-to-four foot (1 – 1.5 metre) surf and the world’s best surfers displayed their comprehensive abilities to shred anything from yesterday’s perfection to today’s challenging conditions.

Smith continuously posted impressive scores throughout his Quarterfinal, Semfinal and Final heats, but it was his local knowledge that allowed his to select the best waves in the Final to overtake an in-form Fanning. The win was met with an eruption from those in attendance braving the harsh weather, and Smith was cheered up the beach to an emotional audience.

“It’s been an incredible week for me,” Smith said. “All the support of the people at Jeffreys Bay, Garth (Tarlow), Steve (Smith), my girlfriend Lyndall (Jarvis), my mom and dad and everyone else. It’s been a really special week for me and I’m so happy right now.”

Moving from 5th to 2nd on the ASP World Title rankings, the young South African is now firmly in the hunt and will utilize the confidence attained today to propel him through the latter half of the year.

“Mick (Fanning) has surfed amazing all week,” Smith said. “He’s always an inspiration and he’s right there with everyone in the hunt for the title. Today’s a huge win for me. Last year, it was very emotional. To back it up this year just feels really, really good. It’s huge for my confidence and I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”



Fanning, who claimed the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in 2002 and 2006, appeared to find his form this morning, dusting Gold Coast flyboy Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, en route his Runner-Up finish. Today’s placing sees Fanning move from 8th to 4th on the ASP World Title Rankings.

“It was really difficult out there today,” Fanning said. “Three heats yesterday and three heats today and felt like the arms wanted to fall off. Big congratulations to Jordy (Smith) though. It was great surfing. It’s inspirational stuff and I’m looking forward to the next one.”



Parkinson, 2008 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay winner, was in sensational form this year, consistently notching up high scores throughout the event before falling to a rampaging Fanning in the Semifinals.

“The conditions are a bit tedious today but every now and then there’s a good wave,” Parkinson said. “Everyone is in the same boat too – we all have to deal with it. Shame I couldn’t find the same rhythm that Mick (Fanning) did out there, but that’s how it goes sometimes.”



With his Equal 3rd finish, Parkinson ascends to the frontrunner position in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title, but the perennial threat remains cautious when regarding the remainder of the season.

“I don’t really think about that yet,” Parkinson said. “It’s only the fourth event of the year and I’ve been in this position before. I’m happy with my surfing and my boards and I’ll keep my eyes on the next heat.”

Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, former No. 17 on the ASP World Title rankings, led the goofy-footed assault on Jeffreys Bay throughout the event and his Equal 3rd place finish today moves the Australian up to 11th heading into the next event in Tahiti.

“I missed a good one at the start and that really let Jordy (Smith) get on top early in the heat,” Buchan said. “I always felt like I could come back but it just didn’t happen for me. It’s still an excellent result for me and I’m excited about the next few events.”

Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, 2011 ASP Dream Tour rookie, matched his best result of the year with and Equal 5th place finish. Muniz now sits well inside the cutoff for the ASP Top 34 rotation in August, and will remain a fixture at the elite level throughout the duration of the season.

“I never thought I would have good results in my rookie year,” Muniz said. “I am surfing with my heroes and to be getting through heats is what I always dreamed of as a little kid. This matches my best result this year from the Gold Coast and I’m stoked to be safe for the August cutoff.”

Muniz, along with fellow rookie Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, both finished Equal 5th at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.

Highlights from the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com

The next stop on the 2011 ASP World Title season will be the Billabong Pro Tahiti from August 20 – 31, 2011.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.60
2 – Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.83

BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.46 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.87
SF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.47 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.93

BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.10 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 8.94
QF 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.77 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.90
QF 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.83 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 8.16
QF 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.40 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 5.43

ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 10 (After Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay):
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 25700 pts
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 24750 pts
3. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 22250 pts
4. Mick Fanning (AUS) 19500 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 18250 pts
6. Kelly Slater (USA) 16950 pts
7. Michel Bourez (PYF) 16000
8. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15000
9. Josh Kerr (AUS) 13900 pts
9. Owen Wright (AUS) 13900 pts

Billabong Pro - Round 1 & most of Round 2

Jordy Smith flying high on Day 1. (Photo: ASP)

After arriving to late on Friday to catch the round 1 action - though I did catch 3 nights of mayhem at the Music festival - it was good to catch some surfing yesterday for Round 2. As much as I have maligned him in the past, Adriano de Souza was in amazing form and if it stays small will be a serious contender for the crown. Hopefully a magical swell materializes out of nowhere, but I would not hold my breath! The latest on rounds 1 & 2 from the ASP...


JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Friday, July 15, 2011) – The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay got underway today with Round 1 completed in rippable three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at South Africa’s iconic pointbreak.

Event No. 4 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay put an end to a seven-week break in the schedule today with the world’s best putting on a high-performance surfing clinic for Round 1 of competition.
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-Up and defending event winner, was today’s star performer, netting the highest heat total of the day (a 16.87 out of a possible 20) as well as the highest single-wave score (a 9.00 out of a possible 10) en route to a Round 1 victory over last year’s event Runner-Up Adam Melling (AUS), 26, and wildcard Sean Holmes (ZAF), 33.
“Sean (Holmes) is obviously a very competent surfer at Jeffreys and Adam (Melling) was Runner-Up here last year so I definitely wasn’t taking the heat lightly,” Smith said. “They both got really good waves and I had to make do with what was left. It’s not classic J-Bay, but even when it’s like this, it’s still a pretty good wave.”
Currently ranked No. 5 on the ASP World Title rankings, Smith surfed Jeffreys Bay with unmatched comfort and power, blending solid turns with big airs.
“I don’t really feel the pressure to perform,” Smith said. “I’ve got my little program here with my friends and I’m just focusing on getting waves and surfing well. I’m happy to be through to Round 3.”
Dusty Payne (HAW), 22, into his second season amongst the elite ASP Top 34, punctuated the afternoon with a sensational performance, blasting away a fury of high-octane forehand maneuvers to dispatch Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, and Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 25, to Round 2.
“It was tricky out there this afternoon, but when the good ones come through, they’re still really rippable,” Payne said. “Fortunately, I got that good one at the beginning and that set the pace for me in the heat. Stoked to be back in Jeffreys again and hope we can get some solid surf here in the next few days.”
Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, former two-time ASP World Champion and current No. 8 on the ASP World Title Rankings, put in a blitzing performance in this morning’s clean conditions, navigating the Jeffreys Bay walls with speed, punch and bite.
“There were definitely some fun waves out there,” Fanning said. “It’s great to put the jersey back on and mix it up with the boys. Board feels good and I’m happy to be straight through to Round 3. Hope we can get some solid swell out there for the competition.”
Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, in his first showing at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, led the Round 1 rookie charge, posting an impressive 14.10 out of a possible 20 to best veterans Taylor Knox (USA), 40, and Damien Hobgood (USA), 31.
“It was a slow heat out there and I guess that’s how it is at J-Bay sometimes,” Wilson said. “You only get two or three opportunities to make it a good heat for yourself so you need to make sure you make the most of them. This is my first time to Jeffreys and only my third surf out there. I’ve got a really good board right now that Matt Biolis shaped specifically for J-Bay and it’s worked really well so far.”
Wilson was joined by Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, as the only rookies to advance directly into Round 3 today.
Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 29, failed to show for today’s Round 1 of competition. Should either surfer fail to show for Round 2, they will be replaced under the new ASP ruling.
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, current leader in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title, was dispatched to Round 2 today by lethal goofy-footer Kai Otton (AUS), 31. The young Brazilian will face Gabe Kling (USA), 30, when competition resumes.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.
Highlights from the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Tiago Pires (PRT) 11.04, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 6.66, Cory Lopez (USA) 6.60
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.10, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.17, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 9.67
Heat 3: Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.90, Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.00, Gabe Kling (USA) 8.13
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.73, Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.17, Bobby Martinez (USA) 0.00
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.87, Sean Holmes (ZAF) 14.93, Adam Melling (AUS) 14.57
Heat 6: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.77, Shaun Payne (ZAF) 7.46, Kelly Slater (USA) 0.00
Heat 7: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.50, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 8.50, Chris Davidson (AUS) 4.73
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.70, Owen Wright (AUS) 8.43, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 7.56
Heat 9: Daniel Ross (AUS) 11.70, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.80, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 7.73
Heat 10: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.10, Taylor Knox (USA) 10.46, Damien Hobgood (USA) 9.70
Heat 11: Dusty Payne (HAW) 16.03, Michel Bourez (PYF) 9.10, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 8.77
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.66, Brett Simpson (USA) 8.87, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 7.60

Bede was caning the small waves on offer in round 2. (Photo: ASP)

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Monday, July 18, 2011) – The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay recommenced today with the first six heats of Round 2 taking advantage of an unexpected clean pulse through the iconic pointbreak.
Event No. 4 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay plays a crucial role in both the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title as well as the requalification campaigns of the world’s best surfers before the mid-season rotation. Despite the at-times inconsistent conditions, the ASP Top 34 battled it out in sterling fashion.
Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, punctuated the day’s affairs with the highest heat total of the Round (a 15.80 out of a possible 20), lighting up the offshore-kissed righthanders with aggressive backhand surfing.
“It’s challenging out there with the inconsistency,” Buchan said. “We’re always in a tough spot when faced with less-than-stellar forecasts, and I think the guys understood that we had to get out there and battle one another. It might not be equal for all heats in a round or all rounds in a contest, but at least it’s equal between each guy in the heat.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, current leader in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title, scored his first heat win since an emotional hometown victory in Brazil in May and looks to be recovering well from knee injury sustained during a training trip to the Maldives.
“I think with every surf I’m building momentum,” De Souza said. “I’m really happy to make this heat. I’ve been a little low during my last few surfs, but this win really builds my confidence. I’m just focusing on each heat and each event and not thinking about the title right now.”
Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, Equal 3rd finisher at Jeffreys Bay in 2010, racked up a 15.10 out of a possible 20 in a convincing win over Shaun Joubert (ZAF), 20. Joubert, who was in as a replacement for Bobby Martinez (USA), 29, exhibited some electric surfing, even putting Durbidge on the back foot at one point, but it was the powerful Australian who would eventually grab the win.
“I changed my strategy a little bit actually,” Durbidge said. “Bobby (Martinez) is a really good pointbreak surfer, he’s really strong and powerful. Shaun (Joubert) is a really good air surfer, but he hasn’t surfed at this level a whole lot so I tried to put some scores up early and put the pressure on him.”
After a slow start to the year, Durbidge has been on a roll lately and will look to maintain the form through the course of the event.
“It feels really good to get through that heat,” Durbidge said. “I haven’t had the best year so far and I was getting kind of down on myself. It was an important heat for me in terms of keeping the momentum going from Brazil.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, current No. 4 on the ASP World Title rankings, was in blistering form this morning, taking down lethal wildcard Sean Holmes is a closely-fought Round 2 battle.
“It’s tricky out there today,” Burrow said. “It’s really clean, but a bit inconsistent. Sean (Holmes) is so dangerous out there. He knows the wave better than anyone and I wasn’t taking him lightly. Stoked to get through and hopefully we are able to take advantage of some swell later in the week.”
Travis Logie (ZAF), 32, who replaced Kelly Slater (USA), 39, under the new ASP ruling in today’s Round 2, surfed an intelligent heat against wildcard Shaun Payne (ZAF), 26, advancing through to Round 3 and collecting valuable ASP World Rankings points along the way.
“It’s been the weirdest week of my life,” Logie said. “I’ve been hanging around and wondering if I’m getting into the event and dealing with the rumor mill. I guess it was all worth it though. That was a huge heat for me and my campaign to get back on tour full time.”
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.
When competition resumes, up first will be Damien Hobgood (USA), 32, against compatriot Taylor Knox (USA), 40, in Heat 7 of Round 2.
Highlights from the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Travis Logie (ZAF) 12.33 def. Shaun Payne (ZAF) 7.30
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.33 def. Sean Holmes (ZAF) 6.04
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.10 def. Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 11.06
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.03 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 12.50
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS) 11.86 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.77
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.80 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 6.50
REMAINING BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 9: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 10: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 11: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 12: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)

Billabong Pro - Dane out and the Seeds change.

Dane not coming to Jbay due to injury.

The world’s top 32 ranked pro surfers are either already in Jeffreys Bay or on their way to the iconic Eastern Cape coastal town where tomorrow (Thursday) the waiting period opens for the R3 million Billabong Pro J-Bay 2011, Stop No. 4 of 11 on the ASP World Tour, the series of events that determine the annual ASP World Surfing Champion.

The last minute withdrawal of Dane Reynolds, citing ongoing problems with an injury that has seen the 25 year-old Californian miss the first three events this year, has altered the seeding for Round 1 of Africa’s most prestigious surfing event with defending champion and South African surfing sensation Jordy Smith now pitted against Adam Melling (AUS) in a repeat of last year’s final where Smith clinched his maiden Elite Tour event victory.

“I’ll just take the same approach as last year,” said Smith of the upcoming match-up. “Hopefully the swell picks up a bit before we get underway and it will be a great battle.”

Scheduled for 14-24 July, the 26th edition of the Billabong Pro J-Bay will again be staged in the fabled waves at Supertubes, the 300 metre stretch of coastline universally acknowledged as one of the planet’s premier high performance point breaks.

While Reynolds’ flamboyant, cutting edge manoeuvres will be missed, the outstanding field for the event includes 10-time and reigning ASP world Champion Kelly Slater (USA), SA’s Smith, Australian former event winners Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Taj Burrow and current ASP No. 1 Adriano de Souza from Brazil. The established stars face an incredibly talented crop of rising stars in the likes of Owen Wright and Julian Wilson (both Australians), Michel Bourez (TAH), Alejo Muniz (BRA) and Hawaii’s Dusty Payne, all of whom will be eager to display their skills in the legendary waves of Jeffreys Bay.

Alongside Smith’s obvious credentials, the South African challenge for the Billabong Pro J-Bay title includes wildcard Sean Holmes (Cape Town). Nicknamed ‘The Nemesis’ for his extraordinary achievements in conquering the world’s best surfers at Supertubes, Holmes has reached the quarterfinals of the event on three occasions and would like nothing better to than a podium finish.

The second wildcard goes to the winner of the VonZipper Superheat, a five-man encounter held on the first day of the event featuring South African Pro Junior stars Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay) and Dale Staples (St Francis Bay); international contenders Granger Larson (HAW) and reigning ASP World Junior Champion Jack Freestone (AUS), along with Shaun Payne (St Francis Bay), winner of the Xcel Pro Showdown at Supers.

The 2011 Billabong Pro Music Festival sees three days of major underground music talent running from Friday to Sunday, 15 to 17 July, at the Jolly Dolphin in Jeffreys Bay. The lineup features 14 top SA bands including Aking, City Bowl Mizers, P.H.Fat, Jack Parow and the ever-popular local Hot Wasabi band. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at any Billabong Store countrywide.

The entire event is operated using the best available ‘green’ strategies as Billabong continues its efforts to heighten awareness of local and global surf communities to the challenge of climate change, and how we all need to become part of the solution. Greening initiatives include using renewable energy, biodegradable food and beverage containers, paper instead of plastic bags and bio-diesel fuel in event vehicles where possible, alongside an event recycling program.

The estimated 384.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions generated by the event activities, including the travel by local and international participants and officials, will be reduced wherever possible. The remaining emissions will be offset using United Nations Kyoto compliant carbon credits. More about climate change and what it means to surfers can be found at www.cleanerclimate.com/billabongpro

All the action at the Billabong Pro J-Bay 2011 will be covered live via webcasts on www.billbabongpro.com featuring real-time scoring, expert commentary and interviews, video footage with multiple camera angles, slow-motion replays, video on demand highlights of previous heats and online competitions with valuable prizes.

Surfline, the official surf forecasters for the Billabong Pro J-Bay 2011, predict that a contestable swell from the southwest is possible for Thursday afternoon (Thursday morning slow) and continuing Friday morning, before fading over Friday afternoon. Surf will be in the shoulder to head high range with some slightly larger sets possible.

With the entire Southern tip of Africa under the influence of an unseasonable high pressure system, warm, sunny weather and generally light northerly winds are expected. Newly appointed contest director Eric Stedman will be keen to get the opening rounds of the event underway as soon a possible so he has plenty of time to pick the best conditions for the business end of the contest.

The Billabong Pro J-Bay 2011 is proudly presented by South Africa’s adventure province Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency and further supported by Carling Black Label, Monster Energy, Coca Cola, Amarok, Vida e Caffe, Tavcor, VonZipper and Nixon.

Billabong Pro Jefferies Bay - The Preview

The Billabong Pro Jbay starts it's waiting period tomorrow and the outlook is not looking great. The forecast is looking grim, with small swell and onshore North and East winds for the next week. It has been a long time since the organizers have had to surf Boneyards and other spots due to lack of waves and this will be a major disappointment after last year ran over 3 straight days with cooking Supers.

Adriano knows Jbay, but wont have the crowd behind him. (Photo: ASP)

Adriano de Souza leads the ratings going into Jbay, after what many thought was a lucky result winning the last contest in Brazil. He has done well in Jbay before and should be full of confidence, though heavy floaters are not going to win the Jbay contest. He injured himself recently and this may well lead to less than perfect surfing at Jbay.

My other guys to watch out for, especially with the small wave forecast, are as follows:

Kelly Slater - He has won more contests here than anyone and has a special relationship with the wave. Rumors are a tweeting that he may not arrive as the forecast is so bad, but we have heard this kind of thing before with Kelly and I will believe it when I see it.



Jordy Smith - The defending Champion and a man who has grown up surfing Supers. He has the crowd behind him and will be super motivated to defend his title. He has been very consistent this year and with his large bag of aerials will be a good pick if the waves are small and onshore or big and perfect.

Julian Wilson - The young gun has had a slow start to the year, but has come alive the last 2 major WQS events, winning in Portugal and making the finals in Ballito. This will have boosted his confidence and if the waves are small the kid can pull huge aerials to get the scores.

Taj Burrows - You can never discount Taj in any surf contest, but he has loads of experience at Supers and has won before. Taj always does well in Jbay and with the great start to his campaign this year he will be hungry for a win!



Mick Fanning and Joel Parko - The 2 guys from the Gold Coast have had incredible results over the years in Jbay and both are coming onto great form through the last few events. You would be a fool to leave either out of your Fantasy Surfer team.



ASP Press Release:
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Saturday, July 9, 2011) – After nearly seven weeks since the last stop in Brazil, the ASP World Title season is poised to reignite with the upcoming Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay from July 14 – 24, 2011.

Event No. 4 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay recommences what is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing ASP World Title races in several years.

Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, has had an incredible season thus far in 2011, posting back-to-back Equal 3rds before an emotional hometown victory at the last event in Brazil. The young natural-footer now sits in the leader spot in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title – the first time in history that a South American has been in this position.

“The win in Brazil was a very good feeling,” de Souza said. “To have all those people on the beach, all that energy, it was a magical moment. I’ve always worked very hard to achieve my objectives. I know that still the ASP World Title Race has many thing s to happen this year. My situation may be temporary. I believe that this moment is important for the Brazil as a whole though.”

Wasting little time during the post-Brazil break, de Souza spent his time training in Sumatra and the Maldives before a knee injury cut his time short.

“The diagnosis is a hyperextension in the right knee with contusion in a medial collateral ligament,” de Souza said. “The rehabilitation has consisted of kinesiotherapy combined with muscle strengthening. It feels much better. I’ve been surfing and it still hurts a little. I am hoping it will continue to improve until J-Bay.”

Despite reaching the Quarterfinals of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay on three separate occasions (2007, 2008, 2010), de Souza has never managed to advance through it – something he hopes to remedy this season.

“I’ve been going the J-Bay since I was a kid and I’ve always liked the place,” de Souza said. “I’ve always performed pretty well here and I hope the consistency continues this season. I believe that I must always be striving for the best result possible, but I have to think step-by-step, stage-by-stage, to be consistent and to have good performances to reach these results.”

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, winner of the second stop of 2011 at Bells Beach, currently sits in the No. 2 spot in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title. Parkinson’s April victory in Bells Beach marked the first in 18 months for the stylish natural-footer, and planted him firmly back in the race for this year’s title.

“For sure the win has been a confidence boost, but in saying that, I felt pretty confident going into Bells,” Parkinson said. “I knew at that stage that I was injury free, and that I’d been doing all the right things with my surfing and my preparation. But with the good waves we got and the whole feel of the contest on its anniversary, it was fun more than anything else.”

Parkinson’s last dance with the iconic walls of Jeffreys Bay came in 2008, where he claimed an impressive second victory at the spot (10 years after his original) and cemented his reputation as one of the great all-time surfers at the venue.

“It’s such a good flow and timing wave I reckon,” Parkinson said. “When your timing’s right out there, there’s no better feeling in the world. When a wave goes according to plan out there, it’s a better feeling than riding pretty well any other wave anywhere in the world. And for me personally, I just love being in J-Bay. I’ve got a lot of good friends there and the place has got a vibe about it like nowhere else on tour.”

Tiago Pires (PRT), 31, current No. 9 on the ASP World Title rankings, is leading the charge for the emerging European contingent on tour this season.

“My goal this year is to finish in the Top 10,” Pires said.” I feel good about my surfing and more consistent than last year, but I’ve let myself slip up during the last two events. You really need to be focused and positive in order to get a good result, but sometimes that isn’t easy to accomplish. I think it’s all part of a big learning process.”

Although stumbling in his opening two seasons at Jeffreys Bay, Pires posted a career-best Equal 9th in 2010, and will look to improve upon it in this year’s installment.

“Jeffreys Bay used to be kind of tough to me out there, but in the last few years I’ve grown more confident out there,” Pires said. “I feel very good about it now and I love the wave. I can’t wait.”

The Round 1 draw will be finalized upon the completion of the ASP Prime Mr Price Pro Ballito.

The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be webcast LIVE via http://www.billabongpro.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

Beach Babes of Jbay - 2012 Calendar Launch

The good people of JBay have decided to bring the community together and support charities by making their very own Beach Babes Calendar. Local businesses and of course the local hotties got together to make the 2012 Calendar. Our man in Jbay, Troy Wells, from BooTown Media was on the project and sent us all the information. See details below, as well as some behind the scenes photos from the making of the Calendar. Troy has promised us a video soon...

Beautiful girls and a magical place.

Love those Jbay Sunrises.

The Jbay 2012 Beach Babes Calendar that captures the beautiful beach settings of Jeffreys Bay as well as local talent on each page has it's official launch on the 13^th July 2011 at the Mexican Restaurant.
The Launch is set to explode with a performance by Cape Town band Black South Easter, followed by DJ Mike Marshal rocking the house as well as many prizes to be won.  The calendars will also be up for grabs, with an opportunity to meet the babes that feature in the calendar.  There will be a cover charge, which will add to the funds raised for pet rescue.
The shoot day of the calendar was on the 22^nd may and saw local business and individuals come together to show or donate there skills and support. Samuel Beck Hairdressers – hair stylists, Roast Jeffreys bay – catering, Marika de Groot – Make up, The Crayon Room – Photography and to all our volunteers and girls that gave there time and support thanks.

A special thank you to our sponsor’s: 

The Greek Restaurant

Funky Town Flash Packers
La Caribe

Lombardini Game Farm

Ubuntu Bricks

Property SA Info

Isabeau Joubert
The Mexican Restaurant
Lift up a life – Jump start
Blood Scan Africa
Jbay Print 

Want to attend the event - JBay Calendar Launch 13 July 2011

For more behind the scenes photos go here - Calendar 2012 Behind the Scenes

We will have a video for you inquiring gents soon!

The man who started Manny Mania - Joey Brezinski

So the peeps in South Africa are getting pretty amped on the upcoming Red Bull Manny Mania tour in June. So much so, that I thought it would be a good idea to give you guys some info on the man who started the whole thing. So ladies and gents, meet...

Joey Brezinski (c)Yoon Sul/Red Bull Content Pool

Sponsors: Red Bull, Cliché Skateboards, Autohbahn Wheels, Diamond, Adio Shoes, FKD Bearings, Val Surf, Skatepark of Tampa Party Team, Independent Truucks
Hometown: Venice CA
Stance: Goofy

How did you hook up with Red Bull?
This story again? I sent out a Sponsor Me Tape. No, that’s not real. It was on the Red Bull Seek & Destroy, my team won, we went partying and they offered to have me ride for Red Bull and I did. I took the opportunity.

How did you come up with the concept for Manny Mania?
I was a rail dude and I just wanted to change my direction. My legs were getting sore form jumping down the Carlsbad Gap and I saw Daewon Song skate and said, “I want to do that.” No, that’s not right. It was me and Jeff Regis talking. Regis knew I skated a certain way so we just came up with the concept of doing a contest for tech skating. Is that what I do? Tech skating?


Why is it not called the Joey Brezinski Manny Mania?
It was originally going to be called Joey Brezinski’s Manny Mania and that was the only thing I was opposed to. I didn’t want my name on it because I didn’t want to jinx it. I don’t think it would’ve worked if it had my name on it. I definitely would’ve lost every time.

Is there a jinx associated with self-endorsed skate contests?
Yeah, I don’t think anyone has ever won one that they self-endorsed. If you self-endorse a contest, you’re definitely going to lose. Ask Eric Koston about his Game Of Skate or Reese Forbes about his High Ollie Contest.

Tell me, when did you invent the manual?
I didn’t invent it. I think it was invented in the 70s. Who was the dude that used to do the crazy G-turns? Wasn’t there footage of Stacey Peralta doing it with a ponytail, hanging ten, doing long mannies back then?

Joey Brezinski at training: Nollie heelflipping out of nose manual up the bank, then landing back to manual down the other side (c)Shad/Red Bull Content Pool

Maybe he is your father?
He should be. But who did invent the manual? That is the real question.


I’m going to say Rodney Mullen, since he invented everything.
No, he didn’t do it. I thought that ballerina guy from the old Powell videos did.

Oh. Dan Gesmer. No. I’ll say Brandon Biebel.
Yeah, he invented the switch manual.

I’m sure you’re asked this a lot but what is a manual?
The definition of a manual? It is a skateboard maneuver, skating on two wheels, balancing without hitting your nose or tail. Do you want me to use it in a sentence?

Please.
That guy right there just did a nose manual and lost control and fell on his face and knocked his two front teeth out.

Now spell it.
T-e-a-t-h. No, that’s not how you spell teeth is it. T-e-e-t-h. Man, I spelled teeth wrong.

That’s your other area of expertise, how could you spell it wrong?
My teeth were in the way when I was spelling it.

2010 is the fourth year of the Manny Mania contest. What’s going to be different this year?
Four years strong. Hoverboards this year; there’s no wheels. Michael J. Fox is going to show up. No, I guess harder maneuvers are going to go down, I hope. I’m definitely trying to learn some hard ones.

What tricks are you working on? Can you say?
The Viagra Manual; that’s getting harder.

Do you plan on doing better in 2010 Manny Mania than you did in 2009?
Yes, definitely.


Is it possible to do worse?
I definitely hope not.


Are you nervous now that Brandon Beibel rides for Red Bull that—
They’re going to call it Brandon Beibel’s Manny Mania this year?
Yes. No, he’s a homie.

Could you beat him in an arm wrestling match?
If we go left arms.

How do you feel about a second day of Am Manny Mania being added this year?
I think it’s rad because there’s no Back To The Banks; they needed to do something on one of the days. Might as well watch the ams kill it.

There are 25 countries involved in the Am contest. Do you think any of them matter other than America?
Maybe Haiti. Is there one in Haiti? Haiti Mania?

But the cream of the crop of skateboarding is based in America...
Wow, this is turning into the Olympics. As long as U.S. ams don’t choke they can bring home the gold for America but there’s good kids all over the world.


Who are some guys you like from your native country?
That are good at manuals?
Ray Maldonado. Steven Webb, Justin Shulte and Marty Murowski. How about that Flip dude? He’s good at manuals. Oh, he’s not from America—nevermind.


There are 25 countries involved in this year’s am contest. And you have to visit all of them.
I’m looking forward to Iceland. Wait! Greenland is covered in ice, right?


I think they all are except South Africa.
Perfect. I don’t really have to go to all 25 countries, do I?

No, but if you could, which country would you like to go to?
I want to go to China, I haven’t been there yet. Or Taiwan. I’d like to see how things are made. Everything is usually made in Taiwan,

Who are some of the pros in this year’s contest that people should be afraid of?
Stevie Williams probably. Brandon Biebel.


Two years ago Stevie destroyed the early rounds—
And then he fucked up. I don’t know what happened. I thought he had it. I was like, “Stevie is on point.” That’s the thing, if you rush it and do really well in the beginning you’re going to tire yourself out for the finals. I’ve noticed the people that kill the first heat, the second heat they slow down and by the third heat they’re just dead.

The dates and locations for this year’s qualifying events in South Africa are:

·       June 4: Son Skate Park (Stellenbosch)

·       June 11: Element Skate Park (Jeffreys Bay)

·       June 18: Wave House Skate Park, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga (Durban)

·       June 25: Revolution Skate Park, Festival Mall, Kempton Park (Johannesburg)

·       June 26: Finals – Revolution Skate Park, Festival Mall, Kempton Park (Johannesburg)

Each participating country will hold qualifying events, selecting athletes to participate in a national final; the winner of which will represent their homeland at the Red Bull Manny Mania World Final for amateurs in New York City on August 20, 2011. The winner of this event will get a chance to step into the big leagues by competing in the invite-only Red Bull Manny Mania Pro Event, on Sunday, August 21 in New York City.