JBay Called On

Spike

July 13, 2023

SUB CULTURE: The event kicked off with traditional dancing at the opening ceremony. Image WSL/Ryder

The Corona Open J-Bay has been called on as 3-4ft lines roll down the lineup at Supertubes, with an expected pulse due to push the sets to a possible 5ft on the incoming tide.

It's getting to the sharp end of the season with the Final 5 slots at stake at the 9th stlop of the WSL 2023 Championship Tour (CT), with the Men’s Opening Round kicking off at 8am ZA time, and the women’s Opening Round to follow.

The first heat of competition featured Joao Chianca (BRA) against Barron Mamiya (HAW) and Seth Moniz (HAW). This will be Chianca’s first CT event at Jeffreys Bay and he will look to secure a good result to keep his spot in the Top 5.

Heat 2 of the Men’s Opening Round will see defending event winner and current no. 3 Ethan Ewing (AUS) up against Caio Ibelli (BRA) and Rio Waida (INA).

‍

In Heat 4, its a tough ask for young Adin Masencamp, the wildcard holder from SA who facesFilipe Toledo (BRA) and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), while heavy weights Carissa Moore (HAW) and Lakey Peterson (USA) loom for Sarah Baum (RSA).

The women’s competition will kick off with rookie Caitlin Simmers (USA) against Molly Picklum (AUS) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW). Simmers recently climbed her way back into the Top 5 after an incredible victory at the Vivo Rio Pro and a solid result in J-Bay could see her maintain or even better her position.

Current World No. 1 and five-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW), who already clinched a spot in the WSL Final 5, will come up in Heat 2 of the Women’s Opening Round against Lakey Petersen (USA) and South African wildcard Sarah Baum (RSA).

‍

COMMUNITY: Jordy Smith at the WSL One Ocean activation with kids from the J-Bay Surf Alliance. Image WSL / Tostee

Men’s Opening Round Matchups:

Heat 1: J Chianca (BRA) v B Mamiya (HAW) v Seth Moniz (HAW)
Heat 2: E Ewing (AUS) v Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs Rio Waida (INA)
Heat 3: G Colapinto (USA) v Liam O'Brien (AUS) v Kelly Slater (US)
Heat 4: F Toledo (BRA) v Kan Igarashi (JPN) v Adin Masencamp (SA)
Heat 5: Y Dora (BRA) v Connor O'Leary (AUS) v Ian Gentil (HAW)
Heat 6: JJ Florence (HAW) v I Ferreira (BRA) v Callum Robson (AUS)
Heat 7: G Medina (BRA) v R Callinan (AUS) v Matt McGillivray (SA)
Heat 8: J Robinson (AUS) v L Fioravanti (IT) v Jordy Smith (SA)

Women’s Opening Round Matchups:

Heat 1: M Picklum (AUS) v C Simmers (USA) v Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
Heat 2: C Moore (HAW) v Lakey Peterson (USA) v Sarah Baum (RSA)
Heat 3: T Wright (AUS) v T Weston-Webb (BRA) v Johanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: C Marks (US) v Stef Gilmore (AUS) v B Sakura Johnson (HAW)

‍