JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Friday, July 1, 2022) - The Corona Open J-Bay, Stop No. 9 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2022 Championship Tour (CT), will finally return to Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay after a two-year postponement due to the global pandemic. The world's best surfers will compete at the famed right-hand pointbreak during the waiting period from July 12 - 21, 2022.
Jeffreys Bay has been a fixture on the Championship Tour for over 40 years. The break is known as one of the best in the world and its return has been anticipated by all the competitors on the CT, as well as the fans. The break has been host to spectacular performances, including Perfect 10-point rides, which everyone hopes to witness at this upcoming event. The Eastern Cape is not only known for its world-class waves but also for its incredibly rich diversity of fauna and landscapes, food and dining, and wildlife experiences.
Jeffreys Bay local surfer Joshe Faulkner (RSA) has been awarded the men's event wildcard. Faulkner will make his debut CT appearance alongside fellow South Africans Jordy Smith and Matthew McGillivray in front of his home crowd. Faulkner has overcome plenty of obstacles in his life but focused on surfing to stay on the right path. Fighting for a chance to qualify for the CT, Faulkner impressed in the Challenger Series events in Australia earlier this year.
"This is a dream come true," said Faulkner. "I can't believe it. It's been a childhood dream for all of us. I'm so stoked, I can't wait to tell my family and to everyone that has helped me get to this point. Thank you to WSL, this is the biggest opportunity I've ever received in my life, so I'm going to give it my all." Tia Blanco (USA) received the women's event wildcard from winning The Ultimate Surfer, and it will also be her first time surfing this wave on the CT.
Filipe Toledo (BRA), World No. 1 and 2018 Corona Open J-Bay winner, will bring his electric surfing to Supertubes with less pressure hanging over his head after clinching a spot in the WSL Final 5 during the Oi Rio Pro. He will, however, want to retain the top spot heading into the Finals and is likely to pull out all the stops at a location where he's scored multiple Perfect 10s showcasing his talents.
Carissa Moore (HAW), five-time WSL Champion and current ranking leader, returns to J-Bay carrying a lot of momentum after her first CT win for the season at the Oi Rio Pro and clinching the first spot in the WSL Final 5. Moore won the previous Corona Open J-Bay in 2019 and will surely hope to defend her title to keep her hands on the yellow jersey.
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. Medina underwent an MRI on both knees, and a grade 2 to 3 injury of the MCL of the left knee was diagnosed. He will be replaced by a 2023 season wildcard and 2022 injury replacement, Yago Dora (BRA).
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, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners. For fans watching in Brazil, coverage of the competition's Quarterfinals and beyond will continue exclusively on WorldSurfLeague.com and SporTV.
COVID-19 Updates
The health and safety of our athletes, staff, and the local community are of the utmost importance and the WSL has been working closely with local authorities to put a robust set of procedures in place to keep everyone safe.
The Corona Open J-Bay is proudly supported by our partners Corona, Kouga Municipality, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, South Africa Tourism, Pura Vida, Red Bull, Oakley, Hydro Flask, and Expedia.