Day 2 of the J-Bay Open presented clear skies, a bright winter sun and a puff of a North-Westerly breeze. We saw intense battles throughout the day as contestants were fired up to make it past Round 2. It was a wave for wave showdown with many close heats in prime conditions. The day continued through to the Fourth Heat of Round 3. Towards the end of the day, an increase in the onshore allowed the surfers to take to the skies.
“I could see Wigolly’s spray from the water way down the point! And Josh Kerr’s air was just amazing it was really rad to see those kind of maneuvers going down at Supertubes,” said WSL wildcard and J-Bay local Steven Sawyer. “Getting eliminated from the event yesterday was such a bummer for me, being sick and all, but everything is in God’s timing so I’ve had to accept it. And it’s cool to be a spectator today! I’m not analyzing the waves and contestants, watching who to beat and where to sit I’m just watching it like all the rest of the crew, which is so cool! I am really enjoying it and the surfing is insane.”
With progressive maneuvers punctuating the day, much like Steven, we thought we’d watch in awe with a show rather than a tell…
Surfers and photographers were all over the Supertubes line up as the first rays of light peeked out from the horizon. And with lines like this it’s easy to understand why…
Michel Bourez floats the boat in the early morning light to earn himself a Round 2 win.
Conner Coffin narrowly lost to Adam Melling in Round 2 despite carves like these. Coffin questioned the judges decision to reward Melling higher for his snapping maneuvers, stating that he did not find those turns to be more difficult. “To me it feels good in J-bay to get set waves and do carves.” Coffin said, but it seems the judges wanted to see him mixing it up more.
Spectators soaking up the winter sun with much relief after yesterday’s wet and frigid conditions.
The Brazilian showdown between Wiggolly Dantas and Jadson Andre left no question that A) the Brazzo’s have spirit and B) the goofy-footers have a shot at taking the first ever backhand Brazilian win at the J-Bay Open.
Miguel Pupo looking ultra smooth on land and in the sea.
The dolly’s are always welcome. The ‘real locals’ showing us a thing or two about style and flow.
Jordy stole the show today but the kids might have been more interested in the rock pools.
An extremely focused JJF during his post-heat interview but keeping a close eye on Josh Kerr who he’ll meet in the next round alongside Jordy Smith.
While John was watching Kerrzy, we were watching this on the replay.
With another pulse scheduled to arrive with stiff offshores, we can’t wait to what tomorrow brings…
*Report by Gina Smith, images © Ian Thurtell
**Lead Image: Kolohe Andino pulling another progressive Day 2 maneuver.
