The main overpowering sentiment at the Jbay Open of Surfing has been one of reunion and local love. Sure, we have Occy in the mix, but he is definitely on the chilled vibes and with his new Dreadlocked locks has been renamed “Rasta Occ”. The biggest smiles are on all the South African faces, from 60 year old, Gavin Rudolph to 12 year old, Kai Woolf, in the ladies. The “Cream” of SA surfing have been in town since last Monday and its been like one of those old family reunions in the movies. Hugs, high fives and “How you beens?” have been resounding down the Supertubes boardwalks. Beers have been flowing down gullets and stories of the old days have been gushing out of all and sundry. This is definitely an event that needs to continue even if the World Tour comes back!
Lets not forget the waves, which on Day 1 surprised everyone with a full day of surfing and as Occy said, the surfing was of a seriously high standard. Over the next 4 days we had bursts of heats as the contest made use of tides and winds to get to the finals. In the end it was that wily competitor and World MAsters Champion, Greg Emslie, who took the R30’000 winners cheque in the Mens from Brandon Jackson, Slade Prestwhich (See picture by Matty Rex Hodge above) and Dylan Lightfoot. In the Ladies it was Nikita Robb winning from a hard charging Sarah Baum, Tanika Hoffman and Emma Smith. But for once no one was that fussed on winners and losers, we were all just having such a good time. Thanks to Koffie and the organizers and everyone in Jbay for the best week ever! Check out the highlights from Day 1…
