9th June 2012
Jeffreys Bay - With the 2012 Billabong Pro J-Bay being an ASP 6 Star event on the ASP World Tour, this year provides an opportunity for all South African surfers to shine. Prizemoney and ASP points are on offer, with the points being what every aspiring South African pro surfer is after in their respective bids to qualify for the ASP World Championship Tour. From seasoned campaigners to young rookies, everyone wants to surf an event at Supertubes.
Jeffreys Bay surfer Dylan Lightfoot is one local who is excited about being able to enter the event and surf it at his home break.
"I'm very stoked to be able to surf in the Billabong Pro J-Bay," said Lightfoot. "It's basically in my back yard, and to surf against guys like John John, Brett Simpson and the Hobgood brothers will be an amazing opportunity for me. I'm going to take every heat as a free surf, as that's when I surf my best out there and have the most fun."
Matt Bromley, hailing from Kommetjie in Cape Town, is also entered into the event.
"I'm so excited to be able to surf one of the the most special waves in the world with only three guys out," commented Matt on the privilege of surfing Supertubes in a heat situation. "The South Africans are going to show the best surfers in the world who's really boss at Supers."
Former WCT stalwart Greg Emslie from East London is entered, and has shown that he is determined for a big result in Jeffreys Bay.
"I feel honored to get another crack at the Billabong Pro J-Bay, surfing an event at a venue that is both my favorite wave and the world's best right-hander," said Greg. "Supers is a wave that you need loads of flow, and you need to be able to connect a series of solid and progressive turns as well as know how to read the tube. I have seen top surfers shown up out there because they can't read the wave, and I am going to take full advantage of this!"
Young goofy-footed surfer Steven Sawyer from Jeffreys Bay is also keen on showing what he has against the top international and local competitors.
"There are a lot of people from around the world who have been frothing to surf in the event, and who will now get their chance," said Steven. "It's such a good opportunty for us local guys to get some exposure, experience and some ASP points."
Dale Staples from St Francis Bay has expressed his excitement with the event occurring at Supertubes in J-Bay.
"It's great to be able to enter an event of this size at Supertubes," said Dale. "It's a wave that I know and can hopefully use this knowledge to my advantage."
Two times Xcel Pro Showdown At Supertubes champion Ryan Payne from Cape Town is feeling confident about the event.
"I've just taken delivery of some new boards for the event so I'm pretty pumped at the moment," said Payne.
Current South African U20 Boys Champion Mikey February from Kommetjie is going to use this opportunity to further his professional surfing goals.
"I'm amped to be surfing against some of the big names," said February. "I'm keen on putting some good heats together. I haven't really had a good result in an ASP 6 Star event before, so I would like to make some heats, as well as earn some ASP points."
Sean Holmes, otherwise known as 'The Nemesis,' is ready for the event.
"Billabong Pro J-Bay time is always exciting," said Holmes. "The best waves in the world surfed by some of the best surfers in the world. What's not to get excited about?"
Two times and defending champion Jordy Smith from Durban, will be competing for a record hat-trick of J-Bay titles.
"The thing about J-Bay is that it is the best wave in the world," said Jordy. "With the event coming up soon, I'm looking forward to surfing my heats and hopefully holding another trophy. A hat-trick win would be amazing."
Billabong Pro J-Bay event co-sponsors include: Monster Energy, Carling Black Label, Sony Xperia, Nissan, Vida e Caffe, VonZipper and Nixon.
In conjunction with the Billabong Pro J-Bay there will also be the 5FM Music Festival on the weekend of 13th - 15th July. More details on this event will follow shortly.
