July Turns Gold

JORDY IN JULY: Jordy Smith will be a favourite, if he makes the cut, which he will. Photo WSL

This year, the window period runs from 12 to 21 July. There’s even more at stake - and sadly perhaps not quite the buzz and economic boost of a full field - when a reduced field of 22 men and 10 women arrive after the mid-year cut-off once the the Margaret River Pro in Western Australia is done.

The 2019 Corona Open J-Bay winner, Gabriel Medina (BRA), returns to Supertubes after he was awarded the men’s 2022 WSL CT season wildcard, which gives him entry into all Championship Tour events following the Mid-season Cut.

In 2019, Medina became the first goofy-footer in 35 years to win in Jeffreys Bay. After taking a long break from competition, the three-time World Champion will not only be looking to defend his win at J-Bay, but also his World Title. After J-Bay, there’s only one event to go before the Final 5 will be decided to battle for the World Title at the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Trestles, California from 6-18 September 2022.

ECONOMIC BOOST: Fewer athletes are coming, but its still positive for the community. Photo WSL

Carissa Moore (HAW), current world number 1, will also be back in J-Bay to defend her title from 2019. The four-time World Champion will face tough competition from an in-form Tyler Wright (AUS) and 2019 runner-up Lakey Peterson (USA).

South Africa’s Jordy Smith, a two-time event winner in Jeffreys Bay, will hope to score a solid performance in front of his home crowd at a wave he has proven his knowledge, experience and admiration for. While a Final 5 finish might be out of reach for Smith, he could play spoiler for those closer to the cut-off.

Watch the Corona Open J-Bay LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com from 12 to 21 July 2022. For more information, visit www.worldsurfleague.com