July every year Jeffreys Bay becomes the centre of the global surf industry. The world’s most prestigious surfers arrive to compete in the World Surf League’s Corona Open J-bay at Jeffreys Bay’s world-famous right-hand point break.
The J-Bay Surf Festival, which encompasses all the exciting events happening around the J-Bay Open, has sports fans and partygoers flocking to Jeffreys Bay for a wide range of sports and music events.
“Last year saw an estimated 45 000 visitors travelling to J-Bay over this period. This year the festival is going to be bigger and better, with improved infrastructure and more events, so we’re expecting an even bigger turnout,” said event director, Ari Kraak.
This year the festival spans from July 8 to 22, kicking off with one of the biggest shore angling events in South Africa, the Winterskins Fishing Competition, on July 8 at Kabeljous.
From July 13 to 16 visitors can look forward to the highly anticipated Parkoff Music Festival, which sees a national calibre of musicians performing at the J-Bay Open contest site at Super’s Park. This year’s line-up includes the likes of Muzi, Jeremy Loops and Goodluck, among many others.
For the thrill-seekers, the J-Bay Funduro offers spectacular entertainment. The off-road motorbike fun day takes place on the rugged terrain on the outskirts of J-Bay at Mondplaas River Adventures on July 15.
“The Funduro caters for riders of all levels and ages, and includes action-packed obstacle courses that are sure to wow spectators,” said Kraak.
The J-Bay Wind Farm Mountain Bike Classic and Trail Run returns for the eighth year, taking place on July 15.
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Kraak said that the carbon-free event is known for its beautiful route and is expected to draw over 500 participants this year, at Mentors Country Estate.
He said celebrating much-loved South African pastimes, the Coastal Touchies Touch Rugby and Netball will take place on Jeffreys Bay Main Beach on July 15.
“The tournament will bring together school children, seniors, and the wider community for a display of athletic prowess, agility, and teamwork,” said Kraak.
On July 15 and 16 the ADCC South Africa Open, a No-Gi submission wrestling event, is set to take place at Mentor’s Country Estate. The event caters for 18 different divisions across various weight classes and is expected to draw hundreds of competitors.
Kraak said well-known athletes from around the country will participate and especially the pro divisions are expected to put on a spectacular show.
With regard to social responsibility, he said that the J-Bay Surf Festival has launched an NGO raffle, proceeds of which will go towards the J-Bay Surfing Foundation.
“The J-Bay Surfing Foundation funds various projects in and around J-Bay, and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community while promoting a love of surfing and ocean conservation,” said Kraak.
He said that raffle tickets are available for R100 and the total prize value is in excess of R80 0000, including prizes such as a signed surfboard.
Tickets are available at https://dosh.ly/GtAj.
For more information about the J-Bay Surf Festival, email event operations manager Vangie on boettgervangie@gmail.com or event director Ari Kraak on arikraak@gmail.com.
Sponsors for the J-Bay Surf Festival include, Dawn Patrol Wines, Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure, Kalahari, Enricos Fishing Safari, Kakuli, J-bay Quad Biking, Papiesfontein Beach Horse Trails, J-bay Cycle Centre, Zebra Lodge, St Francis Links, Billabong, Thule, Slaters Toy Magic, Execuspecs, Samuel Beck Hairdressing, The Pottery, Jeffreys Bay Surf School, Salted Surf School, Crawfords Beach Lodge, RVCA, The Store and FOX.
ISSUED BY J-BAY SURF FESTIVAL
