@Julian Wilson: Supertubes
The World Surf League has announced the postponement of the Corona Open J-Bay at world-renowned Supertubes until 2022.
It is the second straight year that the Championship Tour (CT) event for the world’s elite surfers is not taking place at Jeffrey’s Bay because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The World Surf League (WSL) says in a statement that the Corona Open J-Bay, originally scheduled for 25 June to 9 July this year, and the MEO Pro Portugal have both been postponed until 2022 due to COVID-19.
The WSL says it looks forward to returning to these key CT stops next year.
Jeffrey’s Bay is the home of young pro surfer Matt McGillivray who is currently competing on the Australian leg of the WSL’s Championship Tour.
Surfing South Africa President Johnny Bakker says they’re obviously disappointed at the news but must adapt to a changing sporting calendar.
“We are hoping to arrange an alternative event for South African surfers in J-Bay,” said Bakker. “The town needs tourism and we cannot have another year in Jeffrey’s Bay without surfing events.”
Bakker added that the last Olympic qualification event for surfing at this year’s Tokyo Olympics is going ahead as planned in El Salvador towards the end of May and that South Africa will be sending a team to compete.
Jordy Smith and Bianca Buitendag have already qualified for Tokyo but will also compete in El Salvador.
