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J-Bay Surf Festival gears up for action-packed schedule this July

Every year when July rolls around, Jeffreys Bay becomes the centre of the surf industry worldwide. 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 sport fans and party goers alike flocking to Jeffreys Bay for a wide range of sports & 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 & better, with improved infrastructure and more events, so we’re expecting an even bigger turnout,” says event director Ari Kraak.

This year, the J-Bay Surf Festival spans from the 8th to 22nd of July, kicking off with one of the biggest shore angling events in South Africa, the Winterskins Fishing Competition, on the 8th of July.

From the 13th to the 16th of July 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. This year’s stacked 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 (Mondplaas River Adventures) on the 15th of July. The Funduro caters to riders of all levels and ages and includes action-packed obstacle courses that are sure to wow spectators.

The J-Bay Wind Farm Mountain Bike Classic & Trail Run returns for the 8th year, taking place on the 15h of July. The carbon-free event is known for its beautiful route and is expected to draw over 500 participants this year at Mentors Country Estate.

Celebrating much-loved South African pastimes, the Coastal Touchies Touch Rugby and Netball will take place on Jeffreys Bay Main Beach on the 15th of July. The tournament brings together school children, seniors and the wider community for a display of athletic prowess, agility & teamwork. 

On the 15th and 16th of July, the ADCC South Africa Open, a no-gi submission wrestling event is set to take place at Mentor’s Country Estate. The event caters to 18 different divisions across various weight classes and is expected to draw hundreds of competitors. Well-known athletes from around the country will be participating and especially the pro divisions are expected to put on a spectacular show.

With regards to social responsibility, 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. 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 available here: https://dosh.ly/GtAj.

For further information on the J-Bay Surf Festival, please contact event operations manager Vangie boettgervangie@gmail.com or event director Ari Kraak arikraak@gmail.com.

Thank you to all sponsors that have contributed to making the J-Bay Surf Festival come together: Dawn Patrol Wines, Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure, Kalahari, Enricos Fishing Safari, Kakuli, J-bay Quad Biking, Papiesfontein, 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, FOX

J-Bay Surf Festival Schedule:

8th July – Winterskins Fishing Competition (Kabeljous)

13th – 18th July – Parkoff Music Festival (Super’s Park)

15th July  – J-Bay Funduro (Mondplaas River Adventures)

15th July – Touch Rugby Tournament (Jeffreys Bay Main Beach)

15th – J-Bay Windfarm MTB Classic & Trail Run (Mentors Country Estate)

15th – 16th July – ADCC South African Open (Mentors Country Estate)