Cape Town’s biggest international surfing event, the Jordy Smith Cape Town Surf Pro, presented by O’Neill, has been moved to Melkbosstrand after authorities closed the original venue, Big Bay at Blouberg, due to damage caused by the big storm earlier this month.
Another major frontal system with near gale-force SW winds, huge waves exceeding seven metres in height and a deluge of much-needed rain is predicted to reach the drought-stricken Western Cape overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday, the opening day of the four-day event.
After being informed that Big Bay could not be used, the organisers planned to run the event using a roving venue that took the competition to the best waves available each day at either Llandudno or Tableview. However, the forecasts of giant surf and inclement weather have prompted them to opt for Melkbos, five kilometres north of Big Bay and more sheltered from the elements for at least the first two days.
The presence of Jordy Smith, the South African surfing icon and current world No 3, who is sponsoring the event in conjunction with O’Neill, the global surf industry manufacturer, is expected to attract huge interest in the event from the surfing community and general public.
‘I’m ecstatic to have such a diverse and massive field coming to the Jordy Smith Cape Town Surf Pro, presented by O’Neill,’ said Smith. ‘The locals get to pit their skills against internationals in home waters and the learning experience from this is invaluable. I’m also excited to showcase the beauty and perfect surf the Peninsula has to offer.’
The World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 rated events for men and women, and Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000 events for junior (18-and-under) men and women have drawn massive fields, including more than 50 highly rated international surfers in the men’s event, which forced the organisers to add an extra day to the three-day period usually required for similar events.
The event is scheduled to run from Thursday to Sunday, and offers a total prize-purse of R80,000, with 1,000 points in the QS rankings going to the winner of the men’s and women’s events.
The winners of the junior men and women earn 1,000 points in the WSL Africa regional rankings, which determine the annual regional champions and also count for the selection of the four men and two women who will represent the region at the World Junior Championships in Australia in January.
An outreach programme will be conducted by Surfing South Africa (SSA) on Sunday 25 June. Participants from local outreach organisations will be involved in beach activities, water coaching, a tag team contest and beach relays with all participants receiving breakfast, lunch and a commemorative medal.
The Jordy Smith Cape Town Surf Pro is proudly supported by O’Neill, City of Cape Town, Tsogo Sun, Skullcandy, El Jimador, Yesman, World Surf League, Surfing South Africa and Accelerate Sport.
Picture of Smith courtesy of WSL/Sloane