A Weekend at J-Bay, plus Tom Curren, Jordy and Parko

J-Bay is everything you dream about. Direct lines to heaven wrap across the bay, unfurling their energy in a rhythmic dance that only surfers understand.

Grant Clegg captured these scenes from the world’s most infamous break, and stitched them together masterfully in his first short film, Stuck.

The film features wave riding by Dylan Stone, Ryan Heathcote, Frank D’Agostino, Ash Walter, Chaim Simmons, Derek Hynd and Dylan Lightfoot.

Sometimes blustery and no doubt cold, the endless lines march from the horizon, directly into the path of those who make the effort. The locals, the pros, and the adventurers who have arrived at J-Bay for no other reason.

Hear the thunder as the waves unravel, imagine the vibrations rumbling through the golden African sands.

Tom Curren at J-Bay

Timing is everything at J-Bay, which is why those blessed with style have breezed in and made the break their own. Tom Curren is one such icon and his languorous bottom turns have become the goal of nearly every surfer since.

Jordy Smith at J-Bay

Jordy Smith is the new king of the bay, and his stature and power enable him to draw lines so perfect that you can’t believe they’re real. It’s the stuff of cartoons and mind-surfing imagination. On sections where 99% of surfers would race for safety, Jordy climbs the face and gouges a few hundred litres free of the airbrushed wall. His lazy style belies his speed and precision.

It’s similar for Parko – people expect those silky smooth turns, and so they become the norm, if only for a few like him. You’ll see very few double pump bottom turns with surfers like these. They’ve got the confidence to trust that their acceleration will land them in the sweet spot. There’s no hesitation or second thought.

This is what makes a master at J-Bay. This is the kind of surfing we want to see at the J-Bay Open. No more getting high scores for stringing together a few backhand snaps. Show us real power surfing by those who can do it.

People to watch out for at this year’s J-Bay Open include:

  • Joel Parkinson: Elegance and style.
  • Jordy Smith: Power and precision.
  • Kelly Slater: Creativity and insight.
  • Conner Coffin: A dark horse with a huge future. Surfs like Dane Reynolds mixed with Taylor Knox.
  • Gabriel Medina: Love him or hate him, he has more flair and strategy than anyone.
  • John John Florence: J-Bay is made for John John. Let’s hope he gets good waves so he can show us the future.