J-Bay Open kicks off with strong performances despite tricky conditions

Update

SURFING NEWS – The Corona Cero Open J-Bay, stop number 10 on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, got underway in three- to five-foot surf at the famous Supertubes.

The opening day saw the completion of the women’s opening round, which started in clean conditions before strong westerly winds and a delayed swell made for a more testing line-up.

Competition wrapped up early, with the swell expected to fill in overnight. The next call is scheduled for Saturday, 12 July at 07:15 (GMT+1), with a possible start at 07:33.

Picklum locks in WSL Final 5 spot with 9.33 ride

World number one Molly Picklum (Australia) has officially secured her place in the WSL Final 5 and will head to Cloudbreak, Fiji in September to contest the world title.

“I got a good result in Brazil leading into this, so I’m stoked it’s confirmed,” said Picklum. “The girls are so good and they’re going to keep pushing. I’d love to increase my chances by heading to Fiji in that number one spot.”

Picklum found her rhythm early at Supertubes, linking powerful turns with smooth transitions and drawing inspiration from the yellow leader’s jersey. She posted an excellent 9.33 (out of 10) on a wave that allowed her to showcase her signature style, finishing the heat with a two-wave total of 16.83 (out of 20)

“I had priority when that wave came, so I’m stoked,” she added.

“It’s so nice when the ocean does that for you. That’s one of the great elements of our sport – you never quite know when the best wave will come or if you’ll be in the right position.”

Molly Picklum of Australia surfs in Heat 2 of the opening round.

Nichols shines in debut Supertubes appearance

After an early exit in Rio, Isabella Nichols (Australia) made the most of her time at J-Bay ahead of the event – and it showed. Currently ranked fifth in the world, she pieced together a strong performance to win her heat with a combined score of 14.00, sending Bettylou Sakura Johnson (Hawaii) and Luana Silva (Brazil) into the elimination round.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time out here since Brazil,” said Nichols. “I guess it’s paying off. I feel really comfortable – like I’m at home. Having Dylan Lightfoot in my corner has made such a difference. He really understands the intricacies of this wave.”

Isabella Nichols of Australia surfs in Heat 1 of the opening round.

Bryan powers through in closing heats
In a late exchange during heat 3, world number two Gabriela Bryan (Hawaii) powered her way to an 8.00 ride, showcasing her trademark powerful snaps to overtake Tyler Wright (Australia) and wildcard Francisca Veselko (Portugal). The result allowed her to skip the elimination round.

The final heat of the day was a low-scoring one, as defending J-Bay champion Lakey Peterson (USA) edged out fellow Americans and world champions Caroline Marks and Caitlin Simmers in slower conditions.

The next call for the Corona Cero Open J-Bay will be made at 07:15 (GMT+1) on Saturday 12 July, for a possible 07:33 start.

Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii surfs in Heat 3 of the opening round .

Lakey Peterson of the United States surfs in Heat 4 of the opening round.

Lineup at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay on Friday 11 July.

Corona Cero Open J-Bay – Women’s Opening Round Results

Heat 1: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 14.00 defeated Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 12.83, Luana Silva (BRA) 9.43
Heat 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) 16.83 defeated Erin Brooks (CAN) 9.27, Sarah Baum (RSA) 3.07
Heat 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.33 defeated Tyler Wright (AUS) 7.50, Francisca Veselko (POR) 5.70
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 9.43 defeated Caroline Marks (USA) 6.50, Caitlin Simmers (USA) 4.77

Elimination Round Match-Ups – Women

Heat 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs Sarah Baum (RSA)
Heat 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs Luana Silva (BRA)
Heat 3: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs Francisca Veselko (POR)
Heat 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs Erin Brooks (CAN)

Opening Round Match-Ups – Men

Heat 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs Jake Marshall (USA) vs Seth Moniz (HAW)
Heat 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 3: Yago Dora (BRA) vs Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs Luke Thompson (RSA)
Heat 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs Cole Houshmand (USA) vs Marco Mignot (FRA)
Heat 6: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs Rio Waida (INA)
Heat 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs Joao Chianca (BRA)
Heat 8: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs Alan Cleland (MEX)