The World Surf League has just announced a new specialty event at Jeffrey’s Bay. The WSL J-Bay Classic will be a specialty event featuring a variety of formats, taking place at Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa in June.

When the 2024 Championship Tour Schedule was released, Jeffrey’s Bay ended up on the chopping block, with the WSL citing scheduling conflicts with the Olympics as the reason for the omission. Many mourned the loss of an event at the famed right-hand point break. However, the announcement of this new event means that competition will return to J-Bay in 2024.

The J-Bay Classic will feature a hybrid format, where surfers will compete with alternative and high-performance surfboards. The event will also have a special mixed teams division. So far, that’s all we know, but details about the event format, invitees, and schedule will be announced in the coming months.

“Kouga Municipality is buzzing with excitement as it embraces the opportunity to be the host town for the first-ever WSL J-Bay Classic specialty event,” Kouga Municipality Mayor Hattingh Bornman said. “This event not only underscores our status as a surfing haven but also highlights our commitment to fostering international sportsmanship and tourism.”

“Events like these not only contribute to the vibrancy of our community but also play a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth,” continued Bornman. “Beyond the economic benefits, the WSL J-Bay Classic specialty event aligns with Jeffreys Bay’s commitment to promoting sports and outdoor activities. The municipality recognizes the positive influence such events can have on the community, fostering a sense of pride and unity.”

“The WSL is committed to maintaining a world class specialty event at the renowned J-Bay venue of Supertubes during this 2024 Olympic year,” said Graham Stapelberg, WSL Africa Regional President. “We are honored to be working with the local community, the Kouga Municipality, and the Eastern Cape Province to showcase the remarkable waves of Jeffreys Bay. The Eastern Cape region is certainly a favorite, and there is a high level of excitement for this event.”