Slater back in J'Bay draw, Mikey Wright gets another wildcard
With no big swells due to hit marquee breaks over the next fortnight, Kelly Slater has put himself back in the draw at the upcoming J'Bay Open. The decision might also have something to do with his troublesome hoof, which he broke at last year's J'Bay contest. Recent complications - strained ligament, promising swell somewhere - initially put his J'Bay return in doubt.
"My gut feeling has been to use this injury as a platform to overhaul and reset my mind and body," said Slater. He'll meet current World No. 3 Italo Ferreira and Kanoa Igarashi in Round 1 when the event kicks off.
Also in the draw is Mikey Wright, receiving his fourth wildcard for the year - one from sponsor Quiksilver, three gifts by the WSL. The younger Wright brother has capitalised on his wildcards making the Semi Finals of the last two events. He's now sitting at 7th on the rankings.
John John Florence and Caio Ibelli have officially withdrawn from the contest due to their injuries. Miguel Pupo and Wiggolly Dantas will be their replacements.
The waiting period for the J'Bay Open begins on July 2nd. Keep an eye out for our swell forecast early next week.
Comments
Would early indications predict anything decent for J-Bay? If yes, pretty sure i called this back in the last article about GOATS foot
Fu@#ing long waiting period I tell ya.
Surf was shit on June 2nd anyway!!!
Aaaay...you can't tell me what time it is.
Dates, however.
Yes, but will the shark boat be there?
I’m calling another Brazilian petition to get it moved to Kuta Reef
The boy who cried wolf .......
Reality set in, the goats hoof long service holiday leave might not be enough to guarantee him a injury wildcard with caiio n now john john in the mix
Good point John, you might be onto something there.
The boy who cried wolf, commits himself with a bottle of pain killers, a fifth of Jim Bean whiskey and a bag of ice at J Bay. KS gives in to online pressure and does the J Bay jangle, next event the foot will not be good enough again. Time to retire old man. New generation(s) never look up to bald headed old men.
Im actually sick of this paternalistic professionalism as surfing has developed into under slaters guiding hand. Perhaps he never liked surfing as a sport for outsiders and always wanted to make it acceptable, to make himself more widely adored.
He needs to move on and some young talents need to tear this shit heap down.
Quite generous on the wild card for MW ay, he has definitely performed but kind of feel it would be better if the wild cards were shared around a bit more - plenty of free surfers to choose from or top QS guys not on CT - I know he is near the top of the QS but just think would be cool for variety to choose someone else. Nothing against his surfing, just 2c
Agree. Mikey will likely qualify without it so may as well blood another young fella battling away on the QS
Wams look very interesting for when the contest starts hopfully can deliver
The WSL reaalllly want Mikey on tour don’t they.
Pays to be a sick surfer.
Kelly milks the WSL 2017 rank compo deal' & he's back in the driver seat. (Closet Aussie?)
Champ never gets wet and he's ahead of a dozen WSL 2018 competitors
Five of those being slack arse WSL Aussies..(Do your Nation proud & take a sickie!)
Similar in Womens WSL Courtney Conologue scored 4 sickies + one 13th place in 2018
Sits above NZ WSL Pro Surfer Paige Hareb... with 5 hard earned 13th placed 2018 events.
Nine WSL surfers( 4 Aussies) rank below & all equal or better... the injured Pro's results.
Not a leg to stand on but still climbing up the WSL ladder...(Sick Joke?)
Get Well soon WSL-Surfers!