This year the Billabong Pro J'Bay is a 6-star event. Star events don't have waiting periods like World Tour events do, they just unfurl the tent, blow the hooter and start banging out heats in whatever surf is in front of them.

As it happens the surf in front of them is better than what the J'Bay comp has received for many years as a high-flying, top-tier contest. For the third day running Supertubes pumped silly with no less than four 10-point rides dished out today - a new ASP record.

It's not just the quality surfing and waves that have got people in a lather, Heath Joske's beard scored a mention in the official ASP press release for the second day running - another new record. I haven't seen Heath's beard close up and I'm beginning to feel like I'm missing something. Please send photos c/o Swellnet.