Airdate: 2011 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay

From Thursday FUEL TV will once again deliver coverage from the world’s premier surfing tour, the 2011 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, or ‘J-Bay’ as it is better known, live from South Africa.

Home to one of the most anticipated events on the pro surfing tour, the small community on South Africa’s Eastern Cape will once again play host to all 34 of the world’s best surfers including local favourite and defending champion Jordy Smith.

This year’s event is a pivotal one for the Aussies, with five of our top surfers ranked inside the top 10 in the world ratings entering the fourth event of the year.

Coolangatta’s Joel Parkinson leads the Australian contingent in second place, narrowly behind series leader Adrian De Souza from Brazil. Others currently featuring in the top 10 include Taj Burrow (4th), Owen Wright (6th), Mick Fanning (8th) and Bede Durbidge (9th).

Last year’s much-celebrated maiden tour victory by Durban-raised Smith paved the way for a serious tilt at the world title, which could only be denied by the sport’s greatest athlete, Kelly Slater. The 24-year-old went on to finish second in the 2010 rankings and is once again in the thick of the contenders.

FUEL TV surfing commentator and former ASP Tour World Champion Mark Occhilupo said ‘J-Bay’ is a season-defining event.

“J-Bay is basically the toughest right-hand pointbreak in the world. It’s a place where surfers love proving themselves.”

“I’m confident this is going to be a massive event for the Aussie boys. Joel has been on fire and so many of the boys have set themselves up for a run at the world title. It’s going to be pretty crucial to continue the momentum.”

It airs July 14 – 24 on FUEL TV.