J-Bay Open cancelled: South Africans gutted by 2026 tour schedule
South Africans are gutted after the J-Bay Open cancelled its 2026 tour spot. Fans must wait for a 2027 comeback at the iconic point break.
The news that the J-Bay Open cancelled its spot on the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour has rocked the world of competitive surfing.
For South Africans who head to the coast every winter to watch the world’s best take on the iconic point break, the absence of Jeffreys Bay from the global calendar feels like a massive loss.
The WSL recently released its official 2026 schedule, which reveals that a giant gap now exists in the circuit. Instead of the famous right-hand waves, the tour will head to Raglan in New Zealand for the 2026 season.
Local economy takes a hit as J-Bay Open cancelled
The impact of this decision goes far beyond the surf. Jeffreys Bay relies heavily on the annual influx of international visitors and media attention.
With the J-Bay Open cancelled, local businesses – from small guest houses to popular restaurants – are bracing for a much quieter July.
The event has traditionally been a source of pride for the country, showcasing the coastline to millions of viewers worldwide. It was more than a competition; it provided a massive boost for the hospitality and retail sectors in the region.
Bornman remains optimistic of J-Bay Open return
Kouga executive Mlmayor Hattingh Bornman officially confirmed the reasons behind the J-Bay Open cancellation.
He stated that the “absence of a confirmed funding commitment from the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has led to this decision”. Despite continued support from the municipality, Bornman noted that “the municipal contribution alone is insufficient for an event of this magnitude”.
However, there is still hope for the future. Mayor Bornman remains “optimistic that, with the necessary support, the event will return to Jeffreys Bay in 2027”.
WSL CEO Ryan Crosby echoed this sentiment, stating that while they made the “difficult decision” to pull the event for 2026 due to lack of financial viability, they will “continue to explore ways to return in the future”.