‘Feeling J’Bay’ Celebrates the People Who Built South Africa’s Iconic Surf Town

Corona Studios’ ‘Feeling J’Bay’ premiered at WSL’s 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, celebrating the town, wave, and community that shaped coastal surf culture.

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, July 15th, 2025 – Long before it became a premier stop on the World Surf League (WSL) tour, Jeffreys Bay was a quiet farm town with one thing: perfect waves. Now, it stands as one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations.

This rich history is captured in Feeling J’Bay, a new film by Corona Studios, launched at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay.

A Tribute to Jeffreys Bay: Beyond Surfing

More than just a surf film, Feeling J’Bay dives deep into what happens when nature, community, and identity converge.

From dolphins gliding through the backline at dawn to the rhythmic sound of hand-carved surfboards hitting the water, the film reflects the essence of a town where time seems to slow, and life feels simpler.

Premiered as part of Corona’s 100-year celebration and the brand’s new global 0.0% alcohol beer partnership with the World Surf League (WSL), the screening took place at Casa Corona, overlooking the world-renowned Supertubes, the wave that helped define the town and is central to the film.

A Journey Through Time and Community

Shot in and around Jeffreys Bay’s famous point break, the film weaves aerial footage, historical surf clips, and intimate interviews with locals, legends, and artists, offering a visual meditation on the town, the wave, and the people who live and surf its story.

Professional surfer Joshe Faulkner shares his experience in the film, reflecting, “I grew up with this wave right outside my door. It taught me everything: discipline, joy, belief. J-Bay is bigger than any one surfer. It’s a feeling that belongs to all of us.”

Directed by Peri vP, Feeling J’Bay features contributions from surf industry pioneer Cheron Kraak, professional surfers Jordy Smith and Mike February, and writer-freediver Amal Perrotin.

Capturing the Magic of J-Bay

Peri vP explains, “With this film, the goal was to capture the feeling of J-Bay from different perspectives. It’s an ode to the magic and intrigue of this iconic wave and the community around it.”

Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand at Corona South Africa, says, “There are few breaks on earth that carry the soul of surfing like Jeffreys Bay.

As we celebrate a century of Corona and 130 years of South African Breweries, this film invites us to reconnect with nature, community, and the golden-hour moments that remind us why we fell in love with the ocean in the first place.”

The film also features Wade Schouw, a content creator and surf coach who empowers individuals through surf and skate culture.

A Community-Centered Event

Following the premiere, guests — including Kouga Municipality Mayor Hattingh Bornman, WSL commentator Paul Evans, WSL athletes Caitlin Simmers, Gabriela Bryan, and Italo Ferreira, as well as local cultural leaders — participated in a traditional Xhosa blessing and dance ceremony, setting a special tone for the upcoming week of competition.

Nicholson adds, “Our love for Jeffreys Bay goes beyond the film. Every aspect of the Corona Cero Open J-Bay is shaped with the community, not just for it.

From surf workshops to local vendor collaborations, this is our way of giving back to a town that’s given so much to the surfing world.”