Five things to look out for at RVCA Junior Challenge

Here are five things to watch out for during this three-day surfing celebration:

1. James Ribbink

James won't be defending his U10 Boys title, as he has moved up a division. He will however, be defending his U12 title, as he won both divisions in 2014 (as well as claiming Male Surfer of the Event prize). This year he has also entered the U14 division. Another double on the cards? We don't want to put any undue pressure on the KZN youngster, but we will say this, “If you're U14 and find him in your heat, be afraid, be very afraid.”

2. Cooking waves at Lower Point

Lower Point is arguably one of the most user-friendly and consistent waves in the Eastern Cape. Local QS* campaigner (and favourite in the Pro Junior division) calls it ‘and easy wave’ and ‘the place surfed most around here’. Don’t be fooled though, while often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Supertubes, it can produce some serious power. Depending on the sand build-up in the reef (it breaks over a combination bottom), it offers long, right-hand walls punctuated by steep, carvable sections and, on just the right tide, barrels too.

Historically, mid-June is a great time for powerful, early winter south-west swells to come grinding down Jeffreys Bay’s points. Coupled with the predominant south-west offshore winds, the contest is almost guaranteed to have excellent surf.