Corona Studios’ ‘Feeling J’Bay’ premiered at WSL’s 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape – a poetic tribute to the town, wave, and people that shaped coastal surf culture.
Long before it became a world tour stop, Jeffreys Bay was just a farm town with perfect waves. Today, it’s one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations – and the subject of a new film by Corona Studios, launched during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay.
Titled Feeling J’Bay, the short documentary is less about surfing and more about what happens when nature, identity, and community come together. From dolphins threading the backline at sunrise to the sound of hand-carved boards hitting water, the film captures the spirit of a place where time slows and life feels lighter.
Shot in and around Jeffreys Bay’s famed point break, Feeling J’Bay weaves aerial shots, historical surf clips, and intimate interviews with locals, legends, and artists into a visual meditation on the wave — and the people who have lived and surfed its story.
Directed by Peri vP, the film also features voices and visuals from across the town’s past and present, including surf industry pioneer Cheron Kraak, professional surfers Jordy Smith and Mike February, and writer-freediver Amal Perrotin.
Also featured is Corona content creator and surf coach Wade Schouw, who empowers people through surf and skate cultu
Caption: left to right – Matthew McGillivray; Molly Picklum; Mayor of Kouga Municipality, Hattingh Bornman; x2 Time J-Bay Winner, Jordy Smith who featured in Corona Studios film, ‘Feeling J-Bay’; Sarah Baum; and Luke Thompson
Following the premiere, guests — including Kouga Municipality Mayor Hattingh Bornman, WSL commentator Paul Evans, WSL athletes Caitlin Simmers, Gabriela Bryan and Italo Ferreira, and local cultural leaders — moved to the shoreline for a traditional Xhosa blessing and dance ceremony, setting the tone for the week ahead.
