Reynolds has yet to provide a reason for his withdrawal from the event.

Cory Lopez (USA), 38, current ASP World No. 38, is back in Jeffreys Bay!

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Tuesday, July 12, 2011) – Cory Lopez (USA), 34, current ASP World No. 38, has gained entry into the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Stop No. 4 of 11 on the ASP World Title season, with the withdrawal of Dane Reynolds (USA), 25. While Reynolds has yet to provide a reason for his withdrawal from the event, Lopez who traveled from nearby Durban where he was in town for the Mr Price Pro, stands to benefit largely from this opportunity to increase his ASP World Rating as we approach the September rotation. ASP tracked down the progressive goofy-footer as he arrived on Pepper Street to see what his state of mind is approaching the commencement of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay. This…is his story…

You found out this morning that you’ve been seeded into the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay – your first impressions?
I haven’t been to J-Bay in probably three or four years so it’s nice to be back and I’m really hoping the swell will come in. I love this wave. It’s a lot of fun, but we obviously need some swell. So hopefully it shows up and we can have a good event.

What are the challenges to being a goofy-footer out at Jeffreys Bay?
When the waves are small at J-Bay, it’s really difficult to surf backside. It becomes a challenge to fit your turns in the pocket as it breaks so fast down the line. It really then benefits guys on their forehand when it’s smaller. You really need a proper swell to set up a good backside bottom turn. So I’m hoping it gets big as it’s a lot more fun for us goofies and a lot more fun for me.

With a good result here, you could feasibly be within the Top 32 on the ASP World Rankings for the September cutoff – your thoughts?
I’m definitely looking for a big result. If I can make two heats here, it will help my position on the World Ranking. I’ll probably be borderline after that, and three heats, I’d probably be pretty sweet. So I’d love to get a result here, and it just comes down to catching a few good waves in my heat, so I’m focusing on that first.

What kind of boards are you packing for the event?
I’ve got the same quiver I’ve had for the last couple of months. I’ve got around six boards with me – same boards I brought to Portugal and in Ballito. I’ve got a few Whiplash models with a bit more rocker so if it’s small, I can fit turns into the transition a lot better.