Conditions delay surfing event at J-Bay

Waves under one metre have delayed the World Surfing League event at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa.

Mick Fanning had a close encounter with a shark two years ago at the same event. Source: AAP

The start of the World Surfing League (WSL) event at Jeffreys Bay has been postponed as organisers wait for better conditions.

Australia's championship leader Matt Wilkinson will have to wait for his first-round assignment against compatriot Ethan Ewing and Frenchman Jeremy Flores, with waves of less than one metre leading to a lay day on Wednesday's scheduled opening day.

Countryman Mick Fanning, a two-time winner at Jeffreys Bay, will face Hawaiian Sebastian Zietz and Joan Duru of France.

"There's some fun little waves out there in the chest to head-high range, though the swell is kind of a short period today," WSL commissioner Kieren Perrow said.

"It lacks a little bit of energy and the wind is forecast to go onshore so we won't run any heats today.

"We have a great looking forecast so we're going to make the most of that."

Event organisers will meet at 7am on Thursday (South African time) to reassess conditions.