Jordy Smith, the self-described "absolute surf dog", is riding a wave of momentum as he prepares for the continuation of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. The 37-year-old South African surfer recently clinched victory at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, marking his first World Surf League (WSL) win since 2017. This win not only revitalized Smith’s career but also made history, as it was the first time in 41 years that two South Africans surfed in a Championship Tour (CT) final together.
Smith's victory in El Salvador was a deeply emotional moment for him, especially as he rode a board shaped by his father, Graham. Reflecting on the experience, Smith said, "I don't think we spoke much - I think it was just crying, pretty much. He was pretty stoked, just tears of joy." This heartfelt connection to his father and the sport underscores the significance of the win, especially after such a long drought.
As he gears up for competition at Bells Beach, where he first visited 25 years ago with his dad, Smith is in high spirits. He reminisced about that trip: "It was the one place in Australia where I really, really wanted to go. We saved up for four years to get here and we did it. It was insane." He described his return to Bells as a spiritual experience, saying, "Every time I come back, it's such a familiar place to me. It reboots your soul, gets you ready for the rest of the year."
Currently sitting fifth in the WSL rankings, Smith knows that another strong performance at Bells could solidify his season and inch him closer to the elusive world title. He holds the record for the most heat wins at Bells Beach, with 41 victories to his name, a testament to his enduring prowess in the water.
However, the Rip Curl Pro has faced delays due to poor conditions, with competition halted since the women's opening round and one men's heat on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. As Easter Monday passed with no action, anticipation builds for the expected improvement in conditions on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, when Smith will face off against Australian George Pittar and Brazilian Edgard Groggia in heat three.
Smith's journey in professional surfing has been marked by resilience and passion. He remarked, "I'm an absolute surf dog, a surf frother at heart, and that's what it's about for me. I love to surf. I'm 20 years older than some of the people on tour, so I try to just have them inspire me and push me. That's all I can really ask for and I just keep swinging." His positive mindset and commitment to the sport have kept him competitive, even as he acknowledges the challenges of aging in a physically demanding sport.
As Smith prepares for what could be a pivotal moment in his career, he reflects on the importance of staying present. "You can't think too far into the future or what happened in the past. You work hard for that day and hopefully it comes out your way," he said. With his recent win and a record at Bells, the surfing community is eager to see if Smith can turn this moment into a championship run.
In summary, Jordy Smith stands at a crossroads in his surfing career, buoyed by a significant victory and the nostalgic return to a place that holds deep personal meaning. As the Rip Curl Pro resumes, all eyes will be on this seasoned competitor, hoping to witness a remarkable chapter unfold in the storied history of surfing.
