‘It feels incredible’: Jordy Smith sets sights on historic world surfing title

Though he has taken the overall lead in the World Surf League (WSL), veteran Jordy Smith says he’s not getting ahead of himself as he aims to become the first South African man in 48 years to win the top-flight series.

Smith earned his second win of the season on Monday, beating Griffin Colapinto of the United States in the final to secure victory at the Margaret River Pro in Western Australia.

Having produced consistent performances throughout the seven WSL legs thus far, Smith took the overall lead with four events left in the regular season.

“It feels incredible. I think it’s just a testament to showing up every day and trusting what you’re doing,” said the 37-year-old South African.

“And it’s not just myself. I can’t say I’ve been doing all the work because I’ve got such a great team of people behind me… so there’s a lot of dedication that goes on every day.

“I’m sure all the surfers live a similar path, but for me this year has just been about having fun and enjoying this because it’s not forever.”

Looking ahead

Having competed in the top-flight global league for the last 16 years, Smith has finished in the top five overall on six occasions and has twice finished second, but he is still in search of his first global senior crown.

With the top five competitors in the WSL qualifying for the series final to be contested in Fiji in August and September, Smith was well on track to become the first South African to win the men’s world title since Shaun Thomson in 1977.

And while he looked forward to the next event, the Trestles Pro to be held in California starting on 9 June, he admitted it would be a challenge to hold on to his overall lead.

“I think everyone’s going to be kind of fighting for that top five now, and there are a lot of guys who are swinging for it, so that’s going to be exciting,” he said.

“And I think just having that opportunity to kind of push myself against the best in the world is all I’m really looking for, taking every day for what it is and not thinking too far down the line.”