Jordy Smith 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, who recently claimed victory at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, is aiming to build on his emotional triumph and push further in the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
Smith’s win in El Salvador marked his first WSL victory since 2017 and signified a major milestone in his career. It was also a historic moment for South African surfing, as it was the first time in 41 years that two South African surfers competed in a Championship Tour final together. For Smith, the victory was deeply personal, as he rode a board shaped by his father, Graham. The win was emotionally overwhelming, and Smith recalled the experience with his father, stating, “I don’t think we spoke much—I think it was just crying, pretty much. He was pretty stoked, just tears of joy.”
As Smith now shifts his focus to Bells Beach, the site of his first visit 25 years ago with his father, his spirits are high. Reflecting on that pivotal trip, he recalled, “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.” Returning to Bells Beach has become a spiritual experience for Smith, who described the location as a place that “reboots your soul” and prepares him for the challenges ahead.
Currently ranked fifth in the WSL standings, Smith is aware that another strong performance at Bells could propel him closer to his long-awaited world title. With 41 heat wins at the iconic location—more than any other surfer—he remains a dominant force at Bells.
However, the Rip Curl Pro has experienced delays due to unfavorable conditions, with competition halting after the women’s opening round and one men’s heat on Good Friday, April 18. As Easter Monday passed without further action, all eyes are now on Tuesday, April 22, when Smith will compete in heat three alongside Australian George Pittar and Brazilian Edgard Groggia.
Smith’s journey through professional surfing has been marked by perseverance and an unwavering love for the sport. At 37, he remains one of the most competitive surfers on the circuit, despite the physical challenges of aging in a demanding sport. He proudly describes himself as an “absolute surf dog” and a “surf frother at heart,” emphasizing his passion for the sport. “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,” he said.
As Smith prepares for the next chapter in what could be a pivotal year for his career, he emphasizes 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.”
With his recent win in El Salvador and an unmatched record at Bells Beach, Smith’s future in the 2025 season is full of promise. As the Rip Curl Pro resumes, the surfing world is watching closely to see if the veteran surfer can translate his momentum into a championship run.
Jordy Smith’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience and passion required to thrive at the top levels of competitive surfing. As the action continues at Bells Beach, he remains one of the sport’s most captivating figures, and the surf community is eagerly anticipating what comes next in this remarkable chapter of his career.