WATER SPORTS
Words: Craig Jarvis ǀ Photos: Various photographers ǀ Video: O'Neill
Jordy on
fire
Currently placed fourth in the world on the World Championship Tour of surfing, Jordy Smith is having a good run over in California AT the Hurley Pro Trestles, from 15 to 21 September 2013. Jordy blitzed his first round heat, beating the Australian duo of wildcard surfer Mitch Crews and seeded surfer Matt Wilkinson to advance directly to the third round of the event. Jordy is still within striking distance of a world title this year and has been clearly identified by current ratings leader Kelly Slater as a contender and a danger man for the title.
Despite his large frame, Jordy has managed to win his heats convincingly, stating that he has a ‘magic board’ helping him along the way. Photo credit: ©ASP/Rowland
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Jordy has taken to the air in California and advanced through to the quarter-finals in the Hurley Pro. Photo credit: ŠASP/Rowland
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Jordy answered a few questions between swells in California. Q: Well surfed out there, Jordy. You’re looking confident. The waves here in California are generally smaller and a bit weak compared to what you’re used to. Have you been training hard in California?
I have. I’ve been surfing out there at the contest venue every day for a few weeks now. It’s been a good time to get my boards dialled, and to slot back into the groove in these types of waves.
Q: You've often said that (the contest site)
Lowers is one of the best performance waves in the world. Do you like surfing here?
Yeah, it's such a good wave to open up on and really forgiving. I just have to watch out I don't over power it. I’ve been coming here for many years and have a great relationship with the place. So I feel really comfortable here, which is a great starting point for an event.
Q: It’s that time of the year when surfers are
Q: Your board looks good underfoot as well. It’s a Channel Islands, but is there anything special about it?
Not really. It’s a Channel Islands Flyer and it’s actually the same board I rode at Huntington for the US Open of surfing, so I know it like the back of my hand. It’s a magic stick.
Q: Obviously it would be great to get a win in this event and stay in the run for the title. Are you feeling any pressure?
No pressure at all. I'm prepared and confident and psyched to surf well and hopefully get a win. That’s as far as I'm thinking at the moment. I’m just slip streaming behind and waiting for my opportunity to go into sixth gear and overtake.
either gunning for a world title or fighting to requalify for next year. This usually brings out some inspired performances. Who is looking on form so far? veryone is looking good. Julian Wilson had E a good heat yesterday, he was blowing up. Otherwise Mick Fanning, Gabriel Medina, and Josh Kerr. I haven't been paying too much attention to be honest, but those boys have been posting good heat totals.
Q: Travis Logie is killing it as well, totally blitzing it in round one and beating current World Champion Joel Parkinson. That must have been pretty cool to watch.
Yeah, Trav's backhand is lethal. He got him right on the buzzer, which must have felt good. I was screaming at the top of my lungs for it. I was super proud of him. Good luck for the remainder of the event. We’re all watching here in South Africa.
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To watch the event live go to www.thehurleypro.com
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Jordy has a new movie out on iTunes called ‘Now Now’ that is for sale - watch the trailer here - http://vimeo.com/73909000 Photo credit: @ O’Neill
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