Jordy Smith: Chasing the World Surf League Championship at 37
Image: Tyrone Bradley/Red Bull Content Pool
South African Olympic surfer Jordy Smith is riding the wave of a lifetime, juggling family life and his career as he chases that elusive top spot in the World Surf League Championship this season.
At the ripe age of 37, the South African athlete is still inspiring the younger generation of surfers, and he is keen on doing so for as long as he can while setting his sights on staying amongst the top surfers in the world.
Currently navigating the waves in Tahiti as he looks to maintain his second place on the rankings as the season progresses, tto ultimately secure another world title for South Africa. Smith recently had a small hiccup in Jeffreys Bay at the JBay Open, but will be keen to get to the top of the swell in the Pacific Ocean at the Tahiti Pro.
He has secured a top five spot that will see him contest the finals in Fiji.
However, for the South African, everything is not just about winning, as he has come to realise over the years He wants to enjoy his craft, motivate upcoming talents and make his family proud while out in the water.
While the season is still ongoing, Smith is dreaming of capturing that elusive world title.
'It would mean a lot, hey. It's been a long time since a South African has won a world title,' Smith said.
'A lot of hard work would have gone into it. Not just by me, but a lot of people who have supported me. Winning a title would be for everyone.'
But his road to the top wasn't without its setbacks. Injuries, fierce competition, and the pressure of global expectations could have derailed a lesser athlete. Smith, however, never stopped grinding.
He adapted, evolved, and returned stronger each time. With multiple career wins, including victories at the prestigious J-Bay Open on home soil, Smith solidified his legacy as one of the best of his era. His latest exploits, which catapulted him to the brink of the world title, came at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, where he beat countryman Matthew McGillivray in a historic all-South African final. He followed that up with a victory at the Margaret River Pro that put him atop the world rankings.
Beyond his personal achievements, Smith's greatest impact may be his role as a trailblazer.
For young South African surfers, like McGillivray, he's proof that international success is possible, even from a country where sponsorship and exposure can be limited. Through mentorship programs and local outreach, Smith has actively worked to grow the sport at home, encouraging the next generation to believe in their potential.
'I just want to keep on inspiring. I think South African surfing is just starting out. We had some of the first world champions back in the 70s, but then there was a big gap. Now, I think we are back. We have a lot more infrastructure around surfing, and it's similar to how rugby, cricket, and soccer do at the grassroots level.
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