Durban-born professional surfer Jordy Smith first hit the big time in his teens almost two decades ago. And now that the sport has entered the Summer Olympics for the first time, we get to know the surf star who could likely be representing SA in Tokyo, Japan, come 2020
GQ: How’s your relationship with the sport evolved over time?
Jordy Smith: I started at three years old and my dad is a surfboard shaper. You start surfing because it’s fun, and because I started at such a young age, I just thought it was part of life – you have to learn to walk, you’ve got to go to school, and you surf. That’s just life. I was actually saying to a friend earlier, just the fact that we have a wave pool now is extremely impressive. That’s something I only ever dreamed of as a kid.
GQ: What’s been your favourite moment in your career?
JS: Definitely winning a world-tour event at Jeffreys Bay on such a big stage and beating some of the best in the world for the first time. I’d been running up and down that beach at J-Bay for tens of years, collecting signatures, and then to be in the actual event was one thing. And then to come away with the win was just like, wow, something special. In a way, I feel like I didn’t just win it for me, but I won it for South Africa. I won it for all my friends and family. And I was the first South African to ever win it, so it was quite a big thing for me.
GQ: When did you start to feel like you could do things on your own terms? Was there ever a moment?
Esta historia es de la edición October 2018 de GQ South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 2018 de GQ South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE CAMERA
A creative director, a filmmaker and a video director - three Ghanaian visionaries share their unique approach to fashion and visual storytelling
Body Odours You Shouldn't Ignore
A little whiff of sweat or muskiness may not be cause for concern, but some smells can signal a health concern that are worth taking a bit more seriously
THE MOST CONSISTENT IN THE GAME
K.O's greatest strength is his adaptability in the evolving music industry while staying true to his roots. From his days as a member of Teargas to solo hits like \"Caracara\" and \"Sete,\" he proves that he is always one step ahead
POWER & PASSION
Off the field and comfortable with SA rugby's MVPs, Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe
GUNNING FOR GLORY!
BURNING UP THE GLOBAL STAGE, BLXCKIE HAS A THING OR TWO TO SHOW US ABOUT SUCCESS
Final Edition
From 2025, Jaguar will go fully electric. To say farewell to their internal combustion felines, our motoring editor Dieter Losskarn joined the megabrand in taking their latest F-Type sportscar on one last lap
WRITING THEIR NEXT CHAPTERS OF SUCCESS TOGETHER
The collaboration between Bisquit and Dubouché and Kwesta is kicking into gear with an initiative to drive a new wave of pioneering spirits
Exceeding all the Hype
Group managing director at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, Michael Kewley injected charm and artistry into the space, elevating its status of luxury
Grand Cruiser
Our motoring editor Dieter Losskarn was pleasantly surprised by how much he liked the new Prado. In fact, it is one of the best SUV/4x4 vehicles he's driven in a long time. Here's why...
Why Does Everyone Have Big, Fake White Teeth Now?
Veneers were once a dirty secret. Now, they're a luxury status symbol and the famous and wealthy are flocking to Hollywood's favorite dentist in search of even more perfect smiles
