Inside View

So, how’s it going so far in Bali bru?

Good thanks. We arrived a few days before the contest and we just got into the swing of things really slowly. The waves weren’t the best when we arrived but it has had some ridiculous pulses during the event so far.

What do you think of Keramas?

This wave is one of my favourite waves in the world. I know the wave well. I’m really relaxed out here, and I just go out and have some fun and surf. It’s an approach that seems to be working for me, especially this year.

Have a good time in Fiji?

Fiji was sick. I really enjoyed it. There was a ton of good waves so I took advantage of it everyday and tried to surf as much as possible. I tried to gain as much experience out there as I could.

Afterwards you hung out for a while?

After the event we stuck around for three or four days, and we scored some really good waves at Restaurants. It was good to be there and experience the different vibe and feel of the place after the contest. It was nice and relaxing.

You seem to have a good plan for 2013. Anything special for Bali?

I’m just not going to think too far ahead of things. Wait for the two best waves and ride them, and see what happens from there. I don’t think too much past that. I’ve said it before, paddle out, stay relaxed, and have some fun.

Some insane surfing so far. Who’s looking good?

Everyone looks good out there. It’s just about who gets the really good waves, and who doesn’t let their flaws show. It’s like JBay in a way. It’s so perfect that if you do mess up on a wave it really shows your mistake to the world. In other places, like Brazil, you can push through a mistake, and just kind of make it look like you’re meant to do it, but out here if you stumble it shows. You just can’t afford to do that here.

Looks tricky for the goofyfooters ?

It is right now, but that’s more a case of this particular swell and tide. When Keramas is perfect it’s anyone’s game.

You’re #3. The top trio are some way ahead of the pack. Feeling comfortable?

I think I’m feeling way better than if I was in first. The pressure isn’t on me. I think that’s going to lead to a couple of good results.

Do you miss home? Good old South Africa?

Of course. You do miss home, but one of the things about traveling is forgetting about all that stuff, and living in the moment, living right where you are. Sometimes that’s the most important thing. Not worrying about what’s going on back home and what you’re missing and things like that, because that will just drive you insane. The most important thing for me right now is to be living in the moment and enjoying it. You shouldn’t be anywhere else than where you are right now.

But South Africa is still home?

It’s always going to be home for me, but I have just recently made the decision to become a full gypsy, and just travel and experience things as they happen. That way, when I look back I can say that I’ve done it all, you know. I wasn’t running back home every 5 seconds.

You killed your first round against Oney Anwar and Matt Wilkinson, yet something was amiss towards the end of your heat. You started paddling in, then paddled back out. What was that?

Funny. I mistimed my heat slightly. I pushed the stopwatch on my watch too early in the beginning of the heat, so when I thought it was over there was still some time left on the clock. Luckily no one caught waves during that time so it was all good.

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Jordy will be coming up against Freddy Patacchia in heat 12 of round 3. Watch it live at  www.oakleyprobali.com