Jordy Goes to #1

Thurs 6 June 2013 As it stands right now, Jordy Smith is number one in the world. Craig Jarvis looks at Day 2 of the Volcom Fiji Pro, held in cracking 6' surf at the break called Restaurants.

The world best surfers had some cracking waves at Restaurants, with the growing swell and fresh offshores making for some deep pits and fat lips. John John was back after a short injury lay-off, and he went straight into a 19.80 heat score that actually had many people thinking he was going to score the perfect 20. Taj was on fire, Kelly made it finally and was looking sharp, and Joel Parkinson, who missed his round one heat by choosing to go fishing, scored two nines to advance through his round 2 heat.

Travis Logie kicked in as well, winning his first round heat against Taj Burrow and Yadin Nicol. Travis is surfing fast and dynamic and will meet with CJ Hobgood in round three.

Jordy Smith came up against Kieren Perrow in the growing surf, and totally killed it, scoring a 9.23 and a 9.07 that had the surfers, the commentators and everyone watching on the webcast frothing.

Jordy Smith came up against Kieren Perrow in the growing surf, and totally killed it, scoring a 9.23 and a 9.07 that had the surfers, the commentators and everyone watching on the webcast frothing. Jordy’s surfing, in particular his backhand surfing, and to be specific his backhand tube riding, has improved. Something that Jordy was quick to acknowledge when we phoned him a few minutes after his heat and asked him somewhat bluntly if he knew that his backhand tuberiding game was on-point right now.

“For sure,” said Jordy. “I’ve been working hard at it. It’s partially why I moved to Cape Town you know. You don’t get that many lefts in Durban, and I’ve been surfing Dunes and getting my backhand tuberiding skills dialed.”

It shows. Jordy was toying with the barrels at Restaurants, a wave that he openly declares as his favourite wave ever. Jordy was pulling in, weaving, twisting, contorting and bursting through some sick pits before squaring up off the bottom and smashing countless lips. All of those surfers on the tour and those armchair critics who were quick to point out Jordy’s backhand weaknesses probably took note that those weaknesses have been somewhat ironed out, and in fact look a bit like strengths right now. Jordy destroyed Micro Hall and he firmly defeated The Commissioner Kieren Perrow with some very powerful surfing and some deep tubes.

Jordy has gone to number one in the world rankings. This could easily change as we progress through the remainder of the contest, but for now, he’s on top, and he plans to stay there.

Jordy comes up against John John Florence and Taj Burrow in the first heat of round 4. That’s going to be a doozy.