Jordy Smith, a seasoned veteran of the Championship Tour, made waves at the Surf City El Salvador Pro by clinching his first event victory in eight years. The 37-year-old South African surfer triumphed over compatriot Matthew McGillivray in a historic all-South African final, showcasing his enduring talent and passion for the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Jordy Smith won his first Championship Tour event since 2017, defeating Matthew McGillivray in the final.
- The event marked the first all-South African final since apartheid, highlighting a significant moment in surfing history.
- Gabriela Bryan also claimed victory in the women’s final, further elevating her ranking in the Championship Tour.
A Long-Awaited Victory
After years of reflection and personal growth, Jordy Smith returned to competitive surfing with renewed vigor. In the final heat, he faced off against McGillivray, who is nine years younger and also hails from South Africa. Smith’s experience and skill shone through as he executed powerful maneuvers, ultimately scoring 14.26 to McGillivray’s 9.33.
Smith expressed his emotions after the win, dedicating the victory to his wife and father. "I can’t believe it, to be honest. It means a lot for South Africa. I just kept telling myself you can do it, you’re going to do it," he said, reflecting on the long journey back to the top.
The Path to the Final
To reach the final, Smith defeated Cole Houshmand in the semifinals, while McGillivray overcame Crosby Colapinto. Both semifinals showcased the surfers’ abilities to read the waves and execute their strategies effectively, setting the stage for an exciting final.
Conditions and Performance
The final took place under challenging conditions, with the wind shifting from offshore to onshore, creating choppy waters. Despite this, Smith’s agility and wave selection were key to his success. A standout moment was his impressive fin-ditch layback maneuver, which, although scored a 6.93, symbolized his return to form and mastery of the sport.
Women’s Final Highlights
In the women’s final, Gabriela Bryan faced Isabella Nichols in a thrilling contest. Bryan’s raw power and ability to hit critical sections of the waves allowed her to secure the win with a score of 14.33. Despite some mistakes, she managed to catch the best wave of the heat, showcasing her competitive spirit and skill.
Rankings and Future Events
With their victories, both Smith and Bryan made significant leaps in the Championship Tour rankings. Smith jumped to fifth place, while Bryan moved up to second. The next leg of the tour will take place in Australia, with events scheduled at Bells Beach, Snapper Rocks, and Margaret River, promising more exciting competitions ahead.
As the surfing community celebrates Smith’s remarkable comeback, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming events and the potential for more thrilling performances from both established and rising stars in the sport.
Sources
- Jordy Smith Wins First Event in 8 Years at Surf City El Salvador Pro, SURFER Magazine.
- Jordy Smith bests countryman Matt McGillivray in first all-South African surf final since apartheid! –
BeachGrit, BeachGrit. - Live Chat: Finals Day of the Surf City El Salvador Pro!, BeachGrit.
- Live Chat: Day Seven of the Surf City El Salvador Pro!, BeachGrit.
