Jordy Smith is living the dream. The South African talent is one of the best surfers in the world, jetting around the globe to epic breaks while married to a supermodel, and he’s still in his prime.
The man can do things with a surfboard that seems more appropriate on concrete rather than monster waves. In pursuit of a U.S. Open championship this week, Jordy Smith gave us some insight into his world.
CraveOnline: Last year during the U.S. Open, you proposed to your girl, Lyndall Jarvis, and have since been married. So how’s married life?
Jordy Smith: Oh, it’s been incredible. It’s really amazing…it just carries through a little deeper kind of love and affection. It definitely changes life.
CraveOnline: When it comes to your sponsors, how receptive are they into your insight and what role do you play in terms of design?
Jordy Smith: I play a little bit of a role when it comes to design but not too much. I kind of pick and choose which one I like the best out of the designs. I have really good relationships with all of my sponsors.
CraveOnline: What’s a typical day like on tour when you’re preparing for a contest?
Jordy Smith: Its pretty mellow really especially when the contest is on. Everyone kind of just wakes up really early. And goes through the morning surf, comes in has a big breakfast, waits around kind of following the heat, get warmed up, make sure all of the equipment and everything is prepared, the schedule of the heat, and then win, lose, or draw, you just kind of come back and analyze what you did right and what you did wrong. And then probably go for evening surf and then just try to stay sharp.
CraveOnline: Do you have a specific diet or workout you use while on tour?
Jordy Smith: Yeah. I stick to the paleo diet. Just try to stay away from anything too heavy. I just like to relax and be ready to go.
CraveOnline: You’re notorious for your rodeo flip. Do you remember the first time you stuck that move and how it felt?
Jordy Smith: Yeah, it was crazy. At that point, it was a pretty interesting move. Even up til now, you still don’t see many people doing it. I guess it was just something I had in mind for a while.
CraveOnline: Do you have a favorite break you like to surf?
Jordy Smith: Yeah, obviously surfing in Huntington [Beach] is fun but Fiji is my favorite.
CraveOnline: Are you pumped for the US Open here in Huntington Beach?
Jordy Smith: For sure. I can’t wait. It’s a good event that I haven’t won. I made the final once. I’m going to try and make the finals.
CraveOnline: So when you’re preparing for a heat, what is your state of mind? Do you have a routine?
Jordy Smith: Nothing too crazy.
CraveOnline: Do you have a special pre-mix you listen to get psyched up?
Jordy Smith: Yeah. Music is one of those things that come and go so fast. But for the most part its hip-hop and rap. I can get fired up to Lil Wayne and Jay-Z.
CraveOnline: Working with Surfers Not Street Children, how has that impacted your life?
Jordy Smith: I think its great! It inspires me to see how far they have come.
CraveOnline: You’re still chasing that first ASP championship. What would it mean for you to win that and is that what drives you?
Jordy Smith: That would mean everything, really. Its been a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid. I just really want to put my head down and give it a go.
CraveOnline: You have any other hobbies outside surfing?
Jordy Smith: Yeah, I enjoy doing anything. Mainly I will be hanging out with my friends. Catching up with them is a priority.
CraveOnline: Do you remember your first surfboard?
Jordy Smih: I got my first board when I was probably 5 years old. And I would say I think it was the best board I ever had because it was the first board you ever get, ya know? It just sticks in your mind forever.
CraveOnline: What heat throughout your career sticks out the most to you?
Jordy Smith: Yeah, probably my final wave at my first ASP victory at J-Bay. That was pretty special. It just kind of came to a point when I was down; I ended up getting like a high 9. It was just a real magical moment. I just felt like I had done it all for my family and the whole country.
CraveOnline: What’s something we should know about Jordy Smith?
Jordy Smith: I’m a pretty outgoing guy. I’m pretty mellow. I got a lot of confidence but yeah, uh, I don’t know. You should know that if you ever see me just come over and say “hello.”
Photos courtesy of Red Bull
Joshua Caudill is a writer for CraveOnline Sports, a surfing enthusiast, an unhealthy sports fanatic, and an expert on all things Patrick Swayze. You can follow him on Twitter @JoshuaCaudill85 or “like”CraveOnline Sports on CraveOnline Sports.
