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?
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2018 من GQ South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2018 من GQ South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Creativity Protection - Let's unpack copyright, fair use, and remix trends
We've compiled a breakdown on intellectual property considerations within our local content creation landscape
With great power...
The new BMW i5 M60 xDrive is an electric (and electrifying) appetiser as we wait for the full-fat M5. Walter Hayward answers some burning questions.
CREATIVE CHRONICLES DIVERSE PATHS, SINGULAR VISIONS
We take a look at the unique narratives behind a group of creative souls. From the bold strokes of a painter's brush to the intricacies of mixing drinks, each reveals the boundless spectrum of human imagination
African luxe aesthetic
Tshepo Rakale, a self-taught designer from Soweto, embodies the creative vision of Gvllvnt. His meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of luxury set him apart as one of South Africa's most captivating menswear designers.
Fresh Sound
We chat to seven artists actively shaping the music landscape, exploring their distinct creative approaches and insights on crafting timeless music
Live long and prosper
The longest living people in the world all abide by the 'Power 9' rule
THE art OF PERFUMERY
The art of perfumery is not merely about pleasant aromas; it is an intricate art form that combines science, creativity, and storytelling
The fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation
Can the fashion industry tell the difference?
Into The Woodź
Dive into the world of The Woodź aka Lesedi, as he unveils his musical odyssey in this captivating fashion editorial, in partnership with Isuzu and local design house, Franc Ellis
THE MUSICAL ODYSSEY OF ASA
PARIS-BORN NIGERIAN ARTIST ASA CREATES A MUSICAL LEGACY THAT TRANSCENDS CULTURAL CONFINES