THE RISE AND RISE OF JORDY SMITH [15.02.2011]Surfers

Surfer, Jordy Smith, Kelly Slater, surfing, highlights, 2010, 2011, ASP World Tour, surf, WCT, TOP 10

THE RISE AND RISE OF JORDY SMITH

The rise of 23-year-old Jordy Smith to the apex of professional surfing has been nothing short of phenomenal.

After finishing a respectable 28th in just his first year on the ASP World Tour in 2008, the big South African has since gone about masterminding a colossal climb up the ASP ranks.

Observers would witness a competitive nous well beyond his years, when Smith returned the following year in 2009 to outclass many a veteran and finish the season 11th overall.

In 2010, Smith would unleash all-out terror on opponents with his brand of surfing that combines power and finesse in a manner not seen since the likes of Kelly Slater and the late Andy Irons.

On top of clinching his first WCT victory (The Billabong Pro Jefferys Bay), 2010 saw Smith display incredible consistency across all tour stops, averaging a 5th place result across the ten events of the year. At 34 wins from 47 heats (72.34%), Smith’s 2010 dominance speaks for itself. Finishing the year in 2nd place, there was just one man who bettered him.

Given Smith’s unwavering progression up the ASP World Title ranks, it seems almost logical that up’s the only place to go for the South African in 2010. Logical, if it wasn't for the 10-time World Champion in the only spot above him.

Will Smith’s continuous ability to better himself be enough to dethrone Kelly Slater in 2011?

- Michael Bellamy

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