South Africa’s Jordy Smith claimed victory at the Margaret River Pro in Australia on Tuesday, catapulting him to the number one spot in the World Surf League Rankings.
Smith, at 37 years of age, is also chasing his first World Championship title, and the win at Margaret River has put him in a strong lead on the World Surf League (WSL) rankings.
The Durban-born surfer from Durban is currently the oldest competitor on the tour, but that certainly hasn’t stopped him from showing the youngsters how it’s done.
The tour now heads to California, where 11-time world champion Kelly Slater will compete as a wildcard.
Smith says he is also looking forward to competing on home ground in the J-Bay open during July.
“Heading back to South Africa, with a good chance of making it in the Top 5 – it’s a lot of confidence, but that’s where I want to perform my best – in front of my friends and family, and make South Africa proud.”
World Surf League’s Africa media manager Bianca Van Aardt says the entire surfing fraternity is celebrating after Smith’s win, and she’s invited South Africans to start planning their trip to the Eastern Cape for the J-Bay Surf Festival, from July 11-20 this year.
“It’s just phenomenal to have Jordy Smith at Number One in the world right now, with a second event win this season. It’s so good to see a South African on top and back in that World Title conversation!”
Smith heads into the next three events on the WSL calendar with some confidence as he has won these events in previous seasons.
“It’s going to be really exciting to see him at Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay – a wave where he really is one of the best and the man to beat.”
About the J-Bay Surf Festival
This July, Jeffreys Bay is the place to be. From the 11th to the 20th, South Africa’s beloved surf town will burst into life with the return of the Corona Cero Open J-Bay and the J-Bay Surf Festival—a perfect blend of world-class surfing, live music, comedy, and family-friendly fun.
Once the boards are packed away for the day, the ParkOFF Music Festival kicks off, featuring top artists such as Zakes Bantwini, Dino Moran, Dean Fuel, Niskerone, and Italy’s Tribal Need. Comedy Night will also bring big laughs with some of South Africa’s best comedians.
The Surf Festival Fan Park adds more to the experience, offering food trucks, merchandise, live surfing broadcasts, and even meet-and-greets with pro surfers.
For sports lovers and adventure seekers, there’s plenty more:
- Mountain biking and trail running races
- A major Jiu Jitsu tournament with SA’s biggest prize pool
- The popular J-Bay Skins Fishing Competition
With the event falling during the school holidays, it’s the perfect time for a family trip. Over 70,000 visitors are expected, so booking early is advised.
Follow the ParkOFF Music Festival and J-Bay Surf Festival on Instagram for updates.
For accommodation or local info, reach out to Jeffreys Bay Tourism on WhatsApp at 064 966 9933 or via email at info@jeffreysbaytourism.org.
