Jordy’s sure he can deal with the Rip Curl Pro pressure
DEFENDING Rip Curl Pro champion Jordy Smith says he’s learnt to deal with the pressure that comes with competing on the World Surf League. And last year’s world No.4 warns he’s in better shape now than this time last year, when he famously surfed into shore pretending to ring the bell after claiming the final against Caio Ibelli.
DEFENDING Rip Curl Pro champion Jordy Smith says he’s learnt to deal with the pressure that comes with competing on the World Surf League.
Last year’s world No. 4 says he’s in better shape now than this time last year, when he famously surfed into shore pretending to ring the bell in the final against Caio Ibelli.
The South African says he recalls last year’s event vividly and wants to have that winning feeling again.
“It’s definitely something I remember,” the 30-year-old told the Geelong Advertiser.
“I’ve been trying to get it for 10 years, I’ve had some great performances out here but I was just never able to get it.
“I think in 2016 I made the final and got second, so that really stung, and just to come back and win it the next year, I was stoked.
“People always say, ‘ You can’t ring it until you’ve won it’, but I did and I won it too,” he laughed. “I’m not superstitious in any way, shape or form, so I’m going to do whatever I can to win.”
Smith had his first surf at Bells Beach since last year’s final on Monday, and said he wouldn’t be putting himself under any pressure to defend the title.
“I think the greatest thing that got me over the line was just letting go of the thought whether I would win it or wouldn’t,” he said.
“Years before I would just put this pressure (on myself) that I have to win it, but last year I just said to myself, ‘If I don’t win it, I don’t win it’.
“I think it was just the relaxed approach, letting down your hair and letting your shoulders hang loose, and just accepting if it comes or doesn’t, I think that really got me over the line and put me in a good mind space.
“I’m definitely ahead of where I was this time last year, physically, mentally, equipment-wise.
“I think it’s just about waking up every day and being really honest with yourself in saying, ‘How can I get better’ and just addressing those issues.”
And Smith said it would be extra special to share the event with retiring Aussie champion Mick Fanning.
“I think it was his first major victory here at Bells, and I think he’s going to be trying his best to make it his last,” Smith said. “He’s such an amazing human being and incredible for our sport.
“The thing I’ve probably learnt most (from Fanning) is how much dedication he’s put in; he’s really humble and focuses really hard.”