Surfing With No Pressure, Just Purpose
Jordy Smith is rewriting his story on the Championship Tour. At 36, the South African legend is not only having the best competitive run of his 18-year pro career—with wins in El Salvador and Margaret River—but he’s doing it with a fresh mindset: no pressure, just passion. According to longtime friend and filmer Nick Christy, Jordy’s rediscovered joy for surfing is deeply tied to the recent birth of his second son, Sunny.
Fatherhood Sparks a New Fire
“Jords is surfing better than ever,” Nick says. “He’s free, focused, and just wants to ride waves.” That change is no accident. The freedom that came with fatherhood, coupled with a new perspective on competition, seems to have lifted a weight off his shoulders. Jordy’s new mantra? Just catch two good waves.
From Cape Town to YouTube: Behind the Camera
Alongside his powerful turns and barrels, Jordy has stepped into the content game—finally launching a YouTube channel after years of talk. Shot and edited by Nick, their videos highlight not just competitions, but jaw-dropping freesurfs filmed around the world. And it’s not just Jordy in front of the lens; he’s deeply involved in editing, music selection, and style.
A Legacy of Collaboration
The duo has been filming together since O’Neill’s “Silver Linings” in 2021, but this new YouTube project is their first independent venture—no sponsors, no expectations, just pure surf content. “We’re not chasing algorithms,” Nick explains. “We’re just putting out edits we love.”
Even Sickness Couldn’t Stop Him
When Nick and Jordy landed in El Salvador, both were hit with a brutal stomach bug. Despite barely being able to walk, Jordy powered through and won heats. That determination, that resilience—it’s what’s driving this late-career surge.
What’s Next: Fiji and Beyond
With Fiji on the horizon and a possible world title within reach, Jordy and Nick are just getting started. And win or lose, the world will be watching—not just through WSL scores, but through their lens, one clip at a time.