Jordy Smith was born in South Africa, the son of one of the country's most respected board builders, Graham Smith.
Growing up in the punchy beachbreaks around Durban, and traveling the surf-riddled coast of South Africa as a grom, Jordy quickly became one of the most polished, technical, well-rounded surfers for his age, eventually becoming the ISA Under-16 World Champion in 2003. After getting a wildcard into the 2006 WSL Billabong Pro J-Bay, Jordy put in a breakout performance and went on to a semifinal finish. The next year he dominated the ‘QS, joining the ‘CT in 2007 and earning the Rookie of the Year.
Now a tour veteran surfing his 16th year on the ‘CT, a Gold Medal at the 2024 Olympic Games would silence critics that feel Jordy should have won at least one world title throughout his career, which has included winning ‘CTs at Bells, Rio, Lower Trestles twice, and Jeffreys Bay back to back in 2010 and 2011.