He’s the first South African since Martin Potter to be considered a viable world-title contender, and growing up in the burgeoning talent pool of Durban’s New Pier has only honed the powerful young regularfooter’s competitive nature. At 19 years old, he already boasts a winning record against WCT competitors, besting Andy Irons and Fred Patacchia in Hawaii, and Taj Burrow, Taylor Knox, and Timmy Reyes at the Billabong Pro South Africa last year. “I was really impressed this winter,” says Andy Irons. “He’s surfing like a man. He really stepped his game up, and still has a level head, which is good to see.” He’s won ISA and ASP world junior titles, was named Triple Crown Rookie of the Year in 2006, and almost qualified for the World Championship Tour after surfing only a handful of events. If you’re the astrological type, consider the fact that he even shares a birthday with Kelly Slater. But most impressive of all is the respect he’s garnered throughout this process. “He surfs with flow and simplicity,” says good friend and soon-to-be rival Julian Wilson. “He has this super laid-back approach, but still puts all the big moves together.” Today, jumping on the WQS and making a full-time push at the WCT, it’s becoming more and more evident that Jordy Smith will be sitting at the top of his class for years to come.