SA’s Jordy Smith books spot in World Surf League final five

South African veteran Jordy Smith has booked his spot in the World Surf League Final Five.

He will contest for the world title in Fiji next month.

Smith advanced to the round of 16 at the Lexus Tahiti Pro, stop 11 of 12 on the World Surf League Championship Tour.

With some of the world’s heaviest waves delivering eight-to-ten-foot barrels, the South African who recently relinquished his spot at the top of the rankings was in danger of another early exit.

But, Smith eventually dropped late into one of the bigger waves of the heat, scoring a 9.5, the highest single ride of the day, to advance and clinch his spot in the WSL Final Five.

His opponent in the round of 16 will be Olympic Games gold medalist and hometown favourite, Kauli Vaast.

ow classic was that whole thing 😂 @jordysmith88

Huge comeback, epic claim, hilarious interview and a spot in the Round of 16 🇿🇦

📺 @lexus #TahitiPro | https://t.co/ie0ZfMWjFw@iseasunglasses pic.twitter.com/fHTGw51I29

— World Surf League (@wsl) August 7, 2025

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