--- title: "Jordy Smith and Matt McGillivray power SA surfing back onto the map after historic showdown" description: "Local surfing received a huge boost with the first all-South African final on the World Tour this weekend." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "SURFING" author: "Craig Ray" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/craig-ray/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-04-13-jordy-smith-and-matt-mcgillivray-put-sa-surfing-back-on-map/" published: "2025-04-13T15:43:08" updated: "2025-04-14T10:40:47" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 644 --- # Jordy Smith and Matt McGillivray power SA surfing back onto the map after historic showdown > Local surfing received a huge boost with the first all-South African final on the World Tour this weekend. By Craig Ray · Published 13 April 2025, 17:43 SAST · Updated 14 April 2025, 12:40 SAST ## Key points - After an eight-year title drought that felt longer than a surfboard ride on a flat day, South Africa's Jordy Smith finally caught a wave of victory at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, proving that sometimes the best things in life come to those who wait—especially when you're riding your dad's board against a fellow countryman in a historic all-South African final. - After an eight-year drought, South African surfer Jordy Smith clinched his first WSL title since 2017 at the Surf City El Salvador Pro. - At 37, Smith became the oldest competitor on tour, showcasing his enduring skill and dedication to the sport. - The final marked a historic all-South African showdown against Matt McGillivray, who faced logistical challenges on the day of the event. - An emotional Smith dedicated his victory to his wife and father, highlighting the significance of the win for South African surfing. ## Content Eight years is an entire career for many elite sports people, but South Africa’s Jordy Smith is no ordinary professional. He has been surfing on the World Surf League (WSL) Tour for 18 years, starting back in 2008 when it had a different name and when Kelly Slater was in his pomp. On Saturday, 12 April, Smith – now 37 and the oldest man on tour – won the Surf City El Salvador Profor his first WSL title in eight years. Smith’s previous win on tour came in 2017 at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in Australia, where the WSL Tour heads next for round five of the 2025 season. Eight years between titles is massive, but is testament to his skill, drive, longevity and commitment to the sport. ![Jordy Smith of South Africa celebrates winning the Surf City El Salvador Pro on April 12, 2025 at Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador. (Photo: Emma Sharon/World Surf League)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ZGH4y2RjeCKsVvu8HunOVO45zb4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Jordy-Smith_25ElSal_ESH_4012_Emma-Sharon.jpg) *Jordy Smith of South Africa celebrates winning the Surf City El Salvador Pro at Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador. (Photo: Emma Sharon/World Surf League)* To add to the glorious day for South African surfing, Smith met fellow South Africa Matt McGillivray on the right-hand point break at Punta Roca in the final. It was the first all-South African final in the history of the WSL, marking a significant milestone for McGillivray himself on his maiden appearance in a final. It also led to some last-minute logistics issues for the 28-year-old McGillivray, who had booked flights out of El Salvador on the day of the final. The Punta Roca break is not dissimilar to Jeffreys Bay where McGillivray lives and where Smith surfs regularly and where he has previously won on the WSL. For South African surfing it was a huge moment, similar to[Bianca Buitendag’s silver](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-07-29-sas-surfing-medallist-bianca-buitendags-next-challenge-is-all-about-giving-back/) at the Tokyo Olympics. [YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkHaKNEtKfM) The four- to six-foot sets for the final were not massive, but enough for Smith to show his skills, riding a board shaped by his father, Graham. Smith dropped a score of 7.33 (out of 10) on the first wave of the final, showcasing his full array of skills, which, as it turned out, was a decisive blow right out of the gates. McGillivray just couldn’t find the right wave to unseat the experienced Smith, who added a 6.93 score late in the heat for a combined total of 14.26. McGillivray could only muster a combined total of 9.33 in the tricky and inconsistent conditions for the final. #### **Tears and thanks** ![Matthew McGillivray and Jordy Smith of South Africa after the Final at the Surf City El Salvador Pro on April 12, 2025 at Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador. (Photo: Aaron Hughes/World Surf League)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/TKlgXeIw7hKvaGQGo45NubhmoWw=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Men-Finalists_25ElSal_AH2_5649_Aaron-Hughes.jpg) *Matthew McGillivray and Jordy Smith of South Africa after the Final at the Surf City El Salvador Pro at Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador. (Photo: Aaron Hughes/World Surf League)* A tearful Smith, who is now up to fifth on the overall standings after four of 11 rounds, dedicated the win to his wife Lyndall and to his father. “I think just for South Africa in general, this means a lot. I can’t believe it, to be honest,” Smith said. “If I could dedicate this to two people. My wife, and all the wives and husbands who let us do this, it means the world to me. And to my father. I wanted to ride my father’s board in this final and win on it, and to do it is incredible. “I just kept telling myself you can do it, you’re going to do it. It’s just four more waves, and you’re going to do it. It’s just so hard to take it all, it’s been so long. And I’m just happy to do it with another fellow South African.” **Read more:**[Inspirational Jordy Smith still riding the crest of the wave as Olympic dream comes true](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-22-inspirational-jordy-smith-still-riding-the-crest-of-the-wave-as-olympic-dream-comes-true/) He also praised McGillivray, who took down event favourite Yago Dora from Brazil and the highly rated Colapinto brothers Crosby and Griffin, on his way to the final. “I can’t say enough good words about Matthew \[McGillivray\]. He’s a long-time friend and to share a final with him is really, really special,” Smith said. **DM**