Smith looking to prolong Slaters Search

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Smith looking to prolong Slater's Search

ASP/ Kirstin Scholtz

Smith looking to prolong Slater's Search

by Martyn Thomas, 30 Oct 2010

Jordy Smith has travelled to Peurto Rico for the Rip Curl Pro Search as the only man who can stop Kelly Slater winning an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title.

The South African surfer is the current world no 2 having won his home event, the Billabong Pro at Jeffreys Bay in July. However, Smith needs to finish at least equal fifth in the penultimate competition of the season to keep the title race alive.
“My goal is the same it has been all season - make heats,” Smith said. “The rest is out of my hands.”

Smith may be cagey about his title chances but he is relishing the trip to the Caribbean, and the chance to take part in the Pro Search where he will face Brett Simpson and Dylan Graves in the first round.

“I have never been to Puerto Rico,” the 22-year-old said. “I hear the waves are really good with tons of ramps. I think it will suit my surfing. The Search event is new and fresh and the advantage is to the versatile surfers. I'm stoked on the concept.”

Reigning ASP World Champion Mick Fanning’s title defence was ended in Portugal with uncharacteristic early defeat. However, as the winner of the last two Pro Search events he is looking forward to the trip to Peurto Rico.

“Yeah, that was a tough heat (in Portugal) but that’s the way it goes against the best surfers,” Fanning said. “I am really excited for the end of the year and will be looking to win more events and put a good exclamation point on the year.

“I just get excited to go to new places,” Fanning said. “Being observant of the conditions and the wave itself is a big thing. I’ve never been to Puerto Rico but from what I hear from the local boys like Brian Toth, it's a really fun place.

“The event is a good break up to the year. Each year, the boys find out where we are going and everyone tries and get as much info on the place as possible. It really puts the excitement into the year as everywhere else is the same place each year.”