Jordy Smith's Landmark Rodeo Flip

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South African Jordy Smith was a long time coming. Contrary to what some may have you believe he didn't sneak up on anyone. Jordy's progress has been charted since he was a pre-teen back in Durban.

As the son of a shaper, surfing was predestined. And by the age of 12 he was winning almost everything in sight back in South Africa -- a country desperately trying at the time to reclaim its gravitational pull on the surfing scene.

While a couple of South Africans were always straddling the line between the WCT and WQS, none were major threats. But the proud surfing nation sees its salvation in Mr. Smith, which, no doubt, is a heavy burden to carry.

In 2008, during his rookie season on the world tour, it looked like it might be too much. After signing one of the biggest contracts in pro surfing history Smith went out and underwhelmed. A massive growth spurt, a new tour and new judges were all a little too much to handle -- and Smith was subsequently roasted by a very cynical press.

But Jordy was the first one to examine his chart and spot a very clear pattern: his first year at each new level -- without fail -- was one where he struggled. It was a learning year. And in the depths of his 2008 season Smith knew all he had to do was survive.

Survive he did. In 2009, even while looking a little shaky he managed to finish in the Top 10. Now, in 2010, Jordy Smith has found his sea legs on the world tour. Today, the third-year pro has yet to earn his first win, but he has found some momentum -- momentum that may just make him a contender.