SA surfers carve all the way to Final's Day in Central America

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The top two SA surfers in the world are blitzing the competition in El Salvador. WSL tour veteran Jordy Smith and relative newcomer Matt McGillivray are both into Final’s Day at Punta Roca, El Salvador. Thankfully, the SA surfers are on opposite sides of the semi-final draw so they won’t take each other out, and could potentially meet in the final if they both continue their winning ways …

TOP SA SURFERS EN ROUTE TO FINALS

SA’s Matt McGillivray turns tight in the pocket on the way to beating Griffin Colapinto. Image: WSL/Aaron Hughes

First of all, to watch the two SA surfers in action, visit the WSL YouTube channel HERE at 15h00 today (Saturday 12 April 2025). It’s the final waiting day of the event window and organisers will decide when the ideal time to run the semi-finals and finals. Conditions look to be excellent for Final’s Day, with 6-8 foot waves predicted and ideal offshore winds.

Moreover, the two SA surfers have been relishing conditions so far. Many call the right-hand point break at Punta Roca a mini Jeffrey’s Bay. And both Smith and McGillivray are considered specialists on that type of wave, which rewards great rail surfing and huge top-to-bottom carving manoeuvres. It’s no wonder when you realise both SA surfers have homes right on the point at J-Bay.

SA VS. CALI

After Central America, the WSL tour heads to Australia for a triple-header of events likely to suit the South Africans. Image: File

Neither of the SA surfers has had an easy run to Final’s Day either. McGillivray had to beat the talented Griffin Colapinto and hot-shot rookie Marco Mignot. Smith’s road to Final’s Day was even tougher, taking out powerhouse Leo Fioravanti and world number one Italo Ferreira. In the semi-finals they will match-up with two young guns from San Clemente, California. Cole Houshmand and Griffin’s younger brother, Crosby Colapinto.

With many top seeds already knocked out of the competition, the chance of a South African taking the event win couldn’t be better. For those who are unfamiliar with how competitive surfing works. Heats are 35-minutes long and only the score from each surfer’s two best waves counts. Speed, power, flow and progressive (aerial) manoeuvres are top of mind for the judging panel. Be sure to catch all the action, with a potential 15h00 start this afternoon, and get behind our boys!