South African surfer Jordy smith shares a preview of his game plan for this year’s postponement Tokyo Olympics.

Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic over the past year, Smith managed to secure a berth to the Olympics through the World Surf League (WSL) Champion Tour in 2019.

Smith says the delay to the Tokyo Olympics had no impact on the 33-year-old at all, saying it gave him a chance to prepare so he could give him the best of him- even.

“We’ve never had that four-year preparation before the Olympics, it’s only been a year of trying to scramble,” Smith told Red Bull’s Road To Tokyo.

“Having that extra year at our disposal was almost a blessing in disguise as we were able to get more equipment and data from the Olympic surf spot. Olympic but for the Champions Tour. “

It’s safe to say that Smith has given the Olympics a lot of thought, including his travel partner’s new brand – his surfboard.

“In Japan, it’s (the surfboard) is going to be a lot smaller, a lot more volume and more gallons inside the board for smaller waves,” Smith said.

“They’re pretty shameless in Japan, obviously you can catch a typhoon, but that rarely happens in July, so you have to brace yourself for the worst and give it your all.”

Smith mentions that he makes sure to research and test all types of boards and equipment to prepare him.

He was able to refine much of the equipment made for his trip to Japan, and while there are a few safeguards he brings, Smith is certain he has his surfing “ weapon ” ready.

“As the waves are going to be quite small, my training must have changed a bit,” he said.

“It took me two weeks to focus and focus on the Olympics shaping and building boards and equipment around this surf spot. I’m doing everything I can to make sure my success at the Games is high.”

In his last preparation, it is certain that everything is really a question of technique; it all depends on how he handles his opponents, his innings, and makes sure his equipment is as good as possible.

With the added attention that will inevitably take surfing by storm, what does this mean for the South African surf scene?

Smith hopes the surfing in the Summer Olympics lineup will do good things for the surfing community.

“I think the most important thing for me is to try to inspire someone and try to change their life in a positive way, if you can do it you’ve done your job,” Smith said.

“You have to believe in yourself, do your best, and give it all you have.”

The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are set to begin July 23 through August 8 with the surf competition starting July 25 at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.