Ballito, Durban. O'Neill surfers Jordy Smith and Casey Grant were one and two at the recent 5 star ASP International Mr Price Pro event in Ballito. Both surfers had an exceptional event on either sides of the draw, taking out some big names before meeting in the final. Jordy Smith is renowned for his incredible surfing and impressive career history, while Casey is something of a dark horse at this stage.

Jordy was a jubilant winner, especially stoked with winning in front of his home crowd. "I haven't won an event in front of my home crowd since I was fifteen," said Jordy. "This is just wild! I am so happy right now I don't even know what to say." Despite being the favourite to win the event and really finding form in the contest, Jordy was still full of praise for his opponent. "Casey has been one of the most outstanding surfers of this event, and I knew I had to bring my A Game against him."

Casey, who hails from the quiet Southern Natal town of Scottburgh, was a very happy finalist, putting a healthy cheque into his pocket. Grant has yet to enjoy international surfing success, but this could all change after this career-boosting result. "I never dreamed I would be up here alongside Jordy," said Casey. "Words can't even describe how stoked I am right now." Grant has been touted as the next big thing to come out of South Africa as a result of his performance in this event, and is set to hit the Star Tour full time in 2011.

Another person who was very impressed by the two surfers' performances was O'Neill's Paul Canning. A successful former World Tour campaigner, Paul knows what it takes to be a professional surfer. "Jordy is already a proven world-class surfer, but we at O'Neill are just so proud of Casey and are going to back him and give him all the support he needs as he launches his professional career."

Jordy moves on to surf in the Billabong Pro World Tour event at Jeffrey's Bay next, whereafter Jordy and Casey will both compete in the O'Neill Cold Water Classic in Cape Town at the end of the month.

Along with O'Neill surfer Chris Bertish winning the Mavericks Big Wave Event earlier this year, O'Neill South Africa are having a very successful year.

Submitted: 12 July 2010