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Jordy Smith wins first Bells Beach surfing title

Scott Spits
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Getting the chance to finally ring the famous bell meant so much to South African Jordy Smith that he started mimicking the action while he was still in the water and with about half the final to come.

By then the 29-year-old was in a strong position against Brazilian opponent Caio Ibelli, but he still risked surfing karma with the gesture.

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Jordy Smith emerges victor at Battle of Bells Beach

Jordy Smith took out the prize, while Australian surfer Mick Fanning and World Champion John John Florence fell short.

It mattered little in the end as Smith discarded the bridesmaid title. A two-time world champion runner-up and a finalist here last year, Smith claimed Bells for the first time, earning the distinction as the first South African male champion at the  Australian break.

After a long and arduous day in the water that began with the completion of round four – before a further disruption due to heavy fog early on Wednesday — Smith dominated the final as the minutes ticked close to sunset, winning 18.90 to 17.46.

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"I just didn't take things too seriously – as you can probably tell from my 'claims' in the final," Smith said.

"This is absolutely a dream come true, 10 years of hammering away and trying my very best, I'm over the moon to get it."

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Second place was also an outstanding result for Ibelli who was competing in his first championship tour final.

The victory has elevated Smith to second on the tour rankings after the three events of the Australian leg — behind Hawaiian reigning champion John John Florence.

Ibelli stunned Bells Beach when he had a last-gasp win over Florence – the young gun who twice pulled  off aerial displays that eventually ended Mick Fanning's chances.

The breakthrough win at Bells has given Smith fresh confidence of an assault on the world title, even with  Florence ahead of him on the rankings.

"John, he's in a league of his own. He's an amazing surfer and a really good friend," Smith said. 

"If I learnt anything last year, he only started his run from Brazil [the next event on the tour]. 

"It's still a long year. It's great to get a head start, but it just needs to continue for the whole year." 

Florence took his surprise loss to Ibelli in his stride.  

"I'm so far ahead of where I've been in the past, coming into Brazil," the Hawaiian said. 

"I'm going to keep my head down and keep having fun. This is the most fun I've ever had competing, out of my whole life.

"I feel like there's a lot less pressure and I've learned so much last year, so I'm just excited."

It may have been close to a perfect week and perfect final day for Smith, but the winning memories also came with a slightly painful reminder. 

The South African is set for a trip to the dentist after chipping his tooth by ringing the famous trophy a little too enthusiastically.

"Hells bells, hey, it comes with injuries," Smith said. "I think that was a little curse … trying to ring that thing before."