Jordy stoked to host his 2nd annual Red Bull Nightshift. Image: Kolesky / Nikon / Red Bull Content Pool
Durban’s North Beach played host to the second ever Red Bull Nightshift this weekend as over 9,000 spectators gathered on the water’s edge to watch top South African surfer Jordy Smith and his friends bust out some insane aerial manoeuvres under the lights.
DURBAN (South Africa) – The Red Bull Nightshift on Durban’s North Beach has turned into somewhat of an annual homecoming for global surf star Jordy Smith. This is the first time it’s been held in Durban after Cape Town in January last year. With overall victory in the up-coming ASP World Tour firmly in his sights, this year’s event was the perfect opportunity for the 24-year-old to chill out with friends and treat his hometown fans to an incredible night-time surf show before the season gets underway. “Events like the Red Bull Nightshift go a long way in reviving Durban’s reputation as ‘Surf City’. In fact we haven’t seen crowds like this at a surfing event in almost a decade,” commented surf personality Gigs Celliers.
The groms line up to meet Jordy before he hit the water. Image: Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Content Pool
After freeride jet-ski ace Jeremy Phillips had warmed up the crowd with his FMX-inspired tricks, including an insane can-can backflip, it was over to the invited surfers to showcase their aerial skills on waves breaking just metres from the 9,000 fans gathered on the waterfront. Under the glare of the high-power floodlights, rookies such as Michael February and Slade Prestwich had the chance to make a name for themselves as they went up against famous faces including Travis Logie, Ricky Basnett and the main man himself, Jordy Smith, who hit the biggest air of the night as he demonstrated the flair, speed and control that gave him second spot in the 2010 ASP World Tour.
“The event was a great success. The guys are an amazing bunch of surfers and gave the crowd something to enjoy despite the conditions deteriorating towards the end of the night. It’s great to be home and to see such a huge crowd come out and support us,” smiled Jordy before heading off to the after-party that featured stand-out to rock concert by City Bowl Mizers and Shadowclub.
Jordy busts a superman air for the masses. Image: Tyrone Bradley / Nikon / Red Bull Content Pool
Ricky Bobby loosening up before hitting the water and sticking a sick floodlight-lit air reverse. Image: Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Content Pool
Rudy Palmboom with speed to burn. Image: Tyrone / Red Bull Content Pool
Slade Prestwich kicked off the show with some solid turns. Image: Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Content Pool
