I’ll Be Whatever You Want Me To Be

Jordy Smith listens to his explosive frame first, and to his coach, Jarrad Howse, second. Clouse, as he’s more fondly known, was a world tour surfer for a stint and knows the bumps in that road well. In Jordy’s corner, Clouse watches for what he doesn’t wanna see, and listens for what he doesn’t wanna hear, then he changes it. Since Clouse joined him at the start of the year, Jordy’s clocked 13th at Snapper (which truth be told, should’ve been better), a crazy-well deserved third at Bells, and most recently, his first event win outside his native South Africa, being the Billabong Pro, Rio. “Surf Coach” can be a beautifully vague title, so we asked Clouse to fill the blanks.

Stab: Tell me about working with Jordy. Is he cruel, or obedient, or somewhere in between?
Jarrad Howse: He’s definitely not cruel, don’t let his 6’2″ frame fool you. Jordy is a gentle giant, unless you’re a wave or the deck of a Rookie Wide Tail he’ll greet you with open Tarzan arms.

Can you explain what you do? Most people think its a coaching role, but it’s probably more mentoring and support than anything else. I’ve got a decade on Jordy and spent nine years chasing passport stamps and points on tour. Having someone with that understanding of what it takes, a level head and solid work ethic in your corner is vital. I’m a sounding board, another set of eyes on the beach, an honest opinion, board caddy, dietician, training buddy, personal photographer, social media advisor and friend. So far I’ve spent two weeks in Cape Town pre-season and been by Jordy’s side at every event he’s competed in this year. It seems to be working.

What’s the most important aspect of your role? Commitment, respect and making sure we spend plenty of time in the brine. Jordy is not the 18-year-old grom that spends all day in his wetsuit anymore, but there’s a lot to be said for time logged in the lineup. You only have to look at John John and Gabs too see that. They’re out there all day.

How does coaching Jordy go beyond just telling him what bank to sit on and tossing an exercise ball around? My main concern on comp day is to make sure the only thing he’s focussed on is surfing. He trusts me to have his back for everything else. I’ve got a backpack I take to the beach with a solution to everything in it.

You used to act in the same role for Julian Wilson. Reckon he’s wishing you guys didn’t part ways now? He seems happy on his own and between his family and the Hurley entourage he has plenty of support.

The street tells that Jordy is a very generous man. Y’get a helpful little bonus for helping your boy to the podium? Or, just ride shotgun on the after-party bar tab? Yeah, he is generous. I got a little boost. I won’t be renovating my bathroom just yet, but I can definitely start picking the tiles.

Who’s the boss: Lyndall, Jordy, or Gee Force (pops, Graham)? On comp days: Jordy. On lay days it’s Lyndall, and if Jordy makes a priority mistake then it’s Gee Force! – Elliot Struck