When the contest light turns green at the Billabong Pro Tahiti, all eyes won’t be on the greatest surfer of all-time, Kelly Slater, who has won this event three times. Nor will they be on former three-time World Champion Andy Irons, who was a winner at Teahupoo back in 2002. They won’t be on goofy-footers Bobby Martinez and C.J. Hobgood, both former Billabong Pro Tahiti Champions. Neither will they be on local Tahitian chargers like Manoa Drollet and Michel Bourez. No, all eyes will be on the number one surfer in the world, Jordy Smith.

With one of the strongest starts to a year in ASP World Tour history, culminating with the first contest victory of his career (in his home country no less, at Jeffreys Bay), Jordy Smith sits atop the ASP World Tour rankings. And given just how strong he is currently surfing, there seems to be no limit as to how much success Jordy Smith can achieve, especially given that he is just 23 years young.

I caught up with the number one surfer in the world Jordy Smith in front of the Rusty trade booth at ASR 2010, as he was sipping a cold one and hanging out with some friends.

Cyrus: Jordy, how’re you doing here at ASR?

Jordy: Yeah, loving it down here! Checking out the new gear. Just walking around, checking out a few bikinis!

Cyrus: I’m so distracted. How does anybody do business here when there’s skin all over the place?

Jordy: I was pretty much going to ask the same question. I don’t have a clue how they do it. It’s pretty cool though, people cruise down here and hang out, go out at night and stuff.

Cyrus: You’re obviously one of the most talented surfers in the world right now, but how is the talent at ASR?

Jordy: Talent? We talking girls, or are we talking surfing? I’m just kidding. (Laughs) There’s definitely a big talent pool over here, that’s for sure. Let’s talk about Tarp Surfing! How’s that?

Cyrus: You’ve elevated yourself to a surfing level no one else is currently at. Even Kelly isn’t charging the way you are. What’s different about this year versus past years?

Jordy: I’m just more relaxed this year. I’m having more fun with everything I do, and it’s showing in my surfing. That’s always good. I’m just having fun, just going out there and doing what I love.

Cyrus: What was it like winning at J-Bay? Your first World Tour win, and it’s at home. What did that feel like?

Jordy: It felt pretty good. In front of my friends and family, that was really good. It was pretty cool having all the vuvuzelas right after the (World Cup) soccer. That was pretty cool. Went out with all my friends afterwards and had a great time. One that I’ll take to the bank for sure.

Cyrus: Teahupoo is next. What’s your plan?

Jordy: Hopefully we don’t get too flat of a wave. Hopefully there’s some swell, and I’ll get another good result.

Cyrus: I remember watching you win the O’Neill Cold Water Classic at Steamer’s Lane. How is life for you then, when you were doing WQS events, to now when you’re number one in the world?

Jordy: It’s changed a lot. I went from being the normal school kid straight out of high school into this public eye. It was kind of hard dealing with it for me, but it’s all a part of the job. Having fun with it, I love it!

Cyrus: Tarp Surfing. Do you want to get tarp tubed?

Jordy: (Laughs) I do! Definitely tarp tubed! You know I watched the video, and I was pretty amazed. It’s an unbelievable idea, and I definitely want to get barreled!

Cyrus: Is there any difference for you between rights versus lefts? Teahupoo’s a big left, and you just came off a big right at Jeffreys Bay. Is it any different to you?

Jordy: Yeah, there is a difference. One you’re going the one way, the other one you’re going the other way. (Laughs) Little different going front to backside, but Teahupoo speaks for itself. It’s a death-defying wave. I just hope we get four to six feet, perfect waves.

Cyrus: What boards are you riding right now?

Jordy: I’ve been riding a bunch of different boards now. I found a really good Mayhem, probably I’ll use it for Trestles. My JS has been working unbelievable for right-hand points, left-hand points. I want to use Tokoros in Tahiti. Just a mixed range of boards.

Cyrus: Are you single right now?

Jordy: I am.

Cyrus: How is single life, given you're the world’s number one surfer?

Jordy: You know what? It hasn’t lived up to what people say it should be! I wish it did! I was kind of seeing a girl for a while. I’ll see how it goes tonight. (Laughing)

Cyrus: Well, you’re at ASR, so have a good time.

Jordy: Thank you!

Cyrus: Who are your sponsors?

Jordy: Sponsors are O’Neill, Red Bull, DVS (Shoes), Vestal watches, JS Surfboards.

Cyrus: Best of luck the rest of the year. Thanks Jordy.

Jordy: Thank you!