Jordy Smith's injury at last year's Pipe Masters was the first in a string of setbacks, making his return to competition something of a triumph. - WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

After a year in which he's been plagued by injury, Jordy Smith (ZAF) is determined to finish his season on his feet. The South African missed five of the last six Championship Tour (CT) events, but will compete in all three of the Vans Triple Crown contests which include two Qualifying Series events, the Hawaiian Pro and the Vans World Cup, as well as the last CT event of the season, the Billabong Pipe Masters.

Smith's ongoing injury woes make his return to competition all the more meaningful. His setbacks began almost exactly a year ago, at the 2014 Pipe Masters, when he injured his shoulder. He came back for 2015's opening contests in Australia but had to bow out of the third stop, the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, with a deep cut in his foot and a meniscus tear in his knee.

He competed at the event that followed, the Oi Rio Pro in May, but later reflected that he wasn't 100 percent recovered. Smith opted out of the Fiji Pro in June but paddled out for July's J-Bay Open in South Africa. But after the first round there, he left the water with back pain, and walked up the beach visibly uncomfortable. That last injury kept him out of competition for the rest of the season -- until now.

From Smith's Instagram: Can't wait to throw a jersey back on... Really excited for Hawaii #23 - WSL

The good news for Smith is that no matter how he fares in Hawaii, he'll have the opportunity to be considered for a WSL Wildcard spot on the 2016 CT roster. The good news for Smith's fans is that they'll finally get to see the powerful pro back in the water.

Watch his return to competition starting Thursday, November 12, at the first event of the Vans Triple Crown, the Hawaiian Pro. Watch here and on the WSL app.