Happy New Year!

Here we go again! Been a while since I checked in, hopefully you guys have been tracking me on Twitter. I’ve completely addicted to it so feel free to join in for updates. Right now though, it’s time to get things rolling for 2010 on this dotcom address… and there’s heaps going on. The past few weeks the phone has been ringing hot. With the first event of the 2010 season just around the corner the media has been into me about backing up my title, going up against Parko again (and how it’s affecting our friendship… ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz), new rookies, tour changes and other random gear. Thought I’d share some of the relevant questions and answers with you guys…

Warming up at home. Image: Simon Williams

Two ASP World Titles puts you in the prestigious company of very few individuals in history. How did the second title compare to the first? How does it affect your goals this season?
I see the names of the multiple ASP World Title winners before me – guys like Tom Curren, Tom Carroll, Andy Irons, Mark Richards and obviously Slater – and it blows my mind to think that I have achieved two. The second title was more fun to chase, 2007 was more intense because of the pressure I had put on myself. But they’re both great for different reasons. My goal for 2010 is to keep the formula I had in 2009: maintain a healthy balance between work and play and most importantly enjoy my surfing and continue to progress.

Your rivalry (in terms of surfing) with friend Joel Parkinson has pushed the performance barrier of the sport to new heights. Can you describe the your relationship with him both in and out of the water?
It’s honestly still sinking in. It was amazing to be in that race with Joel last year but I doubt we’ll be able to really understand just how huge it all was until we’re a couple of old wrinkly men. Things sure got a little intense toward the end of last year but we just respected each others need for space and played our own games. I know if we match up at any time in 2010 the rivalry is going to be intensified after last year but at the end of the day we’ll be mates forever.

Starting the season at home on Gold Coast must have its advantages in terms of familiarity. Can you let us in on any of these?
Obviously being a local has its advantages in the water, you have a better understanding of the waves, you’re comfortable with the sweep and you get solid time after the last event to warm up. The thing I love most about competing on the Gold Coast is the fact I get to go home after a heat and be with my family and my dog and sleep in my own bed.

How is the bank at Snapper looking for the event?
Well up and until to a coupla weeks ago it looked grim but we’ve had some swell, sand’s been pumped and now it’s looking unreal. Nice and shallow behind the rock and running right on through to Greenmount. Should be insane if we get waves.

This season, the ASP Top 45 will be reduced to 32 following the fifth event. Will this reduction affect the way surfers approach the season, specifically the Quiksilver Pro? Are you anticipating a heightened level of intensity?
It’s going to be extremely interesting to see how things unfold in the first event with the tour changes coming into play. Rookies can’t go into the Quiksilver Pro thinking they’ll have chances to redeem themselves later in the year. I’m expecting more commitment and risk from the guys that have been hovering around the back end of the ratings the past few years. The changes were introduced to crack the whip on those dwelling toward the back of the ratings; if they don’t step up they’ll lose their place to an eager pack of rookies. Myself and the others toward the top end of the ratings will need to be wary of those fighting for a top 32 finish after the first five events.

Of the rookies joining the ASP World Tour this season, who are the most dangerous? Who will the ones to watch at the Quiksilver Pro?
I think Owen Wright is going to be the most lethal rookie. He’s very well rounded in big and small waves, he’s had world tour experience and he’s a smart competitor. Other potential sprinters in my eyes are Dusty Payne, Matt Wilkinson and Adam Melling. All these kids are powerful, exciting, radical and capable of causing big upsets.

In 2008 you seemed to struggle with the extra media attention you received as reigning world champion. How are you gonna deal with that this time?
Media attention had a bit to do with that, I was injured for much of the second half of 2008 with a groin strain too. But yeah, it’s true, I definitely didn’t back up too well after the ’07 Title. I think I’m more at ease coming into the new season as the number one seed now. As far as the media goes, last year was my busiest media year ever and it was also an intense race and I coped, so I think I’ll be fine. I’m in a better head space this time around.

Check back for regular updates from here on in.

Good to be back! Image: Simon Williams

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