Matt Pagan is a new comer for surfing medias. He's on the Junior World Tour, and improves himself on the freaky WQS. He has just made a big result, semi final at the Hurley Us open Pro Junior and passed two rounds on the same wqs. Matt his very stylish, radical , engaged and he boosts crazy airs. He is followed by legendary Ian Cairns the one who drive Brett Simp to the Dream Tour. Matt Pagan the KATIN surf teamer is the next american freaky guy to follow in the futur. His exclusive interview for Freaksurf Mag right now !

Freaksurf Magazine : Hey, what's up buddy ?

Matt Pagan : Johann, what's going on ? I've been good, just surfing a lot !

Who is Matt P ?

Well my name is Matt Pagan, I am 19 years old, I live in Westchester, California (a small town in Los Angeles) and my 2 best results to date are a 4th at the 3 Grade Oakley Pro Junior in Santa Cruz last season and an =17th at the 4 Star WQS Vendee Pro at La Sauzaie, France.

When did you start surfing ?

I started surfing around the same time as a lot of other kids, about 11 years old. However, I didn't give surfing my focus until I was 15 years old. I caught my first wave at El Porto, a local beach break near my house that I still surf on a regular basis. My dad is the one who taught me how to surf and we still surf together today!

You told me that you've started surfing very late ( 15 years old the real start ), and that you were Baseball player. Why did you choose surfing as way of life instead of Baseball . You have more chance to be a professional Baseballer rather than member of the dream Tour cause there is only 45 places ?

In comparison to many of the surfers, I did start late. My cousin was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, which is a Major League Baseball team in America, and because of that I had expectations of following in his footsteps. I loved playing baseball and I still do today, but when surfing came into my life it opened up a whole new world. I just love the surfing way of life and I would definitely rather be in the ocean having fun with friends than sweating on a baseball field on a hot sunny day. ..If anything it motivates me even more to go out every day and make my dream a reality.

You're are competing in both Junior and Wqs circuits. What is your goal for this year ?

Yes this is my first year actually traveling and competing outside of North America for the WQS and this is my 3rd year competing at the Pro Junior level. My goal for this year is to continue to grow and have fun, as a person as well as in surfing. My competitive goal for the WQS is to stay in the top 200 and my goals for the Pro Junior series are to qualify for the World Junior, make at least two finals, and win at least one.

Owen Wright is kicking everybody's ass in both Wqs and Pro Junior Series , what is your feeling about that ?

That kid is on fire. Whatever he is doing is definitely working for him. He is a great competitor and he is inspiring because of his work ethic as well his size. I think he's about 6'3 and I'm about 6'1, 175 lbs. so his achievements definitely motivate us bigger guys.

Give me a few words of your meeting with Katin, there're not a major company, tell us about your relation with them, do the help you a lot ?

Katin is a great company and has a lot of experience in the surf industry. They've been around since 1959. Scott Waring, the team manager, approached me at a contest in Huntington Beach about 2 years ago and I've been riding for them ever since. They're really supportive of what I want to do and they do what they can to help me, so I have really enjoyed being on the team for these past 2 years.

Who are your other sponsors ?

My current sponsors are Katin Clothing, Body Glove Wetsuits, Smith Optics, Hookup Wireless, DSC Training, Roberts Surfboards, and Ocean and Earth.

How do you define your way of surfing ?

I try to be as versatile as I can be, so I am currently working on being really fluid (like Joel) and different air variations, like all the stuff you see in videos. I would define my approach as more of a power surfer, but I want to be able to do it all.

What is your ultimate goal, the Dream Tour ?

My ultimate goal is to be the best I can be in and out of the water and enjoy life. In terms of surfing, my dream is definitely to make the Dream Tour and compete with the best in the world. I also want to go on some trips with family and friends and score insane waves. Outside of surfing, I want to somehow make a difference in the world, whether it be in our environment or helping people in need.

What do you need to be in the top 10 Wqs riders and be qualified for the Dream Tour?

Yes, to qualify for the Dream Tour a surfer must be in the top 16. I need to have focus, determination, optimism, and patience, among many other things. I have been working closely with an excellent training program known as DSC, and I have also been working with Ian Cairns. Both have helped me grow a lot in the past year.

You're not surfing since many year but still very impressive, how do you explain that, Talent is everything ?

No, Talent is not everything. I believe I am blessed with the talents that I do have, but I also believe you begin to learn more about those talents and discover new things about yourself when you train them and give attention and focus to them. In the competitive arena of surfing, talent can only take you so far. You have to incorporate the mental side of surfing and more often than not, your game plan and/or approach before a heat will determine the outcome.

Do you prefer Free surfing or competition ?

I really enjoy both Free surfing and competition. If I can make a living doing both and enjoy what I do, I would be stoked!

You're not part of the HOT 100 by Surfer Magazine, what do you thing about all those young guns Owen Wright, Dusty Payne, Kai Barger, Jadson Andre, Marc Lacomare or Johan Duru ?

You work with Ian Cairns, the Legendary surfer who drives Brett Simpson to the Dream Tour, how did you meet him and how does he help you in your surf ?

I have been working with Ian in between events for the past year. Last season I made two Pro Junior semis and one final after only making one quarterfinal heat in the previous year. I met him through Kevyn Dean, the man that started DSC and Brett Simpson started working with Ian. Because Brett trains with DSC, Kevyn organized training sessions for us and that is how I met him. This season I have been working closely with Ian and he has some great advice. I really enjoy working with him. Competitive surfing is a game and you have to learn how to play the game if you want to be on top.

Tell us about the DSC Training ?

DSC stands for Dean Sports Consultants. Kevyn Dean is the man that started it. It's a training program out of Huntington Beach that trains some of the best up-and-coming surfers out of California. First and most importantly, he wants us to have a good attitude to be the best we can be as a person. Not only does he want us to excel as people, he wants us to excel in what we do and kick ass with a singlet on!

Whose top surfer inspire you the most ?

Right now I would have to say Joel Parkinson. His style is incredible and after all these years on tour, he seems like he has put all the pieces together. He kills it in heats and when he's free surfing.

Whose Junior inspire you the most ?

My top two would be Jordy Smith and Owen Wright. Jordy's approach is so fun to watch and he has been doing pretty well on tour lately as well. Owen Wright is looking to possibly make the tour this year and he is younger than I am, so that's pretty inspiring. Also the fact that both these guys are pretty big guys is inspiring as well.

In April, I was talking with an head coach of a major surfing company, I can't give the name but you know who he is, and he told me : " Look at this young man ( you were free surfing ), he gonna be one of the best in a couple of year." What do you thing about that ?

Ya I spoke with him a few times in France and in Portugal. He is a really cool guy and I had no idea he said that until you told me. I was pretty excited when I heard that from you and I am honored that he made that comment. I just want to continue to work hard and become better.

Each of these guys are great surfers and they are constantly pushing the performance of surfing to new levels. I can't wait until I grow into the "big boy" shoes, because I want my spot.

I met you in april in Vendée France, you were with Shaun Ward. Who are you travelling with when you are on an event ?

With Matt Mohagen, Dillon Perillo, and Nat Young.

Who are your Best Friends on both Wqs and Junior Tour ?

Matt Mohagen and Dillon Perillo. I also hang out with Michael Dunphy, Nat Young, the Heverley Brothers, and Chase Brady.

What are you doing when you re not surfing ?

You can find me training a couple nights a week, hanging out with my family, making surf videos with my brother, or just cruising with my friends.

What are your hobbies ?

I play in an adult softball league on Thursday nights with my family and friends. So I still get that time to play baseball even though I chose to surf for a living. I'm currently in the process of starting a non-profit organization that collects and recycles water bottles from my community to help fund clean water projects in developing countries. I also attend Mosaic Church in the Southbay (a Church near my house) on Sunday nights with my family and some of my friends.

Your Favorite :

Wave : I like them all, variety is the spice of life!

Spot : The Mentawais.

Event : The U.S. Open and any event with fun waves.

Trip : Mentawais trip with family and friends.

Sexy babe : I've got one in mind.

Track list : Hard or Punk Rock and some Rap

Vidéos : The Hangover and Days of the Strange.

Surfers : Parko, Fanning, Julian Wilson and Jordy Smith

Finally, tell us about a perfect day with Matt Pagan...

A perfect day would be to go surf some sick waves with my friends, get some good video clips with DSC, train during the afternoon with all the boys, go to Church with my family and friends at night and then watch a sick movie...then repeat!

Thanks Buddy see you in Lacanau with a special focus on you during the whole event

Interview by Johann Mouchel for Freaksurf Magazine