After 3 events, I called aussie Matt "Wilko" Wilkinson , to have a rookie feeling , a new comer among the dream tour and its Freaks.
Matt speaks about his first steps on Tour, the new format and the possible Rebel Tour. He explains that the level is getting higher and higher and the rookies have to make their prove to get the big scores, and be recognized by the judges and the guys in place.
And Jadson Andre proved, if needed that the youngbloods are ready by winning the last event in Brazil !
Freaksurf Mag : Did the access to the Dream Tour change your life ?
Matt Wilkinson : No i dont think it has changed my life that much.mentally it was a big acheivement so i think that has let me take some pressure off myself.
FSM : How is life on Tour ?
MW : The World Tour is awesome, there are alot of aussies on it and everyone is good friends and travels together so it is a lot of fun.
Kekoa said it's not easy to be on Tour because of the older guys who are not so please with the newcomers, what do you think about that ?
It's definitely not easy being a rookie. the older guys have more experience and don't want to be beaten by us and the judges already know there surfing. We really have to prove ourselves.
Your opinion on the new world tour format ?
I think it makes it very difficult especially for rookies but hopefully it will be good for surfing in the long run.
During the last event you deserved the heat against Parko for sure, with your amazing aerial, do you think judges are fair with the new school rookie ?
I dont know, it is super hard for rookies when you are surfing against the top 5 guys the judges see them get 8s and 9s every heat so they dont want to let them lose if it is a close heat.
Do you think that everything is done to keep the older guys on top for the end of the season ?
I think its easier to stay on once you are on there but i dont really think it is unfair. you just need to prove yourself in ur first few years.
Are you going to change your way of surfing to correspond to the judges criteria ?
I will just try and improve my surfing in all aspects and try develop some more power. not so much change my surfing.
What about the surfing level on the Dream Tour ?
The level of surfing is ridiculous. There are guys doing 2 airs a wave that were not even invented 5 years ago.
Whose rider impress you the most ?
Dane Reynolds has been blowing my mind this year. He does a turn nearly every wave that i think is the best turn ive ever seen.
Did you make a special training or quiver changes for this season ?
Yeh i have started training and i have really focused on getting some really good boards this year.
What about the Rebel Tour, Kelly said the idea's not dead ?
It sounded like a pretty good idea but there was a lot missing. It will be cool if that comes back up and pushes more money into surfing.
FSM : Your season goal ?
My goal for this season is just to get myself into a comfortable spot on tour. Get used to all the waves on tour and be ready for a big year next year. I would be content with top 20 this year.
Thanks Wilko !
Interview : Johann Mouchel / Freaksurf Mag
