South Africa is a big nation of surfing. Damien Farhenfort is one of the most powerfull guys of the country with Jordy Smith. I call him to have his feelings on the Hawaiian Triple Crown of Surfing. Here it is.
Freaksurf Magazine : How do you feel in Hawaii ?
Damien Fahrenfort : I love Hawaii its my favorite place in the world. THe waves are like where i am from in cape town and the water is warm so i feel comfortable here.
FSM :
What does represent the Triple Crown for you ?
DF : I'm proud Just being in the events. It's a honor and to make the final of one, would be even better.
FSM : A few words on the Reef Hawaiian Pro ?
DF : The reef hawaiian pro didnt have the best waves this year but the surfing was good and to see joel win in his back yard was even better. Looked like the whole of hawaii celebrated his win.
FSM : Did you make a special training for the Triple Crown ?
DF : Yeah i try to train before i come here. Alot of running on the beach and swimming holding my breathe. The waves are so powerful u have to be on your A game here.
FSM : You're considered as a big wave rider, what is interesting in surfing such waves ?
DF : I get scared when i paddle out when its big and thats the feeling i love. and makes me wanna go harder There is nothing better then getting a big wave and falling because it makes u realize u can handle it and fit enough to be out there.
FSM : Which hawaiian spot is your favorite and why ?
DF : I love off the wall. Its not a perfect as the other spots but when you get a good one its as good as any wave in hawaii. its also a but less crowded then everywhere else.
FSM : Who is the most impressive rider this year on the Triple Crown ?
DF : Joel centeo for sure. He has won almost every heat he has surfed this year and looks more comfortable at sunset and haleiwa then almost all the other locals.
FSM : What is your quiver made of this year, on the Triple Crown ?
DF : I have some good boards this year.
three 6.2s for small waves then i have a board in every inch all the way to
7.5. Then i have a 9.6 for the bay if it gets big or phantoms.
I have about fifteen boards lying around cause the waves here break them so easily.
FSM : Your opinion on Shane Beschen ride with is 5 "11 in round 1
DF : I think beshen is awesome riding that small board i love riding smaller boards when its big it makes u work harder to turn the board and you really get to feel the power, He has been ripping on it and surfing the waves like its small beach park.
FSM : How is it to see those legends like Sunny Garcia, Beshen, Derek Ho or Cory Lopez riding in the same event ?
DF : Yeah thats my goal in these events to beat those guys at the spots the best at. Sunny is so good and turns big boards so easily and remember the floater cory did at sunset on like a 12 foot wave i always watch that over and over.
FSM : A few words on your season ?
DF : Season has been fun no amazing waves yet but went to maui and scored honolua bay so that was fun. Missed out last year with a injury so ready for some serious waves and to try get some barrels.
FSM : what about the 2010 World Tour ?
DF : looks interesting the q.s next year alot of events and if u do well enough u can be on the c.t half way through the year. what is gonna happen is the c.t guys are gonna be doing alot more q.s events so should be a bit tougher but i am amped to do a ful year injury free.
FSM : Your favorites for Triple Crown Champ, Pipeline Champ and asp champ ?
DF : Ah thats a hard one i wish jordy smith had surfed haleiwa because he could take out the tripple crown but for now i would love to see joel win it all. He has been training everyday and had a hard middle to the year with his injury. And he is staying next door so go joel.
Interview Johann Mouchel / Freaksurf Mag - Photo Courtesy : Billabong
