Back to the O'Neill Cold Water Classic California with the Winner's interview and coolest guy on tour Matt Wilko.
Congratulation Wilko, this is a huge victory !
Thanks
This is your first win on a main wqs event, how do you feel ?
It feels amazing. I wont the first was i ever went in it was a 1star near my home town and the i got 4 3rds in 6 stars last year i just could not crack a final. So i was very happy to get past than and then whatever happened in the final was a bonus
You were the man of the event by winning almost all your heats, how did you do that, it's Huge considering the conditions ?
The waves were really tough. I rode a fish in the first few rounds and i was just having a lot of fun out there. And once i got to the quarter finals i was like wow its time to get serious i could win this thing..
What does this victory mean to you ?
Its great to win a coldwater event they are a really cool idea and it being a 6*prime it is a massive boost for me in the world rankings ans take a lot of pressure of me for requalifying next year
What does it bring to your for the up coming event, any confidence ?
Its is a huge confidence boost for sure
You're one of top young guys on tour, how do you explain you didn't win a major event before ?
I won a world grommet title when i was young and then also won a lot of junior events.. i just think the was is super hard and you can be really consistent but most event are won by someone you don't expect.I got a bunch of good results on the qs and i guess this was just my time to finally get one
The first of a long series to come fore sure !
Lets hope so
Have you ever surfed Santa Cruz before ?
I surfed in the event last year but didn't do very well. So i hadnt surfed out there much
What about this place ?
Its a really cool town and it has a lot of surfing history so it is a great title to take
What's your feeling about those crazy O'Neill Cold Water Classic ?
They are a great idea and i hope they keep it going
Did you imagine you can win such comp in such cold water ?
I actually like wearing booties so i was not to phased by the cold water
You're rookie on Tour it's not easy, and some time we can say that the judges were not really fair with you, but you keep very focus and you deserves this big win !
Eh it is tough in anysport hen its left to human judgment and with the speed that surfing is improving i think the judges are doing a good job in keeping up considering.
Now you rank 18 on the new ASP MEN'S WORLD ranking, this big for a first year, what next for the last event of the year ?
Yeh i am stoked it was a hard year to be a rookie and to be doing this well i am happy and lets hope the confidence from this win get me some results in the next few comps.
Last one everybody want to know how, where, did you celebrate your victory ?
Some of my best friends from home were with me so we drove down to hollywood and has a great time!! i think we did a good job spending the prizemoney
Thanks Wilko
Interview : Johann Mouchel / Freaksurf Mag
Photo : Matt Wilko
