Jack Freestone is the new Asp Junior World Champion. He got all the spotlights of the upcoming months and years on the head. I decided to call him to got his words on this crown claimed by in the past by surfing superstars of the moment like Parko, Jordy etc...
Wazup mate, where are you now ?
Good thanks man, pretty chilled today, im just packing to go on a road trip with the boys from Transworld Surf and the Coffin Brothers. Im excited to be on a road trip.
Congratulations for your Junior World Championship win, what a huge victory !
Thanks, pretty humbling to win a massive title that this and now to be part of a list of amazing surfers that have previously been where i am now, Like Joel Parkinson, Andy Irons, Jordy Smith.
It was a pretty major event in my life. Huge alright, i'm 18 and I have won a junior World Title, its so exciting.
My mum was at both events with me, which was the best ever, to be able to share that with mum was just amazing, the win was bitter sweet, cause my close friend Mitch Crews was 3 minutes away from winning the title, then Nat Young snatched victory on his last wave and Mitch lost.
Then lastly I had to watch as Marc Lacomare and Nat Young surfed the final. Marc had to win for me to take the title. it was soooo intense, and well as history will show Marc won. Incredible..
What does represent such a title for you ?
One important step in a long road. I'm only 18 and there are hopefully many years and many more opportunities to come. I think i can say it represents a massive change in my life, change that im embracing and looking forward to.
Can you let us in on how you celebrated ?
Well, its no secret that Davey Cathels put on a great bash, so i guess its ok.
While i'm thinking about it id like that thanks his mum Michelle and Dad Rob for letting us take over their house and yard for the night.
Thanks guys. Myself, Davey and about maybe 100 friends partayyed at Davey's until the early hours. it was incredible. Mum was there my manager Kurt Jacobs, Pottz showed up with Belly. Billabong put on some beers, Kurt put on more beers and Pizza's..It was sick...
How are you considered in Australian bring back the title ?
I have no idea, what the general consensus is, but all the people vie talked with have been totally supportive and pumped on the title coming back to Australia, in my arms.
Such a victory should give you plenty of confidence for the future ?
I think all the hard work i put in before the events gives me the confidence.
All the hours training with Wes Berg, sweating, pushing my levels of fitness, gives me the confidence to think i can make it The winning at the end of the event is the cherry on top. its the reward for the effort put in,for the effort put in with Wes.
What perspectives open such a title ?
Amazing Surfing life cover !
Thanks you, Sheildsy nailed that up at the Spit. Stoked its my frost action cover in print media. Yewwww !!
You just signed with Billabong, how did you meet and why did you quit Quiksilver ?
Yes I did, I just signed with Billabong. Im pretty stoked with where I am at right now. Sasha and the crew at Billabong have been very welcoming.
I thought it was time for a change, Quiksilver were great to me, they helped me in the stages of my career when I needed them, but for me, I personally wanted a change of direction, the Billabong offer came up at the right time, offering a fresh direction, and opportunities that I was looking out for.
What are your goal for this year ?
I have a great seed in the WQS for this year. That was one of the biggest perks of winning the Title. I am going to have a go on the WQS, travel and experience different locations, waves, cultures and mots of all have fun enjoying what i am doing.
I'm not settled on a specific target number for the WQS, sure everyone would like to qualify on their first go, its certainly a possibility, but I am not putting the pressure on myself, i will compete hard and fast for the first few prime events and then set a goal for the end of the year. if you want plan on making a 1/4 final in the prime events then a semi, then final and a win. One heat at a time.
What's the next big thing ?
Its just a statement that people like to make..
Last words on your girlfriend you seem to be in love ?
Im very happy thanks for noticing.
Interview : Joahnn Mouchel / Freaksurf Mag
