Santa Barbara's homeboy Bobby Martinez has just signed with O'Neill surfing company. And I think O'Neill really make the big deal with one of the most powerfull and consistent surfer on Tour. Last september, Mick "the Ginger Ninja" told me:" Bobby Martinez has no main sponsor, he is one of the best surfers in world, that's crazy ! I can't understand"
As soon as I got the news, I decided to call Garth Tarlow, O’Neill’s Director of Sports Marketing, in order to get a quik talk with the man with no sponsor, Bobby Martinez.
Freaksurf Mag : Where are you coming from, where do you actually live ?
Bobby Martinez : From Santa Barbara and still living here too
FSM : Let's talk about surfing, when did you choose to become a pro surfer ?
BM : I turned pro at 17
FSM : How did you start surfing ?
BM : Just goin to the beach with my family and starting boogie boarding, then I got a surfboard and started surfing
FSM : You won the Billabong Pro Teahuppo two times, we can say that you're the king of the lefts on Tour with two wins in tahiti and two victories in Mundaka, what's your secret ?
BM : I just had luck on my side in those events!
FSM : You seem to love big conditions, is a victory at Pipe a dream for you ?
BM : I would love to win at pipe! That would be an amazing dream!
FSM : When you were rookie on tour,King Kelly said you could be world champ in a few year are you ready ?
BM :I have no idea but I would love to be. That's a lot of hard work and one day if it paid off I'd be very happy
FSM : What's your goal for this year ?
BM : Do my best, leave everything I got in the water
FSM : What do you think about the asp new format?
BM : I hate it. I think its bullshit !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FSM : You come from Santa Barbara, can you tell us about the california surf scene ?
BM : Not to sure bout the california surf scene. Where I live there's no scene just people who surf but no surf industry down where I'm from. So I'not to sure on the scene
FSM : Where is the best place to surf for you ?
BM : I love surfing good waves at home
FSM : Is there an event you especially want to win on tour ?
BM : I'd love to win at snapper rocks
FSM : What about your last video Mixed Tape , and is there a new project ?
BM : Not unless I have control over the video. Reef fucked up my movie and I really would love to put one out that I really am happy about!
But no new project for me as of now
FSM : What's the secret of all your tatooes ?
BM : No secret!
FSM : Big charger big tatooes, don't make me laugh you're not californian you're a Bra Boys from Maroubra !
BM : I aint a bra boy, I'm not from maroubra. I'm from the west side of santa barbara!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FSM : More seriously are we gonna see you in slabs ?
BM : dont no what u mean!
FSM : Tell us about your new sponsor O'NEILL ?
BM : I'm very happy to be apart of the team. I love the product and the whole team I am friends with from childhood days so it's a place I am really happy to be at!
FSM : Is that mean that we gonna see you on the Cold Water Classic and what do you think about this amazing comp?
BM : Ima do sum cold water comps for sure. I love the cold water idea. I like the cold and it's in places that are different and very beautiful so im excited bout that!
FSM : Your favourite :
WAVE : rincon
EVENT : snapper rocks
SPORT : boxing
BOARD : dhd
FRIEND TO TRAVEL WITH : my wife cleo!
FSM : Who's your best friend on Tour ?
BM : My wife cleo cuz if I'm on tour she4s coming with me!
FSM : Thank you Bobby
“O’Neill is thrilled to welcome Bobby to our surf team,” said Garth Tarlow, O’Neill’s Director of Sports Marketing. “He is one of the few surfers on tour that racks up WCT victories each season and, bottom line, he’s a surfer’s surfer with amazing technique, tremendous power and total commitment. We look forward to watching his tenacious approach to the tour this year.”
Interview: Johann Mouchel - Photo: Sandrine Le Gal
Special Thanks to Garth Tarlow / O'Neill
