Tanner Gudauskas, San Clemente, Usa, is still junior but what a Freak ! He has won the WQS 6-star Ballito contest and his about to join his brother Patrick, from the Thee Tree, on the Dream Tour next year. The qualification depends on his next results in Hawaii. I caught him during the Hawaiian Reef Pro.
Freaksurf Mag : What happens this year, juniors have never been so strong, you, Owen Wright, Jadson Andre and Joan Duru ... How do you explain that ?
Tanner Gudauskas : I am not sure why the juniors are doing well. It's exciting to see. A lot of those guys are some of my favorite surfers to watch in heats on the WQS.
FSM : You've got the biggest victory of your professional surfing career taking out the ASP WQS 6-Star Mr Price Pro Ballito, tell us about this big moment.
TG : Yeah the victory was a crazy feeling. It was the day after my 21st birthday. So I already was having a good time. Also the crew we were travelling with at the time was really special.
FSM : Was it a turn in your year on tour, do you feel more confident ?
TG : Yes and no. The WQS is a rollercoaster of confidence I would say. But it was epic to have the victory and it helped me prove to myself that I was going where I wanted to be going. hahaha !
FSM : You're making an amazing WQS season. Did you expect so ?
TG : No I guess I didn't really, but of course I always wanted to pump up the jam in contest. It started at Lowers for me which was at home and I was super pumped to do well there.
FSM : Does it help to travel and compete in family ?
TG : Yeah travelling with Pat and Dane is pretty kickass, definitely home on the road.
FSM : Is there rivalry in between the three tree ?
TG : It is a healthy rivalry. Pass the positivity
FSM : Patrick is qualified for the Dream Tour next year. Is that a goal for you too ?
TG : Well yeah I would definitely love to be there to surf the events with Patrick.
FSM : Once again it's gonna be decided in Hawaii. It's gonna be really hot to catch the last places ?
TG : I can't wait, I am just excited to surf and give it my everything.
FSM : How do you feel in gnarly waves such as in Hawaii ?
TG : I love coming to Hawaii every year. Cruising with the boys, surfing all day every day. Sunset is one of my favorite waves cause you never know what you are gonna get.
FSM : What does The Triple Crown represent for you ?
TG : Triple Crown is the Ultimate. Probably the most important thing in surfing.
FSM : Thank you Tanner
Interview by Johann Mouchel / Freaksurf Mag - Photo credit : Vans
