“I took off on a wave, went down the side, popped out the other end, and went, shit, I’m still alive!
Quoted by Greg Noll (on surfing Waimea Bay for the fist time)”
Throughout my travels of Thailand and Australia, a must on my bucket list was learning to surf; something about riding a wave, finding your balance and being at one with nature, yes that sounded a lot more professional in my head… Booking into the East Coast Spot X Surf Camp (Mojo Surf) for 2 days was by far the best choice ever.
What a terrific way to wind out the day — we met some cool new people, rode some waves, and hung out around a bonfire with some amazing pals while drinking some cold ones. Everyone is super nice, laid back, and easygoing.
Mojo Surf might take your picture and give you some cool swag, like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps. Incredibly, I decided on this! Totally digging it!
I’m on the board. (Not too shabby, huh?) My first surf lesson with 7 other people was, to say the least, challenging… a lot harder than surfers make it out to be! We all grabbed a board and met our mentor, Jordon Rattle.
Having surfed and taught many people, he took us on a road of knowledge to learning the ins and outs of what you need to be a successful surfer, or if your balance is off, to stand on the board. Going through the demonstrations took me by surprise. The amount you need to have intact when doing the sport, managing to grab a few small waves and flipping off my board a few seconds after, the rush and excitement you get when you grab that surf is just amazing.,
To make things even more fantastic, there was a photographer on site who took such great photos of you in action, I was so stoked when surfer and Spot X coach Jordan did an interview with me about his experiences in the rips of the waves!
At what point did you know surfing was going to be more than just a hobby for you?“The point I knew that surfing was going to be more than a hobby for me was when I caught my first wave on a point break back home in Tasmania. It was the first time I felt the sensation of gliding weightlessness and the rush that comes along with it.”
What do you tell yourself on days when you really don’t want to get out there? How do you stay motivated?“I say to myself ‘you’ll regret not going’ and I motivate myself by believing that you can only improve by taking action.”
What would you want to be if you weren’t a surfer?“Probably an artist or musician, but I’m pretty tone-deaf and can’t draw so I’m lucky I can surf.”
Do you take part in any surf competitions? If so which ones?“No surf comps for me, I don’t want to make fun serious – I’d rather have serious fun.”
What is your favorite wave to surf and why?“Mays Point back home in Tasmania. It barely ever works and when it does half the city is out, but you only need one wave and you’re more than content. The wave goes forever and it’s perfect You can do quick snaps and race the sections or stay in the pocket, stall, and then get 3-5 second barrels or longer on a really good day.”
Being a professional surfer, you get to travel around the world. Where are some of the places you have been and where did you have the best experience?“I have been to Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and they all have waves. Indo obviously had the best waves but I also found some hidden gems in Vietnam and Thailand. I really want to surf North America, Europe, South America…basically everywhere. “
What are some-music artists that pump you up to surf?“There’s no particular artist that comes to mind but what gets me frothing to get a wave is seeing others surfing, so either a surf dvd, video on the internet or witnessing it first hand, that’s what rouses me.”
Who is your favorite surfer?“My favorite surfer is definitely Kelly Slater; he’s a living legend. I read his Biography and he has an intense, but truly inspirational mindset.”
Jordan continues to enjoy the life of surfing, teaching, adventure, and the amazing weather, Be sure to check out Mojo Surf Spot X next time your down for the amazing tour—a week you don’t want to miss! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!
