We first met Sam in Noosa earlier this year and were fortunate to share some waves and watch him win the Noosa Logger Pro and then enter the Noosa Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational.
Sam, originally from Cornwall but now living in Noosa, has had a pretty amazing past few months. He tore up the Noosa Surf Festival Logger Pro which gained him automatic entry to the Duct Tape Invitational, where he came under the radar of Joel Tudor himself who personally invited him to the Californian leg of the comp.
On the cusp of the Duct Tape Invitational final we managed to squeeze in a quick chat with Sam in California who unfortunately picked up an injury prior to the event so won’t be competing.
How does a kid from Cornwall end up being a true Noosa local?
It’s been a dream of my mother and fathers to move to Australia, soak up the benefits of the beautiful country, embrace the insanely relaxed lifestyle plus the added aid of our Australian passport. I feel I’ve settled into a pretty amazing lifestyle living with my best mates in my own place, working in one of the most iconic surf shops in the world [Noosa Longboards], driving my dream car and surfing everyday… It’s not bad and I feel I’ve worked for it all.
All images with thanks to www.benosbornephoto.com @benosbornephoto
What was it like beating the best in class surfers to win the Noosa Surf Festival Logger Pro? And then being asked to Joel Tudor to be in the Vans Duct Tape Invitational at Noosa ?
I don’t feel that I’ve beaten anyone personally just a thrill to surf along side so many incredible surfers at my home break.
I hate the unnecessary drama, aggression and judgemental bullshit involved in comps. At the end of the day it’s people demonstrating how much they enjoy the historical sport or how much they love frothing on heat scores, being an asshole and making a bad name for themselves for not saying a simple ‘Hello’. I know it’s meant to be a surf competition but I’m not the sort of person to go out in ‘comp mode’ I just go out and surf and that’s all it should be. Returning to the shore with a smile on your face, throwing 5s, winding down day with a beer chatting about the past, present and future of the excitement you all get to share with your mates.
Especially when longboarding is meant to be this sub culture. Pushing away all the criticism, pointless hate and commotion. And rather embracing the expressive style, innovation and gentleman like ways.
Some surf comps embrace the traditional side to surfing (Joel Tudors Duct Tape, Noosa Festival of surfing, James Parrys Hip Wiggler) and some surf comps antithesis everything.
How do you feel about being asked to also now compete in the upcoming Vans US Open of Surfing / Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitation? I hear about half a million people attend the Vans events on Huntington Beach, plus all the webcast viewers!
Being invited to the Duct Tape Invitational is such an incredible feeling. I’ve been dreaming about California since I was eight years old. Dreams do come true. Although I do bear sad news. I tore my ACL about 3 days ago and my knee looks like a balloon so unfortunately I won’t be able to surf in the duct tape this year.
No way! Gutted… Have you managed to enjoy the trip apart from the accident? How are you finding California and what have you been up to?
I have fallen in love with California. It’s everything I expected plus more.
Amazing waves, amazing lifestyle, amazing people. On my return to Australia I will definitely look into moving here and living the dream every single day.
I’ve been to Redondo, San Clemente, San Diego, Malibu, Venice, Cardiff , Hollywood, Sanonofre, (where I tore my ACL).
I got to surf most of these spots luckily before my knee Kooked it. The waves are incredible and level of surfing here is insane so many incredibly stylish ladies and gents.
We have been non-stop since day one. Surfing our brains out, going on adventures, dining in Hollywood, admiring the stars, camping in the mountains, waking up to perfect Malibu, In-n-out burgers, American Pie like parties, beers at the beach, hanging with the coolest people in the world and capturing every incredible moment along the way.
Did you and your shaper Tim Crabtree at Noosa Longboards make some special boards for California or did you just bring your Noosa favourites?
Tim and I have been working on our model for the past few years. I only brought out my favourite 9’8″ this time but shall bring a whole quiver and two working legs next time haha.
Thanks so much for your time and we look forward to seeing you back in the water…
All images with thanks to www.benosbornephoto.com @benosbornephoto
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