Transmission The Rookie on Tour.

In: Transmission by philgallagher 0 Comments Mon 10th May '10

Tags: Jake Stone , IBA , Chile , Peru

Whilst sharing an early heart starter (coffee) this morning Jake and I talked loosely about his journey and what he expected, all read knew and what the hell he would be doing for the 16hrs locked in the giant steel bird on route to Chile.

Is this the first time you have actually travelled for the World Tour internationally?
Yeah, I have been to Hawaii for the Pipe comp but I kind of treat those trips as a free surfing trip with a contest attached. This is actually the furthest from Australia I think I would of been also which is cool.

What do you know about these places and how do you know your going like them?
Well I have seen a lot of footage of the waves, so I know there is a pretty good chance of getting actually waves for the comps. All the guys have been telling me its one of the best comps to go to for waves, hang time with the boys and just the whole vibe really. I don't know anything about these places so I will be trying to check it all out and surf as much as I can. Holiday with waves, sounds perfect. I am expecting to be pretty shocked by all the crazy fans also. I saw some footage of the fans chasing Hardy down the road last year. That would be nuts to see that stuff.

Any particular stories from the guys which had you rattled about the trip?
Not really only that El Gringo in Chile has the gnarly end section. The boys said someone always ends up getting super pumped out there. I hope its not me but if its in the heat and you get a huge section what are you going to do?

Are you looking forward to hanging with the guys on tour?
It's going to be nuts man. Benny, Winnie, Dallas, Novy, Kingy, Hardy and Riggers what a crew! Tom Rigby is going to be my main man over there. He is the young veteran as he was there last year for the first time. I don't want to be that annoying guy asking the older crew 100 questions but it would be cool to learn off Riggers.

What the drive to shell out $5,000 on a three week comp assault?
These two next competitions mean more than most comps on the tour. The points are big, the media is big and for a lot of the guys if they do well in these events it will set them up for a solid rating for the rest of the year and next year also. I do have to start in the early rounds which is a lot harder then having say the seeding guys like Ben and Novy have, but if I go well in these comps I will be chasing the whole tour with a lot more focus. Also I can get some cool footage of the events for the next movie we are making.

What happens if you get knocked out first round?
That is when the holiday starts mate! I would be bummed out and pissed off for a while but I have prepared myself for this and I am just going to enjoy being in a new country and watching the best guys in the world surf. I think you can only train and prepare so much for things like this the rest is up to luck.

Ok he is some quick questions, who won Peru last year?
Hubb. (jeff Hubbard)

Who got second?
No idea mate.

Who won Chile?
Mike. (Mike Stewart)

Who got second?
Shit i don't know, I have no idea again.

Does 2nd place even count?
I does trust me (Jake placed 2nd last year on the Australian Tour) but know one remembers what you have done. Thats just competition really.

What are you going to do pass the time on the flight over there?
I have a heap of movies on my laptop and I am hoping they might have a few movies I want to see like Book Of Eli. But I guess just take it in and try not to think about the actual time on the plane.

If you have to choose who to sit next too, who is it going to be?
Riggers, Hardy or Winnie. I would not mind any of the boys but these three are by far the best to travel next to. I will be actually indulging in some Qantas Club breakfast in about an hour with Hardy which will be nice. You have to aline yourself with people with perks!

And Finally what is the capital of Chile?
Is it Lima? Man I don't know. I know that Lima is on the way or something?

Mate that is the capital of Peru so you might want to make sure you aline yourself with someone who is a touch better with their geography also?
Give me a break mate, I left school in year 9!

Ok man good luck and travel safe.
Cheers thanks for the lift the airport also.