In The Mix Ewan Donnachie Interview

In: In The Mix by doclach 0 Comments Tue 22nd Nov '11
Tags: Ewan Donnachie , Flipmode Clothing , Nick Chandler , Sydney Bodyboard Club , BSC , Attica , Custom X
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Grass Roots clubs are where bodyboarding's future is at. Local riders coming together, writing each other off and pushing each others riding limits. Pro's joining these clubs and getting into the fray is great for the groms. Makes them hungry, shows them stuff.
These clubs are run voluntarily. Nick Chandler is one of the integral cogs behind the scenes at SBC (Sydney Bodyboarding Club) and has done two interviews with top level riders who take the comps up a notch. The first is with Flipmode Clothing's Ewan Donnachie.....

SBC: So, tell us about what you've been up to lately? Had any quality waves around the beaches?
ED: The last few weeks have been a little quiet for me, as I've been injured and unable to surf. Prior to that, I was in Tahiti for a month (which you'll see in the next issue of Riptide), and then chased a swell down to South Australia, where I ruptured my eardrum on my very 1st wave!!
It was pretty frustrating to travel that far and have to come home almost immediately; however, it's been such a big year of chasing waves I honestly didn't mind having a little forced down-time at home.

SBC: Tell us about that latest trip you've been on. How were the waves? Any funny incidents involving your fellow travellers?
ED: The latest major trip was to Tahiti with Damien Martin and Todd McRorie. The waves were pretty good most of the time we were there, with 2 solid swells hitting. We got pretty lucky and were able to sample a range of different waves. That was one of the main reasons for heading to Tahiti in the 1st place - to show what is on offer aside from just Teahupoo. We were able to do that, was well as score some big pits at Chopes, so I really think we got the best of both worlds.

SBC: Which sponsors are helping pay the bills at the moment?
ED: Custom X, Attica Wetsuits, Limited Edition, Flipmode and Bodyboarders Surf Co. I really can't thank all those guys enough for their continued support!!

SBC: How has being involved with a local club like SBC helped develop your bodyboarding?
ED: I think competing at a local level is hugely beneficial for developing an early understanding of what is needed to perform well in competitions at any level. It tests you against other riders of a similar age from your local area and pushes you to hone your skills and perfect your moves.
It also provides an opportunity to learn from riders of all ages and skill levels, meet new friends, develop contacts within the Industry and have a whole bunch of fun in the process.

SBC: Any advice to aspiring pro bodyboarders out there?
ED: My main advice is to try and stay positive and enjoy the journey that comes with chasing bodyboarding.
In the past, I've been guilty of concentrating too much on what other people are doing, getting caught up in what they had and I didn't, what opportunities were given to them and not to me, etc. I soon learned that was not a productive attitude and began focussing on myself and what I needed to do to improve my own situation. That was the turning-point when things started to happen and I've never looked back.

SBC: What are your plans for the next few months?
ED: I think I'll be laying low for a couple of months and concentrating on a few projects and ideas I've had for a while, but haven't had the time to put into motion.
I'm very excited to get stuck into them though and hopefully you'll all enjoy what I have to show you when they're finished.

SBC: So, you're coming along to the SBC Preso?
ED: I'm there with bells on. See ya there yew!!

All photos by legend shooter and all 'round good fella Jem Cresswell.

 

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