60 years strong

Gavin was surprised at his inclusion but was proud to be invited and is totally amped to come up to Jeffreys Bay from his home on the West Coast and represent. Wavescape gave him a quick call to see what he’s been doing as training, and how he’s going to win it. Just think, it's quite a thing. Even Kelly Slater has almost 20 years to go if he's going to compete.

So you’re ready for this event?

I just want to get through my first round heat. If I can get through that heat I will be so stoked.

Were you surprised at your call-up?

I was quite shocked at first. I wasn’t really ready to be included. I was following it all on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JeffreysBayOpenOfSurfing and I noticed that I had made it onto the alternates list, and then next thing there was a shuffle and I was in the mix. It’s pretty amazing to get into the event. I’m not really in the right age group.

How old are you at the moment?

I turned 60 in April.

When did you start surfing Supers?

I started surfing in Jeffreys Bay in 1968. I’ve done my time there. I have been coming to surf Supers every year, sometimes I come three times a year and sometimes I just come once a year. Depends on how things are…

Reckon you are going to show the lighties a thing or two.

Hahaha as I mentioned I just want to get through that first heat. I am pretty fit at the moment. I surf a lot and I train and look after myself and keep loose. I hope that I will inspire some people, even if it’s some of the older guys at the contest.

The one thing everyone knows about Gavin is that he surfs a lot. How often do you get in the water these days?

If there’s swell I go and surf. If a swell comes and sticks around for three to four days then I surf the whole swell. When there’s no swell I go and hit the pool and stuff. Anything to keep fit and keep loose and supple. Also, no poisons go into my body any more, so that definitely helps haha.

You know Supers so well after all the years of surfing here. What equipment are you bringing up for the event?

I’m still surfing a 6’2, just a standard board and I’m going to bring a step-up 6’10 in case the swell pulls in. Doesn’t look like it though. At this stage of the game it looks quite small. The 6’2 is what I ride in most conditions and its what I ride at Supers.

Any thoughts on who is going to take the event?

Well, if it gets 6 ft then Sean Holmes is the one. Greg Emslie has loads of experience and Frankie also rips. If it’s small then the local kids have the best chance. They know the wave so well and they have such a wide arsenal of moves that the judges like. Guys like Remi Peterson and Stevie Sawyer have a good chance if it is small. Other local kids like Dylan Lightfoot and Dale Staples could also do well. Then there’s guys like Slade Prestwich who is making a name on the international field right now. If it gets bigger, then the whole game changes.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’m proud to be recognised by the JBay crew, and I think this event is going to be very good for the sport. I hope I can do everyone proud and thanks again to the crew for the invite.

Here’s hoping for a bit of swell energy during the waiting period. There are going to be a lot of people watching, wanting to see the ballie rip.

Thanks. See you in JBay.