Heres the new kid on the block, the one that creates the upsets, the one that rewrites things and the one that many have their money on. Sean Virtue really has climbed close to the top in a very short period of time. A lot of kids his age would crack under pressure and would develop a fat head, not Virtue. Hes remained a quite, cool and collected character and has let everyone else make the noise for him


Sasaki: So Sean, three years now on the North Shore. Each year you find something more, some difference?
Sean Virtue: Oh definitely, the first year I was just a little grommet kind of just checking things out, not really having a go at it. The second year I was just trying to surf everyday and this year Ive been kind of cruising and just surfing when its good and enjoying myself a little more.

KS: When youre a grommet you surf everyday, every condition thats in front of you. Do you find the approach that youre currently on better for you?
SV: Oh yeah, now when its good I will stay out all day compared to when I was a grom when I would only have the energy to surf for a few hours because I was so tired from surfing so much. Before I would go out for the super early but I would be tired around eight, when the sun would be out and it would be good for photos. I wouldnt go back out until like later in the afternoon and this was just too tiring. Now, Ill wait until its good and Ill have the energy to stay out all on those days.

KS: Just about everyone who knows about bodyboarding has an idea of who Sean Virtue is by now. Here in Hawaii maybe some of the locals are getting their first glimpses of you. Last year you scored three perfect tens and had the four highest scores of the event. What Im getting to is that you have a pretty good chance of winning this contest, how do you feel about that?
SV: Well, thats been in the back of my mind, to win Pipe. Its one of the biggest goals that anyone has. I suppose it really depends on the conditions and what waves come my way, but Ill try my hardest.

KS: Youre also carrying some good momentum going into the event as you just won the Australian Tour, didnt you?
SV: Just before coming to Hawaii we had the last event which I won and also won the tour.

KS: What differences do you see in bodyboarding here in Hawaii compared to at home?
SV: Seems to be a lot more bodyboarders in Australia, actually theres millions of them here too. There seems to be more clubs and competitions going on as here, it seems like people here just want to surf.

KS: What did it feel like being in the finals against Macca who coached you just a few years before?
SV: It was weird as every single person that I used to look up to, Im competing against today. Like I never thought Id meet Mike Stewart and now Im talking to him everyday which is just amazing, cant believe it really.

KS: Last year, shortly after you scored all those perfect tens people marked you as the man to beat and a favorite to win the contest and you looked good, until the event had to be moved to a different venue. Are your goals being met or do you think youre ahead of schedule?
SV: Definitely ahead of schedule. I never ever thought Id be here. My goals were for like half of what happened. Right now Im setting new goals each month as everythings happening so fast.

KS: What would you like to see happen for yourself and for the sport of bodyboarding?
SV: For myself, Id like to have a victory at Pipe and the Super Tour. I would like the sport get recognized as a sport. Id like to see the Super Tour finally become something where theres more money and stuff, more sponsors and for bodyboarding to start looking cool again.

KS: How important is it for you to have all the other Aussies here?
SV: So much, it seems like all the Aussies push the others. Even guys that you never really hear about that much are out there and its really good to see. Just the overall support, its like being at home, seeing everyone here.

KS: Obviously youd like to win the contest, but youd like to win the thing in style. If you were in the final and won, who would you like to be in there to push you?
SV: Hubb, definitely, probably Skip and Mitch Rawlins. Jeff and Mitch are absolute freaks, they are two of the best at the moment, especially Jeff who is so consistent in his shredding.

KS: What make him (Hubbard) so much better than everyone else?
SV: Jeff is just so consistent. Everyone may be doing like one good air a session but hes doing twenty or so. You just shake your head every time he catches a wave. I think thats what makes the difference.

KS: Anyone youd like to say hello to?
SV: Hello Mum! Oh yeah, my sponsors because without them I wouldnt be here in Hawaii.

KS: Oh boy, Im telling your mom!
SV: Ahhhh, hahahhaahaha.