Demi Taylor chats with Gabe Davies, one of Englands top pro surfers, and English Champion, about ………….. How to get into surfing;

HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET INTO SURFING? WHAT INSPIRED YOU?

A friend of my Dads a sculptor called Richard Harris came up to Newcastle from Devon and brought with him surfboards and pictures and stories from his exotic travels, my brothers and I were hooked.

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SURFING?

I was around 11 when I first started and had to share a board and wetsuit with my older Bro Jesse, we raced home from school to be beat each other into the wetsuit first.

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU ENTERED YOUR FIRST COMPETITION, WHAT WAS IT AND HOW DID YOU DO IN THE EVENT?

The event was the English National Championships, which at the time came to Tynemouth, I entered the Cadets ( under 16's) and finished equal 5th. That was a great first ranking for the whole of England, but there were only 5 competitors.

HOW DID YOU GET SPONSORED?

My parents then started to take us down to Cornwall and Devon for Holidays.This really helped our surfing and I entered more contests. From these first few results I got a board and wetsuit sponsor then at age sixteen I signed a clothing deal with Quikslver who have looked after me ever since! They are really the biggest surf company in Europe and have a great foresight and attitude towards the team and the younger surfers, which is exactly what is behind their new Grommets Tour

DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR AVERAGE WEEK

I try to check the weather forecast which will tell me when and where the waves will be best. This means I can set up photoshoots or travel to the best places. If the waves look bad then I can concentrate on writing various pieces for Magazines, and sorting out trips for the future and training for the contest season. My girlfriend and I motivate each other as we both have unusual jobs, she is an Author and writes her novels on the
beach while I surf. Thes are our respective offices. Its always busy and always fun.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WHO WANTED TO START SURFING?

Firstly you are never too old or too young to start surfing, and you don't need to be a great swimmer either. Just get in the sea as much as possible. First steps would be to sign up for a lesson or two to get you going in the right direction. A good wetsuit will really make the experience so much better. This willenable you to stay in the sea for hours even in the winter.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WHO WANTED TO START SURFING COMPETITIVELY?

To be competitive means dedication, determination and you've got to be willing to sacrifice everything to surf regardless of how poor and uninviting the conditions may be. It is very hard but the payoff will be that your surfing will improve, you will meet some good friends and possibly travel to loads of exciting places. With the younger guys and girls its more just about enjoying the sport and the Ocean and being part of a healthy lifestyle.

WHAT EQUIPMENT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR BEGINNERS?

A longer wider board (7 ft or more ) which is very stable and buoyant, will help you get to you on your feet as soon as possible. BIC Sport do a great range of beginners and intermediate boards. As I said a good wetsuit is also essential.

I hope this helps...

Demi Taylor / Interviews - Surfersvillage