February 2009

10 minutes with... Bede Durbidge

Fresh from coming second on the world pro surfing tour, we spoke to Queensland’s own Bede Durbidge

WORDS ANNE LOH

Congratulations on becoming the highest-ranking Australian surfer in the 2008 ASP season. How do you feel?
It feels great, nearly half the tour is made up of Australians and we filled three of the top five spots. I feel very proud to finish runner-up to champion Kelly Slater this year.

Looking at the season in retrospect, how would you rate your performance?
It was my best year so far; last year I finished fifth so it’s always good to keep improving. The key was my consistency, I didn’t really have many bad events.

What continues to fuel your passion for surfing?
I just love surfing and I feel really lucky to have it as my job. Also, there’s the world title that I’ve always dreamed of winning so that makes me want to push my surfing everyday.

What’s your training program like?
Training is so important for getting good results. I train four to five times a week with Gary Elketon who is an ex-pro surfer, which involves soft sand running, push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, swimming and boxing, plus I surf at least once a day. It’s hard to keep up the training when we’re travelling all the time but I have a little routine I can still do on my own each morning while I’m competing.

You live near some of the best surf in Australia. Which are your favourite Queensland surf breaks?
It is awesome. Queensland definitely has some of the best surf in the world. My favourite would be on North Stradbroke were I grew up but also Snapper Rocks and Burleigh on the Gold Coast.

Tell us about your favourite Jetstar holiday destination.
I had an awesome trip in August to Bali — I love it over there, it’s the best holiday destination. You can live like a king for nothing and it has everything.

What are your goals for the next season?
I want to win the world title. It’s going to be a big challenge but I’m up for it and I’m going to give it my all.

Where can we catch you surfing?
I’ll be surfing in the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks, the Gold Coast, from 28 February to 11 March, then I’ll be at Bells Beach, Victoria, for the Rip Curl Pro, from 7 to 19 April.

Fly into the Gold Coast for the Quicksilver Pro and into Melbourne-Avalon for the Rip Curl Pro to watch Bede compete in February and April!