Riptide Magazine

An interview with the 2009 Pipe Champ

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 00:00

An interview with the 2009 Turbo Pipeline Pro Champion - Ryan Hardy.

As a slight hangover began to appear, the stilll euphoric Mr Hardy, sat down for a Riptide interview on his great win.

Riptide // Ryan, how does it feel to have won the Pipeline Pro?

Ryan Hardy // Very, very satisfying. It’s one of the most exciting moments of my life, and one of my biggest achievements.

RT // Can you give us a run down on how the day went down for you?

RH // Well, it started out that the swell had dropped a shitload from the day before, which was sooo annoying cause it happens every year, I swear. The first two days had amazing 8-10ft Pipe and come finals day it was 4-6ft, at best. Still, once you let go of the past days you could see there were still some really good waves to be had, particularly at Backdoor. The surf hung in there all day, which meant there was some sick waves all the way from the first round to the final. For me, I felt I gained good physical momentum from my first heat through to the quarters, semis and final. I was really shaky, nervous, and feeling weak and puffed paddling around in my first heat, which are typical symptoms of nervousness and anxiety. As I got good waves and progressed through each heat I felt more energised, more pumped and confident. By the time the final came ’round I was feeling really pumped up; good to go and give it my all and things really went my way. I felt in tune and I caught some good waves, and the waves seemed to avoid the other guys when they needed them most. Coming in on my last wave in the dying seconds knowing I'd won for sure; fuck, it was an incredible feeling! I could see the Aussie team on the beach. I could hear their screams. I could feel their pride and I really felt triumphant. It was such a rewarding win after competing there for so many years and finally, after putting in everything I had and pushing myself to the absolute limit of physical and mental persistence, it was phenomenal to come out on top as the champ!

RT // Does this mean that you are going to chase down all the events for the World Tour this year?

RH // Yeah I'll be following all the IBA Grand Slam events for sure, trying to fit in lower qualifying WT events where possible as well, and I’ll be following the Aussie Tour in between.

RT // Do you think BP was scored harshly in the heat that he went down?

RH // Yes, he was definitely unlucky. He surfed amazing in his heat, especially for a heat that had pretty average waves. He was super unlucky that his waves were a bit underscored and Tamega's were a bit overscored. He had every right to be a little bummed about it. But I'm glad he picked himself up in time to hoist me on his shoulders! Legend Benny!

RT // How big is the party going to be tonight (last night now), and what will you do when you get home to W.A?

RH // Ha! Mate, I'm feelin’ pretty sick right now. We had an Aussie get-together for the comp party last night, so further partying’s the last thing on my mind. If there'll be a Hardballs World Title at the end of the year, well that will be a different story...

RT // Anything else you would like to add?

RH // Oh, I'm actually just really loving it that I've won this with the support of my new sponsors. They’re companies that really feel the win as much as I do. Mad props to Joel at Unite and Benny at Void wetsuits. Let’s do this!

Thank-you Ryan!

And thank-you to Riptide Photog Lee Kelly for helping us with the interview.
Look out for Lee's handiwork in Riptide #169!