Dropping in on Damien 'Dooma' Fahrenfort after the O'Neill Cold Water Classic

In 2009, Damien 'Dooma’ Fahrenfort moved to America in order to help his 09 WQS campaign by basing himself in California. Being close to International surf central has opened a few doors for the Cape born ripper. A month ago, Dooma was invited to surf as a wildcard in the Billabong Pro Mundaka. Sadly, he was eliminated in the first round! Not one to let the defeat get in the way of a good thing, Dooma grabbed the mic and scored some time in front of the Webcast camera, presenting to millions around the world. He took like a proverbial duck to water and it looks likely that he will be doing some more presenting for Billabong again soon.

Last week Dooma cracked a 5th place at the prestigious 6-Star O’Neill Cold Water Classic at Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz, California. We tracked the globe trotting Saffa for a quick Q&A about his recent achievements...

Zag: Congratulations! You just scored a great result at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic. You were the top Saffa finisher -  Take us through the final heats and the quarterfinals.
Dooma: The waves where pretty good the whole time but hard to find the good ones. So I just got pretty lucky with the waves. And it was epic to have the skis taking us back out. It was like being in the WCT.

Zag: It looked like there were some gnarly sets at Steamer Lane. You beat Jay Thompson (World tour surfer) in some serious conditions, got a great score – That must have felt fun?
Dooma: yeah, the waves out the back where like ten foot plus, it was like training for Hawaii. I was pretty stoked to beat him. He was on a good run in the event.

Zag: You have been based in California for some time now. How has that been?
Dooma: It has definitely been a good move, but it does have its downs too. I miss the boys and family. But the up side is that there are way more opportunities here. I am working on a couple projects that people will see soon – stay tuned!

Zag: You always one for good inside dirt on the boys – nudge nudge. Have they been behaving themselves in the US?
Dooma: Yeah, well, Jordy has been getting himself in all sorts of trouble with some ladies. Girls are definitely a bit more Pro surfer friendly over here. But stay tuned for my blog at Zigzag for some of the cheap stuff - ha ha!

Zag: You were great doing some web casting at the Billabong Pro Mundaka, how did you get the gig, and can you see yourself involved in surf media of some sort?
Dooma: Well, I just took a chance and flew to Mundaka and managed to get some air time. The boys liked what I had to offer. Next year the boys from Billabong webcast have offered me a full time stint at all the ‘CT’s. So I’m excited for that.

Zag: When are you back in South Africa?
Dooma: I’m not sure, I hope I can come back soon for a holiday. I want to spend winter in SA next year and do the big wave thing. So I expect to be home a bit more in 2010. But I don’t plan on moving back to Africa for a while.

Zag: Thanks for the catch up bru.
Dooma: Shot