Dropping in on: Shaun Joubert and Dale Staples on the Rock

Every northern hemisphere winter the surfing world focuses its attention on a seven-mile stretch of coast on Oahu's North Shore. World champs are decided (sometimes), guys either qualify for, or lose their spot on the Dream Tour, and some seriously hard charging goes down. Every winter the hordes pull in and try and make a name. It's exciting stuff, and we caught up with Shaun Joubert and Dale Staples, the first of the Saffas in Hawaii, to get their take on "The Rock".

Favourite spot on the North Shore?
Dale: We like surfing the OTW/Backdoor/Pipe stretch, just because it's right in front of the house, and there is always waves.
Shaun: It's just so easy to run out for a surf. And of course Rockies. There are lefts and rights, and it's the most rippable wave in the area.

Besides taking the worst wipeout of your life, what else do you need to watch out for?
Shaun: You have to permanently be on the lookout for stupid stuff, like getting in the way, breaking down sections, dropping in, having guys steal your stuff if you leave it out at night.
Dale: There are a lot of random okes that just cruise through the houses, so we always checking our stuff. We don't have a room to lock our stuff away, so we're always checking for randoms cruising around the house.

What boards have you taken?
Dale: We have everything from shortboards to 7'2"s for big Sunset. You have to have a big quiver, because every wave needs a different board.
Shaun: Lots of guys bring fishes over for small days, but our boardbags were a bit packed this time, which is unfortunate, because it's been really small.

Why do you love / or hate going to Hawaii?
Dale: Love the waves of course. It's sick just being here, all the best guys are on the North Shore.
Shaun: A lot of good surfing goes down and it's amazing to be amongst it all. The crowds get a bit rough, but most of the time it's worth the wait.

What do you get up to when the waves go flat?
Shaun: To be honest there is not too much to do when it goes flat. Usually there are only a couple of flat days. If it's small we hit up the movies or go to the mall in town and get some cheap stuff from the Apple store.

Worst wipeout you've ever had on the North Shore?
Dale: Got a big one at Off The Wall. My board didn't quite handle and I skipped out and took a lip to the head. Even got a shot in the mag from it.
Shaun: Mine wasn't even a wipeout. I got caught inside at Second Reef Pipe and broke my board. The jetski had to save me. I was shitting myself. Haha.

What are you expectations for this season?
Shaun: I just want to surf with the best and improve my surfing. And of course do good in the comps, that's why I'm here! Clips and shots are just a bonus in my opinion.
Dale: I want to do well in the events (Haleiwa and Sunset) and get some good waves and shots.