It can’t be mentioned enough – the South African Surfing Team put on an exceptional collective performance at the 2013 ISA World Surfing Games in Panama to become World Champions – making us all proud Saffas back home. The cherry on the top was Shaun Joubert’s individual win in the Open Men’s division. The Mossel Bay native went on a tear throughout the event, combining some insane surfing with a well-learned heat strategy, which culminated in him smoking the final by a convincing margin.
It’s a win that really highlights what he’s capable of doing on the WQS – you also couldn’t help noticing the empty spot on his board (where a sponsor decal should be) and wondering how long it’ll be until that space is taken.
After getting the red-eye back to California on Monday night, we managed to catch up with a jet-lagged Shaun to hear his thoughts on the long week he (and the rest of the team) have just had.
Shaun was on fire throughout the 8-day ISA World Surfing Games.
Zigzag: Firstly, congrats on a massive win. How’s it feeling to be a world champ?
Shaun Joubert: It is the best feeling ever. Standing on that stage with a flag around me with the anthem playing was so sick. I was so baffled that it happened. It was pretty unexpected to be honest. The celebrations weren’t too massive. I watched the last bit of the golf, had some beers with the team, tried to find a jol, failed, and went to bed.
Ha, no ways. No jol? Anyways, you pretty much dominated that contest from start to finish. What went right? Good boards? The right kind of waves?
I was just in a really happy place. The waves were sick, I had a really good board for that type of wave, and Ettiene and the team were so legendary. It was like a surf trip with a few heats in the mix. I couldn’t imagine anything better! The froth levels were perfect.
Team SA soaking in that winning feeling on the podium after being awarded their gold medals.
What was the event like and the vibe in the SA camp?
The event is pretty long. Our WQS events are usually just four days with a lot of action. This one is a lot more spread out. It’s like a marathon. But SSA booked us into super sick accommodation, we had cable TV and stuff. The downtime wasn’t as shit as it is sometimes (laughs). The vibe was amazing. That’s why we won team gold. I think competing and surfing in general is more about attitude than anything, and our attitude and froth was so sick! The boys were permanently stoked.
How does a win like this affect your mindset heading into a new leg of the World Qualifying Series?
I’m a lot more confident. And I think I may have found a competing ‘happy place’.
Shaun during a break in tour, working on his carve at home in Mossel Bay.
What is the plan from here?
We have some sick events in cool places coming up. I’m frothing! Just carry on enjoying surfing and seeing some new places. Maybe make some heats. Hopefully get barreled. And work on my handicap!
Best of luck bru. Give it hell.
Thanks.
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Check out the highlights from an emotional final day at the 2013 ISA World Surfing Games below:
super cool