Life begins at 36
Despite compiling twelve ‘CT victories during and an almost-world-title during his career, some would argue Rob was never a fit for the cut throat world of competitive surfing. Rob agrees, going as far as saying his competitive career was merely a means to arrive at this end.
Stab: Do you feel like your best years disappeared in that tour vacuum?
Rob: Oh yeah. Yeah. It’s radical and, yeah, it’s pretty nuts. I look back on it and I’m stoked I did it and it doesn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth. But I’m most stoked that it got me to here. It was a step to get where I am now.
That’s quite a statement to say that your entire career on tour was merely a stepping-stone to get here.
It was a huge stepping-stone. I got to travel the world, experience all these cultures, compete and basically build my profile and get known, and now I can do what I do.
As a contemporary and confidante of Kelly’s, has he ever expressed a desire to do what you’re doing?
We candidly talk about it. We have spoken about cruising around and making movies and fun stuff but when he was retired I was on tour. And when I got off tour and he went back on, so it’s never been feasible. We’re on different pages.
How long are you giving your days as a paid surfer?
I have no idea. That’s a good question. I’ve never really thought about it and maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe that’s why I still get paid. I’m gonna keep doing what I do regardless. Hurley are psyched and want to pay me for it. If I were doing something I didn’t like to do my days would be numbered.
You don’t contemplate life after surfing?
It’s more like life is surfing. It has a lot to do with my life. It’s given me everything I have. I still get up everyday and the first thing I do is look at the ocean. It dictates my day.
But once you cease getting paid to do that, will your life change at that point?
It’s a good point. Life goes on and I think I will cross that bridge when I get to it. I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing. I’ve got a good relationship with my sponsors. I’ve been getting involved. With the company and sitting in meetings and involved with the direction.
Have you invested wisely enough to avoid the workforce or will you join Longball Pat and will the momentum generation become the marketing generation?
(Laughter) I mean, yeah, I could potentially retire. I haven’t’ sat around and counted my money. I’d have to want to do it for the right reasons. I enjoy working with people I am at the moment, being creative and Hurley is a good avenue for that. Working with Taylor and his films is definitely and avenue I would explore. We’ve worked together for 20 years. In this project I was getting in there and super involved. I did not let one thing go past. Editing, writing, directing, colour correction, sound, right down to the last thing. I was stoked on it, super stoked. It was a challenge and fun to do and to finish holding something you are proud of is key. - Jed Smith
Posts: 21
Reply #21 on : Wed February 17, 2010, 04:19:51