Noa Deane: “All eyes on Jack Freestone”

It’s been a bumper season along the Gold Coast. And, in the lead up to the Quiksilver Pro, no one is more flared than local-boy and World Tour rook, Jack Freestone, according to fellow Coolie kid, Noa Deane.
“He’s putting so much time in the water it’s crazy,” says Deane. “Two or three sessions a day for two or three hours each. He’s having full power sessions, surfing for six hours a day, even on days that are really shit. I’ve seen him out a couple times where I’m like, why are you surfing?” he laughs.

The persistence has paid off big-time, says Noa. He’s never seen Freestone surf better, rating him as a good chance of taking the event.

“He’s got strengths all over the place. He can link turns together with style and I think the judges still give points for that. He’s got good style so, that will help.”

“If he gets near the lip he’s going to be smoking. He can surf behind the rock, too. His turns are up to the level of other guys on tour but his airs are gonna be what will win him heats,” says Mr Deane.

Small lips make for big spins… sometimes. Photo: Ryan Miller

The event at Snapper will be the biggest moment in the young Coolie kid’s career. For all its hoopla as a world famous surfing destination, Coolangatta is still a tight knit surfing community. And there is no bigger occasion than a local kid making the big show.

“I know he’s psyched and his coach Stace is too. We see them most days and they’re both pretty fucken pumped,” says Noa.

You can’t underestimate a local kid at home on debut.

“Having his first event on tour at his home break, is gonna help him get pumped up.”

“He hasn’t had that much hype around him,” says Noa. “Not as much as you’d think given how good he’s been surfing the last couple of years. I don’t think the judges have seen Jack surfing at this level and they’re gonna be surprised.”

Noa Deane getting atmospheric at North Point. Photo: Bosko