Watch: Jackson Bunch Learned A Few Things In His Rookie Season
And brought them back home with him.
Jackson Bunch is one of the most technically proficient surfers in the world.
He connects waves masterfully and his body positioning is elite. Has no real weaknesses from tubes to turns to airs. He can even do a backflip or a double-rotation when he feels like it.
And still, it wasn’t enough to keep the young Hawaiian on tour in 2025. You could blame bad luck, or the outrageously high talent level on the CT. Or you could theorize that having a more unique, less textbook style may actually appeal to the judges. Case in point: Marco Mignot was the top-rated rookie this year.
Currently on the rebound from his rookie season, between CS events, Jackson headed back to Maui for a few laps around Eli Hanneman’s Lahaina skatepark. The surfing is objectively great, but the same can be said of the other 80 guys on the Challenger.
We asked Jackson how he felt about surfing’s Sisyphean struggle. ChatGPT may have been consulted for the responses.
What was your experience like as a rookie on tour? Please elaborate on some roses, thorns, and learnings.
My rookie year on tour was an incredible experience — both humbling and inspiring. The level of talent on the CT is next-level, and every heat pushed me to raise my own standard of surfing. A big highlight for me was my performance at the wave pool. That event really brought out my best surfing, and the momentum I built there gave me a huge boost of confidence for the rest of the season.
Of course, there were challenges — traveling constantly, adjusting to different waves and conditions, and learning to shake off losses quickly were all part of the process. But every heat, win or lose, was a learning opportunity. The biggest takeaway for me was understanding how consistent you have to be, not just technically but mentally, to compete with the best in the world.
What’s your mindset been since hopping back on the CS?
My mindset has been really focused and positive since returning to the Challenger Series. I’m approaching each heat with a sharper, more competitive attitude — not just to surf well, but to put myself in a position to win. I know what it takes now to get back to the CT, and every event is an opportunity to take a step closer to that goal. I’m using my past experience as motivation, and I feel hungry and ready to put everything into this season.
What is your surfing’s strongest point? What are you working on?
I’d say my surfing is very well-rounded. My frontside airs, backside snaps, and barrel riding are all strong parts of my game. Lately, I’ve been really focused on fine-tuning my wave selection — making sure I’m always on the best waves in every heat. I’ve also been dedicating a lot of time to my backside airs, pushing for more consistency and progression there. If I can lock that in, it’s going to add another layer of danger to my surfing.
Who’s the king of this Maui spot, you or Eli?
Oh, definitely Eli! This is where Eli learned to surf — he grew up just minutes from the harbor, so this place is in his DNA. It’s always fun to push each other and raise the level when we surf out there.
What goal do you still want to accomplish in 2025?
My main goal for 2025 is to get strong results in Portugal and Brazil to put myself in a solid position to requalify for the Championship Tour. I want to end the year knowing I’ve done everything I can to give myself the best chance to get back where I belong — on the CT, competing with the best in the world.
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