Stab Magazine | Jack Freestone, fixed above a feathered lip in Byron Bay

Live Now... Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 3

342 Views

Jack Freestone, fixed above a feathered lip in Byron Bay

Jack Free had it tough in December last year. Tough because he almost did enough to qualify. Tough because, for a split second he considered life on the freeway, all to be cut off back to the dirt trail at the last event. “That was the hardest year I’ve had,” says Jack of 2014 and finishing three places behind tour rookie, Ricardo Christie. “It was a slap in the face to watch those people overtake me (on points). Trying to get motivated this year to surf has been one of the hardest things ever. Even looking at a board wasn’t the same, I just wanted to go to a cafe and become a barista. At the time, that’s exactly how I felt.” But time heals wounds and when Alana Blanchard is telling you it’s going to be okay at night, then it’s going to be okay. “To bounce back, you’ve gotta put yourself around good people; my girl, and my friends,” says Jack. Add one of surfing’s finest photographers (who, yes, has had a short hiatus from the stills), and a day-trip to Byron and Jack’s back where he should be. Tail high and brimming with enthusiasm. Plus, he’s riding the trail this year with best pal, Mitch Crews, again. “Obviously, it sucks, I don’t want him to be on the QS, but if there’s any good news it’s that I’ve gotten my friend back. The boys are back in town, but hopefully we can get out of town.” Fast.

full frame // Mar 8, 2016
Words by Shorty
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Jack Free had it tough in December last year. Tough because he almost did enough to qualify. Tough because, for a split second he considered life on the freeway, all to be cut off back to the dirt trail at the last event. “That was the hardest year I’ve had,” says Jack of 2014 and finishing three places behind tour rookie, Ricardo Christie. “It was a slap in the face to watch those people overtake me (on points). Trying to get motivated this year to surf has been one of the hardest things ever. Even looking at a board wasn’t the same, I just wanted to go to a cafe and become a barista. At the time, that’s exactly how I felt.”

But time heals wounds and when Alana Blanchard is telling you it’s going to be okay at night, then it’s going to be okay. “To bounce back, you’ve gotta put yourself around good people; my girl, and my friends,” says Jack. Add one of surfing’s finest photographers (who, yes, has had a short hiatus from the stills), and a day-trip to Byron and Jack’s back where he should be. Tail high and brimming with enthusiasm. Plus, he’s riding the trail this year with best pal, Mitch Crews, again. “Obviously, it sucks, I don’t want him to be on the QS, but if there’s any good news it’s that I’ve gotten my friend back. The boys are back in town, but hopefully we can get out of town.” Fast.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

First Class Lounge Lizard Ryan Miller Picks The Abu Dhabi Pro Winners

“Conditions: exactly six foot at one minute intervals”

Feb 13, 2025

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Preview

Contrary to popular opinion: oil and water do mix.

Feb 13, 2025

One Cold, Unforgettable Winter At Uncle Robbie’s

Reflecting on four months spent living with 1988 Pipe Master Robbie Page.

Feb 11, 2025

Channel 51: Pipe Pro Post-Show

Coco Ho, Dooma and Josiah Amico discuss the juiciest storylines from the opening CT.

Feb 11, 2025

Did the Australian Surf Industry Walk So The Cycling Industry Could… Run?

With former Globe head-of-design turned MAAP co-founder, Ollie Cousins.

Feb 10, 2025

Microdose: Lungi Slabb

Australia's most instinctive young barrel rider leaves some notes for the forthcoming CT. 

Feb 9, 2025

Lexus Pipe Pro: Tyler Wright Triumphs, Barron Mamiya + Leo Fioravanti Deadlock For Men’s Crown

Victory goes to the Hawaiian, thanks to having the highest single scoring ride.

Feb 9, 2025

Watch: Channel 51 — A Lexus Pipe Pro Finals Day AltCast 

Live on Red Bull TV, featuring Coco Ho, Damien Fahrenfort, Josiah Amico, Hughie Vaughan, and…

Feb 8, 2025

Pipeline Erupts, Perfect 10s Drop, Slater Feasts On The Blood Of The Youth

Jack Robinson, John John Florence both eliminated despite posting 10s*.

Feb 8, 2025

Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 3

Outer Banks secret sessions, Waffle House meltdowns, and the worst way to try an air…

Feb 7, 2025

“When I Stand Up, I Want To Kill – Fucking Redlining Like I Want To Ruin The Wave”

Triple Crown winner Finn McGill blends vintage Pancho Sullivan power with a Stab High-worthy air…

Feb 7, 2025

International Crime Syndicate Steals Millions From California Surfers, Gets Caught By Local Vigilantes

Victims include: Taro Watanabe, Reef McIntosh, Tyler Gunter, and 'Snapt' creator Logan Dulien.

Feb 6, 2025

Attrition at Pipe: Six Specialists Eliminated After Grueling Day At Lexus Pipe Pro

Moana Jones-Wong, Erin Brooks, Vahine Fierro + other big names axed.

Feb 6, 2025

Big Idea, Small Budget, And A High Level Of Danger?

Who’s Stab gonna call: Miles Pitt.

Feb 5, 2025

The Story Behind Sammy Pupo’s Backdoor-Inflicted Shiner

“Everything went blurry and for 15 minutes, I was stumbling around, barely able to walk…

Feb 5, 2025

Once A Pipe Master, Always A Pipe Master

Robbie Page stars in Oxbow's 'Walkabout'.

Feb 4, 2025

Born or Built? The Psychology of Confronting Heavy Waves

Nurture in nature with Shane Dorian, Carissa Moore, Al Cleland, and CJ Hobgood.

Feb 3, 2025

SEOTY: Albee Layer Stars In ‘Pure’, Rants A Little, And Reveals His Post-Surfing Career Path

Plus, the one that got away.

Feb 2, 2025
Advertisement