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.
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.
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