Latest Taylor Knox
(10/05) ASK TAYLOR: POST-FRANCE QUESTIONS ANSWERED (08/28) ASK TAYLOR: POST J-BAY QUESTIONS ANSWERED (07/31) ASK TAYLOR: PRE-US OPEN QUESTIONS ANSWERED (06/28) ASK TAYLOR: PRE-J-BAY READER QUESTIONS ANSWERED (05/24) ASK TAYLOR: POST-BRAZIL READER QUESTIONS ANSWERED (04/25) ASK TAYLOR: POST-BELLS' READER QUESTIONS ANSWERED (03/20) ASK TAYLOR: THE NEW ROOKIES AND PREPPING FOR BELLS (02/13) ASK TAYLOR: GETTING READY FOR THE '10 ASP SEASON (01/21) ASK TAYLOR: SURVIVING THE EL NINO WINTER (12/16) ASK TAYLOR: WHO'S YOUR STOKE TEAM?
Taylor Knox Blog Archive
2026:
2025:
2024:
2023:
2022:
2021:
2020:
2019:
2018:
2017:
2016:
2015:
2014:
2013:
2012:
2011:
2010:
October
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2009:
December
November
October
Other Surfline Blogs
THE BEST BLOGS OF SUMMER
DEAR LISA: Four-Time Women's World Champ, Lisa Andersen, answers your questions
THE HUNT 2009
ASK TAYLOR: SoCal's ASP World Tour veteran answers your questions
A SEMESTER ABOARD
BETWEEN SETS: Drifting thoughts, shifting perspectives and pointing fingers
THE SURFLINE BLOG: Stay up-to-date with what's happening on Surfline.com
F-STOP: The surf photography blog by Jeremiah Klein
ASK THE EXPERTS: Detailed answers to your surf equipment questions
TALKING DESIGN: The Board Blog with Rusty Preisendorfer
HEALTH + FITNESS: The Balanced Surfer, Tim Brown's blog
SLOG BLOG: The Gudauskas Brothers' worldwide WQS adventures
THE EXPAT JOURNAL: Allan Weisbecker's Blog
ON TOUR: THE Ace Buchan ASP World Tour Blog
View the Surfline Blog Index
ASK TAYLOR: THE NEW ROOKIES AND PREPPING FOR BELLS
TK on the new WT rookies, prepping for Bells and more
Posted: 03/20/10 | Visits: 2,894
| Comments: 23 | View Comments
How did the rookies look this year? --Ben A.
The rookies looked good. You could tell they were excited to be there and most
of them held their own. I saw Tanner and Andre surf well, but I didn't get a chance
to watch all the heats. There were a couple of guys that people were expecting to do
better but they just didn't get the waves. The top 10 from last year still held the court -- but I'm sure there's going to be some big heats, and I feel like the rookies could come in between a couple people and the title.
 |
| Matt Wilkinson, one of the 2010 WT's most progressive rookies, pre-first heat at Snapper. He lost to Damo in R1 and Dingo in R2. Photo: Sean Rowland |
What's your favorite thing about Australia?-- Sandy Shepard
My favorite thing about Oz is just how inviting the ocean is there -- it always looks like a skatepark to me. The coast bends, twists, and sticks out so there's always some nook to drive around and look at. And the local guys are so dedicated to surfing -- even the older guys. They get jobs based around surfing it seems, because even in the middle of the week there's tons of guys out. Which means they must work at night and surf all day -- when do they sleep?
 |
| Angourie. One of Australia's best bends in the coast. Photo: Marcus Sanders |
How does the first event set the tone for the year?--Chris Notable
I feel like it can work for you or against you. If you feel like it sets the tone, then I guess it will. There's so much change in life from moment-to-moment, that in one contest you could be on top of the world and the next....well. Look how Mick turned around his year last year. Sometimes, something will just click and 'boom!' That's kinda how I feel like this year will go for me. I didn't get the result I wanted at the Quik Pro, but I feel like this is going to be a fun year.
 |
TK won his R1 heat at Snpper, but narrowly lost to Ace Buchan in R2. Photo: Sean Rowland |
What will you do in between events?--Sam Spade
Going home for two weeks before Bells to train and pick up some round pins for Bells. I like to get back to C'bad and check in with the family and regroup. I realized that if you're on the road for a long time, you can start to lose your edge and focus. I like to come in a few days before and get started about three days before the contest starts. Also the waves in Cal have been so good this winter that I'm looking forward to getting back to SD!
 |
| TK prepping up for Aussie pointbreaks the best way he knows how. Photo: Sean Collins |
How do Americans qualify these days? Most qualifying events are full? Do you have to travel now to qualify? How will that change the tour for Americans? -- John Madden
Nowadays, the Americans really have to hit the road to qualify! I wish there were some more big WQS contests in Cali -- and maybe one on the East Coast in the fall. I really feel like there are so many people from here watching on the web, plus the support at these contests for our guys would feel good. Look how HB got behind Brett Simpson at the Hurley US Open. I give a lot of credit to the guys that went out and did it last year.
 |
| Simpo won a whole bunch of cash in front of a hometown crowd at the Hurley US Open last July -- en route to a rookie year on the WT. |
++++++
What else do you want to know? Everyone is encouraged to ask Taylor questions in the comments below. Or, if you're shy, you can email right here.
Read more entries from this blog » Comments: (23) Add Your Comment
randy 03/27/2010 09:36 AM
what do you do to keep progressing at surfing without taking it too seriously and have alot of fun on tour
HRM SAS THE BLACKWATCH TIMMY CHAVEZ 03/26/2010 06:49 PM
I grew up surfing o,side north jetty taylor knots used to snake me all the time i want to see you win a world title TK used to critik my style what are you doing differntly whith tha fire? your soul is strong like kellys god bless hope you both blow doors down tc
Harris 03/26/2010 01:31 PM
I live/surf on the east coast. The waves don't get bigger than what you'd probably call 3ft. When I travel and surf larger waves I tend to have problems completely adjusting. Im not afraid to surf larger waves, I just surf tighter than usual. Do you have any tips on how to make that transition? How do you surf 3ft waves and 6ft waves with the same level of performance?
Good Luck at Bells!!!
ocotillo 03/24/2010 02:08 PM
can i have one of your boards?
Tsgarlin 03/23/2010 10:31 AM
Hi Taylor, I've always been great admirer of your surfing -- the crisp, arcing lines and powerful, flowing cutbacks. I've reached a point in my own surfing where I'm able to execute some decent turns of my own, especially my top-turns. But I have trouble holding these out of the turn. Maybe 5-6 out of 10 times I'll be unable to finish the run, lose my balance, and fall off. Any advice?
Mark 03/22/2010 02:14 PM
Did Kelly let you try his backyard surfboards?
travis daugherty 03/22/2010 07:45 AM
GO T.B.!!!!! turn 3 into 4 U desreve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kevin 03/22/2010 07:19 AM
Used to surf up north in the Oxnard - Silverstrand - Hueneme area. One day I had what I consider a "close encounter with the beastie kind". I hit this large object while going vertical and my left leg slipped off with my toe touching my nose after my leg folded the othe r way. The bottom of the board still has a large imprint. I just need some advice on how to get back in the water (I surfed since '63 until 2 years ago) and get over the "fear".
travis daugherty 03/21/2010 09:05 PM
GO T.B.!!! he desrerves it 3,
taylor 03/21/2010 08:53 PM
how do you train and get ready for big contests
conceptus 03/21/2010 12:27 PM
Where do you usually surf in san diego?
Richard Fenwick 03/21/2010 12:17 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
Years ago there used to be a "Senior Mens" class at Pro events. Has the ASP ever considered bringing that back? I know lots of guys in their 40's and older who really rip and would love to compete. Plus it would give guys currently on tour a division to compete in when they feel it might be time to hang it up because they may not be at the peak of their game anymore.
Carls Badloc 03/21/2010 11:35 AM
Taylor, when are you going to give back to the Carlsbad community? Its done a lot for you, give back!
CaliforniaBeachRealty.net 03/21/2010 10:54 AM
Awesome photos, looks like a blast! I'm coming to SoCal next month, gotta get some lessons & give it a try!!
chard 03/21/2010 09:59 AM
View All Comments (23 comments)
watching on the web in bad surf is no fun, the tour needs to get the best waves around. why then have bells at bells? that waves sucks and winkipop goes off. its crazy to hold it at bells. Taylor, make them see the light. talk to us about it.
Add Your Comment:
ABOUT SURFLINE'S COMMENTS: Surfline comments are intended to foster and continue a community discussion and/or debate on the topic brought up by the feature above. We encourage you to comment and express your opinion. Before commenting, you should know that Surfline Comments are moderated, which means that comments containing personal attacks, excessive profanity, or off-topic remarks may not be posted. Also, 'EDITOR'S PICKS' are comments that we feel capture points-of-view from all sides of the issue at hand, not necessarily the comments Surfline most agrees with. Thanks. --the editors
