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ASK TAYLOR
TK on Mick vs. Parko (guess who?), bodysurfing and more
Posted: 11/13/09 | Visits: 17581
| Comments: 31 | View Comments
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Parko or Mick?--Everyone
Taylor: Well, when it comes down to who's going to win the title, I feel like there's a couple of factors to weigh in -- Joel really came out of the gates strong and seemed to be running away with it especially in the media's eyes -- and they spread the word, which was not the case when something like that happens and you have so much tour left. It's easy to jump on the bandwagon. Right now, I think Mick is on top of his game and has already won so he knows what it feels like to close this thing out. Right there is an advantage mentally going into Pipe with the whole world watching. Another point is he isn't nursing an injury like Joel is; but with that being said, Joel should get a pat on the back for hanging tough throughout this and being right there. Wildcards could play a huge roll in this as well and weather or not it's more rights or lefts. i think it's good for Joel that this is a barrel riding contest which should be easier on his ankle and we already know he's great in the barrel especially frontside. Even with that being said I'm giving the advantage to Mick.
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What are your thoughts regarding bodysurfing? And do you agree that bodysurfers should have to take a back seat to boardsurfers just because of the added advantage of a flotation device? Do you think that a few breaks should be set aside to keep, bodysurfing -- the most soulful of surfing styles alive? Or should bodysurfing, the art-form, be crushed by the current commercial view of surfing as a board dominated sport?--Hugh
Taylor: Bodysurfing is incredibly soulful, in my opinion. I have a good friend by the name of Mark Cunningham -- he's one of the best waterman I've ever come across. When he goes in the water, I like to sit on the beach and watch! I've had the honor of swimming out with him and it's like watching someone with a 10th degree black belt but in the ocean. As far as keeping certain spots just for bodysurfing that isn't and won't ever be up to me -- but I know there quite a few beaches that have black ball, so...
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I've been surfing solidly for the last two years. I feel like my progress is going staggeringly slow. I work nights and need my rest in the daytime. Morning sessions are my joy. When I dream; I see myself making tight bottom turns and sharp front/back side snaps. In reality; LOL! I'm still struggling with dropping in on fast moving steep faces. Don't we all. I surf about 2-3 days a week. It's pretty hard on my body. Any recommendations on how to improve, Taylor?--Adam in IB
Taylor: Well, two years is a pretty good foundation, and 2 to 3 days isn't bad -- but if you feel like you need something to keep the muscles activated when you're not, then you might want to check out the video I just put out called surf exercises and you can find it on Surfline . The take-off is the most important part because it sets up your line for the whole wave and there's a lot you can do with just a Swiss Ball.
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The 2010 ASP changes are scant at best. Professional surfing, like it or not, is here to stay. Given that, the ASP needs to provide true incentives inline with the industry's financial size. The money in the surf industry has adjacent effect (T-shirts were started by surfers in the early 60's, skateboarding, snowboarding...) and professional surfers deserve to tap into this. The ASP management needs professionals to pull it off. Not cronies from Oz. $4mm total purse is a joke and insult.--Stanchew
Taylor: Agree with you about the changes, but I guess we (the ASP) are paying for some bad decisions that were made in the past. Talk about having it bite you in the ass later! Maybe the companies can increase the prize money based on how their sales go up! That would be interesting to see if they would agree to that. I know how fortunate it is to be able to do what I do, and that's why I work hard at it. If you even hint at wanting some changes on this blog you get the whole "you're complaining" thing. But I wonder if the same people are writing Kobe, Tiger, or A-rod? Actually they probably are writing A-rod! Ha, ha.
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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.
More ASK TAYLOR: SoCal's ASP World Tour veteran answers your questions Blog Entries
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| Mick and Parko enjoy some downtime with some little ones during last year's North Shore season. Photos: Sean Collins + ASP/CI/Kirstin |
Taylor: Well, when it comes down to who's going to win the title, I feel like there's a couple of factors to weigh in -- Joel really came out of the gates strong and seemed to be running away with it especially in the media's eyes -- and they spread the word, which was not the case when something like that happens and you have so much tour left. It's easy to jump on the bandwagon. Right now, I think Mick is on top of his game and has already won so he knows what it feels like to close this thing out. Right there is an advantage mentally going into Pipe with the whole world watching. Another point is he isn't nursing an injury like Joel is; but with that being said, Joel should get a pat on the back for hanging tough throughout this and being right there. Wildcards could play a huge roll in this as well and weather or not it's more rights or lefts. i think it's good for Joel that this is a barrel riding contest which should be easier on his ankle and we already know he's great in the barrel especially frontside. Even with that being said I'm giving the advantage to Mick.
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| Parko won last year's Vans Triple Crown; Fanning took last year's most-barrelled-at-OTW crown. Photos: ASP/CI/Kirstin + Tyler Cuddy |
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What are your thoughts regarding bodysurfing? And do you agree that bodysurfers should have to take a back seat to boardsurfers just because of the added advantage of a flotation device? Do you think that a few breaks should be set aside to keep, bodysurfing -- the most soulful of surfing styles alive? Or should bodysurfing, the art-form, be crushed by the current commercial view of surfing as a board dominated sport?--Hugh
 |
| Mark Cunningham, in his element. Photo: Sean Collins |
Taylor: Bodysurfing is incredibly soulful, in my opinion. I have a good friend by the name of Mark Cunningham -- he's one of the best waterman I've ever come across. When he goes in the water, I like to sit on the beach and watch! I've had the honor of swimming out with him and it's like watching someone with a 10th degree black belt but in the ocean. As far as keeping certain spots just for bodysurfing that isn't and won't ever be up to me -- but I know there quite a few beaches that have black ball, so...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been surfing solidly for the last two years. I feel like my progress is going staggeringly slow. I work nights and need my rest in the daytime. Morning sessions are my joy. When I dream; I see myself making tight bottom turns and sharp front/back side snaps. In reality; LOL! I'm still struggling with dropping in on fast moving steep faces. Don't we all. I surf about 2-3 days a week. It's pretty hard on my body. Any recommendations on how to improve, Taylor?--Adam in IB
Taylor: Well, two years is a pretty good foundation, and 2 to 3 days isn't bad -- but if you feel like you need something to keep the muscles activated when you're not, then you might want to check out the video I just put out called surf exercises and you can find it on Surfline . The take-off is the most important part because it sets up your line for the whole wave and there's a lot you can do with just a Swiss Ball.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2010 ASP changes are scant at best. Professional surfing, like it or not, is here to stay. Given that, the ASP needs to provide true incentives inline with the industry's financial size. The money in the surf industry has adjacent effect (T-shirts were started by surfers in the early 60's, skateboarding, snowboarding...) and professional surfers deserve to tap into this. The ASP management needs professionals to pull it off. Not cronies from Oz. $4mm total purse is a joke and insult.--Stanchew
Taylor: Agree with you about the changes, but I guess we (the ASP) are paying for some bad decisions that were made in the past. Talk about having it bite you in the ass later! Maybe the companies can increase the prize money based on how their sales go up! That would be interesting to see if they would agree to that. I know how fortunate it is to be able to do what I do, and that's why I work hard at it. If you even hint at wanting some changes on this blog you get the whole "you're complaining" thing. But I wonder if the same people are writing Kobe, Tiger, or A-rod? Actually they probably are writing A-rod! Ha, ha.
++++++
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.
Comments: (31) Add Your Comment
johno 11/16/2009 06:53 PM
If Hawaii is tubing Parko has a better chance cause he da tube man. If it ain't tubing then Mick "Lightning Strikes Twice!" Fanning should have it, unless DeSouza really rips like he did the last time he won. I saw Mick, Taylor, Curren at da Beacon Restaurant, New Smyrna Beach, Fl dis year. Thank you for coming, hope to see you next year. Maybe there will be better surf, God willing. Pray for bigger, better, knarlier waves! Chow.
Max Barksdale 11/16/2009 12:38 PM
You got to like mick coming off a big win. He got suck much speed which allows him to get deeper then every one else.
joe blow 11/16/2009 05:26 AM
Taylor- if a boat was dropping you off on an island with a perfect right hander and all that was on a boat was your favorite board and your chick which would you choose? you can only choose 1........ oh yeah food and beer and shelter is provided :)
jonathan 11/16/2009 12:23 AM
Hey Taylor, what are your thoughts/advice about battling 'peaking/plateauing/or getting stuck in a rut' in surfing. Somedays i surf well (doing everything i think of doing) and other days, i can barely do a roundhouse =(. I tend to keep track of many of the outside variables: same amount of sleep, stretch 2 hours before surfing, stay well hydrated, eat the same foods, but there are days where I feel like such a Kook! Mahalo!
hi 11/15/2009 10:44 PM
hey taylor you da man that was mean mick and parko are as good as eachother so are you by far my favourite surfer
bob 11/15/2009 10:42 PM
sup bro that was sick as parko will win for sure we all know that because mick has had his world title so its parkos turn mick should sit out and sob
Charley 11/15/2009 05:37 PM
Just want to say, I got your workout video.
Looked like easy stuff at first but in reality those exercises are a bear!! I think I got one of the best workouts of my life. Not just the glamour mussles, but core strength. Great job on the tape
Luan 11/15/2009 04:48 PM
hey De Sousa and he is in search for the title too
Alex 11/15/2009 04:29 PM
I would like to see joel win the tour fanning's got 1 under his belt, and in my advice joel is arguable the biggest stand out as far as free surf sessions. Go JOEL!!!
Dec 11/15/2009 01:54 PM
Taylor, do you have much of an opinion on video surfers (not to be confused with soul surfers), basically guys like JOB who surf at a top level, but don't compete really regularly? It's easy for some local wild-cards on the North Shore to film great sections and win a heat against one of the top 44, but many are unable to take their show on the road. Do you think most of these "talented" guys could cut it on the tour schedule?
Cody Young 11/15/2009 01:16 PM
im hoping parko takes the lead in this last contest because he is one of my favorite surfers in the world, but i do very much like Mick Fanning.
joe 11/15/2009 12:05 PM
i surfed with you at oceanside a couple days ago and you absolutely rip!
rick 11/15/2009 09:56 AM
yes you should have something that if you see a masive swell caming in the forecast,,extend a few more days for th best for everybody..
Joe Blohanski 11/15/2009 09:28 AM
The title will go to whoever gets the killer wave. I don't have time for body surfing anymore, it was my intro to the ocean though and I never had waves half as good as that pic bodysurfing. The best way to improve is to get a whole day of rest before the contest/session. The trick is not being called a surf-bum. Contest pay, what a joke where the majority lose and your wondering if they're going to be fair with the winners. Sounds like that bankers getting a bonus during the 'recession' thang
ranger bob 11/15/2009 12:11 AM
View All Comments (31 comments)
Taylor don't think that Major League Baseball should have instant replay. I mean it is getting kinda of ridiculous with all the blown calls in the playoffs. I think that would benefit baseball so much more just as it has in the NFL.
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TAYLOR KNOX BIOGRAPHY
Taylor Knox has been on the ASP World Tour since 1993, longer than any other competitor. And despite the fact that he's only won one ASP event -- Rio Surf Pro in '96 -- he's always been seen as the surfer's surfer, a consummate professional and stylish power-broker. Click here to see Taylor's Surfing A-Z entry.
