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Written by Ben Kennings
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Tuesday, 02 August 2011 |
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| Jay Quinn - Image ASP / Aquashot |
Jay Quinn faces off against Kelly Slater at the Nike US Open at Huntington Beach this week. It will be another big match up for New Zealandsurfing where Quinn will get the chance to replicate the feats of Billy Stairmand who defeated Slater earlier in the year.
We caught up with Quinn during a two week break to have a chat about the first seven months of the tour this year and what lies ahead. Here is what he had to say.
SNZ: After a substantial stint
competing overseas with good results toward the end do you wish you kept the
roll going or was it time for a break?
JQ: It was definitely time for a
break. We had a pretty long month-leg followed by another 12 day trip. So it is
good to refresh before this two-month leg.
SNZ: Your ranking of 54th…is it the
highest you have ever sat?
JQ: It is the highest I have sat.
But, it will not be the highest.
SNZ: Do you feel like you could be
higher up the rankings or are you hitting your targets for the year?
JQ: I feel like I could be much
higher. I have had a couple of missed opportunities there this year. But you
take those and just move forward the best you can.
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| Jay Quinn - Image ASP / Aquashot |
SNZ: What do you do over two weeks
at home – rest and re-gather or go hard at it training?
JQ: Well, I rested the first week, went
back to NZ for a few days. For the last week I have been back at it, working on
heat drills and fitness.
SNZ: Given the qualifying season is
pretty much a 12 month deal what do you do to peak for key events or legs?
JQ: Well, you always want results in
the Prime events. They are the key to qualifying. Unless you win every 6 Star
you aren't really getting good points towards qualifying.
SNZ: The Nike US Open at Huntington is the first
of a string of major events. How important is it to get off to a good start in
the USA before heading to Europe and how hard is that with most of the top 34
there as well?
JQ: Considering the US Open is a
Prime event it becomes rather important to get off to a good start. This would
have to be one of the hardest events of the year. The prize money available for
the win is too much to ignore for all the top guys. There are then a few 6 and
5 star events and then ending with another Prime in the Azores.
SNZ: The Suitcase Surfers hit their
straps in Europe last year starting with your second placing in England. Are you
guys sticking to the same plan or do you have some tricks to unleash on your
fellow competitors this time around?
JQ: I actually feel a lot better now
than I did 12 months ago. Just in every facet of my life. So hopefully that is
a good sign for what is to come.
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| Jay in Scotland - Image ASP / Aquashot |
Jay in Portugal - Image ASP / Aquashot |
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