An ongoing series introducing Wavepool Surf Tour athletes.
Sunshine Coast surfer Cam McDougall is preparing for his first Wavepool Surf Tour season.
Where are you from, and what 's your age?
My name is Cam MacDougall. I'm 23 years old, and I'm from Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.
Are you amped for the Wavepool Surf Tour? There are opportunities for a wave pool world title.
Man, I'm frothing for the Wavepool Surf Tour. It's literally the future of surfing, and I can only imagine how insane the atmosphere is going to be. I picture Friday nights surfing under lights, competing with your mates and going wave for wave. Pool party!
There will be events in Australia in the future, but will you travel to other events?
Oh, 100%. I'll definitely need to start saving my money, but I'd love to travel the world, surf all the different wave pools and experience all the unique cultures along the way.
Who are your sponsors?
At the moment, I'm super thankful to ride for RVCA, Liive Sunglasses, FK Surf Gear, Freefall Fins and JS Surfboards. The best boards!
What tour do you compete on, and which club do you represent?
I still compete in the occasional Pro event overseas, but my main focus is YouTube and showing people how much fun surfing is. I love creating videos. I currently surf for WindanSea Boardriders here on the Sunshine Coast.
Where has surfing taken you?
So far, I've travelled to Russia and Indonesia a lot. Russia was one of the sickest places I've ever been. That's what excites me about the Wavepool Surf Tour. You'll be travelling to all these unique countries, and I reckon it would be one of the most fun experiences ever.
Where are you heading next?
Honestly, I'm open to anything. Just tell me when and where, and I'll be there. I'm excited and amped for it all.
What are the make, model and dimensions of your go-to shooter?
At the moment, I'm riding and loving the JS Golden Child Carbotune. It's insanely responsive and fast.
Would you ride different equipment in a wave pool?
I definitely think the Golden Child Carbotune would go mental in a wave pool. I reckon you want something that's light, super responsive, fast and quick through the transitions.
Wave pools are popping up around the world. How does that make you feel?
I'm so excited about what's coming with wave pools. I always dream about a Friday or Saturday night where, instead of going to the pub with your mates, you head to a wave pool and get barrelled at 9 pm. How much fun would that be? I also wonder if one day there'll be a Pipeline-style wave in a pool. Now that would be interesting.
Who are your favourite male and female surfers?
Gabriel Medina has been my hero since I was a really young grom. He's so gnarly in all conditions and such a competitive machine. On the women's side, I love Erin Brooks' surfing. It's so sick to see how hard she charges, sending huge punts and pulling into barrels.
You get two waves that count, with opportunities to replace them if you improve. What would be your approach to getting those two scores? Forehand or backhand? Airs or barrels?
That's a cool question. Right off the top of my head, I'd probably go with my forehand because of the variety. It just feels like I've got more control over what I'm doing. But then, watching good surfers in pools, the backside surfers were doing better. They could go way bigger with their turns and transition so much faster. It's one of those things where you've just got to make the call on the day.
Read More: Registered Athletes
Discover more surfers from around the world who have already joined the Wavepool Surf Tour. Registered Athletes
