An ongoing series introducing Wavepool Surf Tour athletes.
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Originally from Jeffreys Bay and now based in Newquay, Cornwall, Warren Tuck brings decades of surfing experience, international competition and a deep appreciation for the role surfing has played throughout his life.
What is your name and age?
Warren Tuck, 47.
Where are you from, and how long have you been surfing?
I grew up in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, and now live in Newquay, Cornwall. I've been surfing for 34 years.
What is your local break?
At the moment, Little Fistral.
Which wave pools have you surfed?
Lost Shore in Edinburgh and The Wave in Bristol.
Which is your favourite wave pool?
Lost Shore.
Are you excited about the Wavepool Surf Tour? There are opportunities to win a Wavepool World Title in your division.
Yes, of course! It's a whole new concept and may be a glimpse into the future. It's amazing that there are age divisions that cater for us older crew.
There will be events around the world. Will you travel to compete internationally?
Yes, quite possibly.
Who are your sponsors?
Sutsu Clothing, NS Surfboards and RYD Accessories.
Do you currently compete in surfing competitions? If so, at what level?
I haven't competed professionally for many years, but I still compete in local boardriders events.
Where has surfing taken you?
Where do I start? I surfed competitively as a junior and represented South Africa at the World Junior Championships. After that I surfed professionally until my early twenties.
Surfing has taken me all over the world and shown me so much. I owe it everything.
I battled with addiction and turned my back on surfing for a period of time, but surfing has been paramount in my recovery. Since getting clean almost three years ago, surfing has been fundamental in keeping my life on an even keel. It has given me some of the best and oldest friends I have.
What are your future travel plans? Where are you heading next?
Hopefully heading back to South Africa soon to surf and spend time with family.
What are the make, model and dimensions of your favourite board?
I ride 5'8" and 5'9" boards, with my step-ups at 5'10".
Would you ride different equipment in a wave pool than you would in the ocean?
I ride a slightly wider board with a wider squash tail in the pools, but it's not too different from what I'd use in the ocean.
Wave pools are opening in more countries every year. How does that make you feel?
It's exciting. They definitely have a place in our sport, and I think that place is only going to get bigger. The technology is improving very quickly.
Who are your favourite male and female surfers?
All the old rock stars like Matt Archbold and Andy Irons. The spontaneous ones. These days, there are so many incredible surfers, but Ethan Ewing, Jack Robinson, and Yago Dora are the first names that come to mind.
The Wavepool Surf Tour counts your two best waves, with opportunities to replace them if you improve. What would your strategy be? Would you back your forehand or backhand? Airs or barrels?
My forehand has always been my strongest. Whether I'd go for airs or barrels would depend entirely on which wave pool I was surfing.
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