Catching up with Rip Curl Cup Winner Dan Emslie
The Rip Curl Cup, presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel and supported by Sea Harvest, was a Port Alfred Easter Festival anchor event.
The event was won by the affable Dan Emslie from East London.
We caught up with him once the dust had settled.
PAEF: How was your easter weekend in Port Alfred? You’re part of the furniture there.
DE: I had such a fun Easter weekend there in Port Alfred! I was staying with the Heuers, Malherbes and Greg Emslies family and we were just surfing lots, playing cards and having the best time throughout the weekend!!
What did the win do for you mentally? You have been recovering.
After a rough couple of months, the win was a major confidence builder and relief feeling. It was such a stacked field surfing against most of the QS guys, so this is one of my biggest wins.
Who were your top three surfers in the Cup?
Yoh, that’s a tough one! There were so many amazing surfers. My top 3 would have to be Tom Lindhorst; he’s amazing at Port Alfred! Also, Tide was on fire, and I loved how Brad Scott surfed even though he lost early.
Who did you spot in the grom divisions who might be up and coming?
In the grom division, Logan Tilsney was the absolute standout!! I’ve never really noticed him before but he had a really mature approach and style and I think he is gonna go far in surfing.
It must be lekker to bank R20k. Are you going to put it towards travel?
I was very stoked to hear the paycheck of R20,000. Haven’t had money like that in a SA contest in a long time. I plan to travel somewhere cool this year with that money, and I’m keen to go to Europe for some of their QS events.
It’s hard getting onto the Challenger Series; what is your plan for the immediate future?
Getting onto the Challenger is extremely difficult, especially in South Africa, with the level of our surfers and only 4 open slots. This year, having only 2 events counting made it tough. This year I was very bummed not to qualify. Still, with my 43rd ranking from last year, I should get into most events on an alternate basis, so I’m going to Australia in 2 weeks to hopefully get into the Sydney Challenger event.
presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel © Cally Taylor
What advice would you give to our grom surfers who want to go further with their surfing careers?
It’s pretty simple, but JUST HAVE FUN! When I was growing up, and even now, sometimes, I take things too seriously and don’t allow myself to have fun! This leads to getting burnt out and frustrated and not actually enjoying surfing. Having fun will help groms enjoy their surfing and automatically get better and have a successful career.
What music gets you amped before a heat?
I’m a big Christian, so I often listen to worship music before heats to connect with God and feel at peace and calm.
Do you have a pre-heat ritual?
My pre-heat rituals usually involve listening to my music, power posing and stretching, chatting with coach Greg and Dave, praying, and spending time with God.
Is there anything else you want to say about the Rip Curl events and the Port Alfred Easter Festival?
The Port Alfred Easter Festival was a huge success! I also participated in the Marina Swim, ?? which was really fun. I know there was also golf, tennis, live music, and bodyboarding throughout the weekend. It was an action-packed weekend, and I’ll definitely be back next year.
