Interview with Sally Fitzgibbons

Focus, talent, skill, passion, and commitment are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking about this professional surfer. Her win at Bells Beach started a domination to earn her the #2 spot on the 2011 ASP World Tour, obviously securing her place for 2012 and becoming a threat to anyone who surfs against her. Yep, it's Sally Fitzgibbons. 

I had the privilege of interviewing Sally about her win at Bells and more, and here's what she had to say-

When did you start surfing?
Sally: Super early, being the youngest in the family I was always wanting to do things ahead of my time. Living near the beach we spent most of our childhood at the beach. I guess surfing was part of my everyday activities. By the time I was five I was kind of surfing and I did my first contest when I was eleven, the Rust Gromfest at Lennox Head. I liked it so much, I haven't stopped!

When and what made you decide to surf for a living?
Sally: I was running competitively and surfing competitively up until I was 16 and events were starting to clash. I remember I had just won gold medals in the 800m and 1500m at the Youth Olympics and was trying to qualify for the World Athletics Championships. At the same time my surfing sponsors were wanting me to do as many Pro Junior contests as I could, which I was really enjoying. Looking into the future, I started to imagine travelling the world, going to exotic islands doing surf events and all of a sudden I stopped running and kept surfing. So I guess surfing picked itself.

You made a cameo in Blue Crush 2, what was that experience like?

Sally: That was loads of fun doing the movie cameo. It wasn't a big part, but I got a chance to see how the movies are shot and we were on location in South Africa when the soccer World Cup was on. I actually had laryngitis so about six months later, when they were finalizing the movie, I had to go back to the studio and do voice part again.

When you won at Bells Beach, it was a very emotional moment. What was going through your head?
Sally: That was such an amazing experience, I still get goose bumps thinking about it. For that to be my first win on home soil, great waves, lots of family and friends, and it was also the 50th anniversary so lots of the past winners were there. I was on such a an emotional high and surfed like five heats in the cold that day. When I was chaired up the steps by my two coaches, I couldn't believe how many people were there cheering. I remember not even having the strength left to lift the mighty Bell, I really was exhausted.

One thing that I've noticed about you is that you are a very focused competitor, and very consistent with your surfing. How do you stay so focused and consistent amidst everything else that goes on? 

Sally: Staying focused is easy for me, but some like to play music and talk a lot, like a nervous energy. I think it helps that I did some distance running when I was young, as you had to train hard and be really focused if you wanted to have any chance. Some quiet time before my heat allows me to gather my thoughts.

Where's your favorite surf spot and why?

Sally: I travel the world now and there are lots of great places to surf like Mexico, Mentawais, Maldives and France, but I really like surfing at home. The waves aren't as good, but it just feels right.

 
Who/what inspires you, not just in your surfing career, but your life in general?
Sally: I am in touch with a lot of inspirational people these days and love watching elite athletes like Roger Federer compete. I think in general I can get excited by people doing anything that they are passionate about.

Any particular music you like to listen to before you go out for a session?
Sally: Not really, I actually like a bit of quiet time and just listening to the ocean.

Dream location for a competition?
Sally: That's an easy one, the Maldives or Micronesia. There are great waves and the weather is warm.

   
Is there anything people don't know about you, but you'd like them to?
Sally: I don't know if I want them to know about it but I do like to play chess! I fly a lot and there are not that many great movies to watch (maybe a few) so playing a game of chess against the computer makes the time pass pretty quickly.

Any thoughts/advice for the lady surfers out there?

Sally: Just give it a try and have fun with it. Surf with a friend, as it is always lots of fun when you see each other catch a good wave, not to mention it is an amazing workout.

Special thanks to Sally Fitzgibbons for doing this interview and to her manager Martin for making it possible!!!