The Global Paddling Community

A short interview with local paddler Luke Hopkins.

This interview was originally produced for the Portuguese web site 'kayaksurf.net' and is published exclusively on Playak in english to make it available to a wider audience. The portuguese version of the interview, with larger versions of some of the photos, is available here.

Name: Luke Hopkins
Age: 26
Kayaking experience: 10 years
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Competition record:
 2003 Worlds Silver Medal Freestyle C-1
 2002 Worlds Silver Medal Freestyle C-1
 2001 Worlds Bronze Medal Freestyle C-1
 Member of the US Freestyle Kayak Team
 Member of the US Freestyle C-1 Team

When did you first try kayak surfing?
I surf kayaked for the first time in Santa Cruz about 8 years ago.

Is river experience essential for a kayak surfer?
It is not essential but river skills will give surf paddlers a little insight in balancing in currents and recovering from beatdown quickly and gracefully.

What is your favorite surf kayak?
I haven't surfed in that many surf boats, but I paddled the Wave Sport Flyer in some big ocean waves and at Skook. The boat is a super fun high performance design. I would like to surf some really big waves with a Flyer and get towed in for the perfect set up.

What do you think about the evolution of our sport?
I think the evolution of surf kayaks has been slower than expected. I would like to see bi-directional surf boats.

Did you ever participate in kayak surf competitions?
I competed years ago in Santa Cruz but haven't competed since. My goal for surf kayaking is to surf my dream waves and not necessarily to compete.

Which was the best spot that you surfed in a kayak around the world?
I was at Santa Cruz on a really big surf day and it was super fun.

Your scariest moment in the sea?
My biggest scare was in Santa Cruz when I crashed into the cliffs in a Z in some big surf. Luckily I was not injured and before the next wave I got out of there.

Where do you usually surf?
I usually surf in Hatteras, North Carolina.

Have you already paddled in Portugal?
I haven't paddled in Portugal but I image the surf there is great.

Have you got a strict training plan?
I paddle a lot, then I snowboard, then kite board, then repeat…

How would you describe the perfect wave?
Big, smooth, and not a shore break. Pipeline… without the shallow factor.

Your favorite moves?
Down stream: macho move. In a hole: air loop. On a wave: air screw.

You became famous by making a double airscrew from a ramp at the Lyon River Festival (Hawaii-sur-rhone, in France ). Nobody did this before! How did you invent such a thing? Do you feel afraid when you do that move?
I just did it. A lot of freestyle moves are all about not holding back and just doing it. I wasn't afraid because I saw a lot of other paddlers completely face plant off the ramp.

And in the sea… what is your favorite move?
Doing a perfect bottom turn on a gigantic wave that I have been drooling at.

You manage two web sites – The Blurr and Local Paddler. What are the main differences between them?
The Blurr was my first and Local Paddler was my second. Honestly, I didn't know what I was doing when I made The Blurr… it was a learning experience that taught me some really good skills that I put to work on LocalPaddler.com. Local Paddler is more than just a website. It is a community that everyone that whitewater kayaks or surf kayaks can relate to.

Any thoughts about www.kayaksurf.net?
I love surf kayaking so looking at kayaksurf.net is like eye candy. I am really into the beautiful picture.

Some final words?
Kayak surfing is a sport that will stick with you, cherish your last surf and your next.

Interview by Luis Pedro Abreu, kayaksurf.net.
Photos courtesy of localpaddler.com and Gary Martin