Occ’s got a lot to say, as if you don’t want to read his full Indo interview

Seems like you’re busier now you’ve retired?
Well yeah, I think that was the plan, to try and keep me out of shock mode after retiring. It’s been good though, I’ve hardly even thought about having retired and I’ve got a lot going on. I’m doing stuff with Fuel TV, went in a couple of events last year as wildcards, some other promotional stuff. Last year was really busy, and I’m hoping this year won’t be as bad.

Still surfing a lot?
Surfing whenever I can. I’m extra busy with my two boys, Jay, six, and Jonah, two and a half. Jonah gets up early so if I want to get a surf in I have to get up really early to beat him, and I try to do that everyday.

Jay’s surfing now.
Jay is. He just won the Under 7s at the Snapper Boardriders, so he’s had two event wins this year! He’s only six, I still push him onto the waves, but he’s just starting to paddle into his own waves. He’s a little natural footer and he rips, haha.

Is Dad happy he’s a natural?
Well, not exactly, but growing up on the points of the Gold Coast hopefully he can dominate!

How are you enjoying being a TV host?
I really enjoy it. I love being in front of the camera, I always have, but your own worst critic. When I watch something I’ve hosted I sink into the couch cos I’m not the best at remembering lines. I’m getting better, and I guess people find I’m funny, so I don’t mind at all. There’s got to be a reason why people want me on TV so it’s great. I’ve been getting good feedback. Adam (Howarth) who runs Fuel is great and gives me lots of feedback. My mates might tell me I suck but I don’t care, you’ve just got to force feed them.

Is there a future in it for you?
I think so. I’m looking to get my own show which would be great. I think the hosting should be left to the smoking hotties, I’d prefer to see them do the hosting, whereas on my show I could just do some interviews with some of my mates and idols. Musicians, footy players, people who surf, and find out why they do and what they love about it. There’s been talk of doing it, and I’d love that.

You’ve been with Billabong for years, and they’ve built their brand alongside you, and almost in parallel with your career. What’s your contract like? Do you have one, or will you be with them for life?
I have a contract, they signed me on a ten year contract which was amazing and gave me a lot of security. But, time does fly and that was about seven years ago now. Hopefully though, they’ll resign me. I’ve been with them since I was 15, I’ve never been with another sponsor so I can’t see why it wouldn’t keep going. I feel like such a piece of the company, like a piece of the furniture.

So your management won’t be initiating any Jordy Smith style negotiations?
Nah, there’ll be no bartering.

You talk a lot of good energy, and maintaining a good vibe. Is that something you need to give out to get back?
Yeah I’ve got a lot of good friends, and coming to a place like this you need to keep things upbeat to try and keep that great rapport with people going. I don’t like being around negativity so I always try to look on the bright side of things and try to be funny or stupid. I like fun and an upbeat environment, and others feed off that.

Pretty special with the groms out at Lakey Pipe the other day?
Oh yeah. That was my first surf here, Mick and I paddled out and there were only two groms out and I was stoked. I love surfing with groms, cos I’ve got my own, and to see the look on the kids faces was pretty special.  They were charging, and the looks on their faces to be surfing with me and Mick, and also the cameras were awesome. I couldn’t understand what they were saying to each other in Indonesian but you could tell they were pumped and it really set the vibe for the trip.

How is the place?
All time. I’d love to come back. I’d always heard about it, but the reality is better than the picture in my mind. The camp and the set-up is just amazing.

Do you get nervous on a photo/film trip anymore?
Nah. I shouldn’t say it, cos I’m getting on a bit now, but I don’t feel like I have anything left to prove. It’s just fun for me. If I can get a shot or a clip that’s great, but I’ve had my fair share of covers and the like over the years, I’m more excited about being here with Mick, Bede, Ozzie and Steph.

Bit of a World Champs club huh?
Yeah. They’re in between Snapper and Bells so this trip’ll be good to take their minds off the events, and hopefully  they’ll get some stoke out of surfing with the group this week. If I can do something to encourage them, or offer some advice that helps, well that’s all good too.

Do you guys have a secret handshake?
No we don’t, just a little wink and a look. You all know. It’s something you treasure forever and I’m surre they do to.

Can Bede join the club?
Yeah. I’ve said it before, he’s had two really good years and he’s not going to go away. The was he’s surfing here, and in general, he’s mixing up his repertoire. There are half a dozen guys you can win a title and Bede is one of them.

You seem to get on well with Ozzie?
I’ve done a Drive Thru trip with Ozzie before, he’s great. I love the way he surfs and he’s really creatively I love that. Me and Ozzie could sit down and have a few beers and laugh for hours. We’re really different, but opposites attract and I love that.

And how’s the rest of your life?
Pretty perfect. I surf, I’m busy with Fuel and other projects, and then there’s bringing up the kids. I’m really happy with life in generally y’know.