Evan’s Going to Noosa!

S&A: How did you come across the opportunity to go to Noosa?

EM: After the run I had at Nationals this year, I have been itching to make an appearance on the international scene. When I started to plan my first trip off the mainland, many destinations were in mind. With the possibility of Hawaii, Puerto Rico or Costa Rica; I was really excited. My coach Ricky Judalena mentioned Australia as a possibility. With Noosa and other Australian pointbreaks on my bucket list; I knew that it would be not only an amazing experience, but I also believe the time spent surfing those points will really help my surfing.

S&A: How excited are you to longboard this classic right point with many of the world’s best? What does it mean to you to surf alongside those guys?

EM: SO EXCITED! When I picture a perfect wave in my head, it looks like 3- to 4-foot Noosa. I have watched so much footage of guys like C.J. Nelson and Harrison Roach surfing perfect rights at Noosa. The whole trip isn’t even going to feel real! It almost feels like like I am a peewee football player about to go play in the Super Bowl!

S&A: This is a huge international trip: all the way down under. Had you been out of the country to surf before?

EM: I have never left the country before. Until now, all of my surf trips have been up and down the East Coast and throughout Southern California.

S&A: You’ve been steady hustling with your fundraising website. How has that been going and have you been seeing solid support?

EM: Yes, I’ve been checking under every couch cushion to make this trip possible, hahaha! I’m so excited and thankful for the people who have supported me so far! It is definitely coming along. My entry forms are in and payed for. I’m hoping to be able book my plane tickets in the next week or two!

S&A: What about the trip outside of surfing are you most excited about? Will you pet a kangaroo while you’re down there, haha?!

EM: YES! I definitely will be petting a kangaroo!! I’m also really excited to pet koalas! The wildlife in Australia is truly amazing, except for the fact that everything in Australian can kill you! I also plan on bringing my shoes and chalk bag to explore some bouldering. We will see what adventures I find!

S&A: How stoked are you to leave winter behind in the Northern Hemisphere to head straight to the middle of the Aussie summer?

EM: Since I’m responding to these questions while wearing my long Johns and looking at snow out the window, I am very excited to shed all of this rubber and put on some baggies!