Interview With Professional Surfer Cheyne Willis

Cheyne Boy Willis Professional Surfer

Cheyne Boy Willis is a 24 year old professional surfer who hails from the North Shore of Oahu. Cheyne Boy lives and breathes for surfing. He can usually be found surfing the dangerously shallow waves of Pipeline. We caught up with Cheyne Boy on the tele early one morning.

W.B.:
Good morning Cheyne, did I wake you.

C.W.:
No, I’ve been up since early checking the waves.

W.B.:
How are things going?

C.W.:
Very well, every thing is fine here in paradise.

W.B.:
You grew up on the North Shore of Oahu how have things changed over the years?

C.W.:
More people, more development but the waves are still the same—always good.

W.B.:
What are your personal surfing goals for this winter?

C.W.:
To get out there and get the best waves possible, take off further back than everybody else. Hopefully get some of the better waves.

W.B.:
Where do you plan on surfing this winter? What spots are you going to concentrate on?

C.W.:
I would say probably my favorite spots, which are Pipeline, V land and Rocky point. Maybe if I am lucky some Waimea bay.

W.B.;
How have the waves been so far on the North Shore this winter?

C.W.:
We have had a couple of swells so far but nothing giant yet. Pipeline got up to ten feet. There have been some really good waves just not as big as I would expect but we still have a lot of time yeah.
W.B.
How big of waves do you plan on surfing this winter?

C.W
As big as it gets as long as it’s rideable!

W.B.
Are you doing any special training to prepare for surfing big waves?

C.W.
Ah just some paddling, a lot of paddling and mental training, getting my mind right, making sure I am mentally ready for the challenge. I am physically pretty ready all ready so I do not have to do much just go surfing all the time. I train in small waves, what ever is out there, and then when the bigger waves come I’m ready.

M.W.
You mentioned mental training, what type of mental training are you doing for surfing big waves?

C.W.
I’m focusing on what I am doing, watching a lot of surfing movies. I do not go out much and I pretty much go to sleep early. I think about surfing constantly.

W.B.
What is a typical day like for Cheyne Boy Willis?

C.W.
Wake up early get a smoothie from Wailua bakery and then check the waves. See where the best waves are breaking, choose a spot and then spend the rest of the morning surfing. And then I come in for lunch to fuel up for afternoon surf. Basically I am at the beach all day long. When night comes I am usually so tired from surfing all day I just stay home.

W.B.
Can you tell us who you think will be some of the stand out surfers this year at Pipeline?

C.W.:
Maybe Jason Frederico and Kalani Chapman, that’s who I think, will stand out. They are young, talented and up and coming.

W.B.
Pipeline is all about tube riding; do you have any tips for staying in the tube and making the waves?

C.W.
If you are a goofy foot it’s a lot easier for you. If you are a regular foot you’ve got to grab your rail, keep your head straight and don’t jump off your board. If your going right at Pipeline it should be pretty easy for a regular foot guy. Focus, know you are going to make it and keep your head straight in the direction you are going.

W.B.
You mentioned Pipeline and Waimea bay, any plans to surf Sunset beach?

C.W.
If the waves are good I will definitely be out there. It just has to be really good because the other spots are just so amazing. I will probably be surfing pipeline more.

W.B.
Any tips for mainland surfers coming over for the first time or surfing spots you could recommend that might make the transition of surfing island waves easier?

C.W.
Haleiwa Beach Park is pretty good or maybe Chuns reef would also be a good spot to acclimate to North Shore waves. They need to have confidence in themselves and their surfing abilities. Show as much respect as possible to local people. Mostly give respect to the people and other surfers. Wait your turn for waves and the waves will come.

W.B.
Do you have any last words for the readers or aspiring surfers?

C.W.
Yeah, what ever it is in life you want to do, do it! Never ever let someone tell you, you can not or will not even if it’s the hardest thing you have ever done. Stick with it and if you really, really believe you will achieve, you will be glad you did! Aloha.