At 18-years-old Landen Smales already has a mantelpiece that’s heavy with victories. The surfer who resides on Gubbi Gubbi Country, Sunshine Coast in Queensland and is competent on various craft currently holds 13 Queensland State Surfing titles, 5 Australian Surfing Titles, 7 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles and a WSL Pro Junior win. Backed by the spirits of his ancestors, who he looks to for safety, Landen is hoping to wear the Aboriginal flag on his shoulder all the way to the top of professional surfing.
Landen, alongside his younger brother Kaiden and rising female surf star Meg Day, feature in the first episode of a new six-part documentary series titled ‘Dreaming Big’ which is set to premiere on Friday 5 September at 7.30pm (AEST) on NITV and SBS on demand. The show spotlights 13 First Nations Youth in sport, with part of it being centred on the trio’s performances at this year’s Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles, where Landen took out both the shortboard and longboard divisions.
Ahead of the show’s premiere, we caught up with Landen to learn more about the multi-talented regular footer.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you go into surfing both shortboards and longboards?
Dad was a surfer growing up and always wanted us to have a career in the sport so it all just started from there. I learnt to surf at a young age and started competing very young too. In terms of shortboard and longboard, being from Noosa the place just lends itself to all different types of boards. There’s so many different types of waves, you always see people logging on the points when it’s small, but then there’s still plenty of options for a shortboard. Growing up I just wanted to try everything.
Do you have a preference and how do you choose which board to take out with you?
I don’t have a preference. I’m chasing the shortboard stuff at the moment as I want to do the Pro Juniors and the full QS circuit next year so I’m finding myself on my shortboard more often than not. I usually decide on which to take out based on conditions or my energy levels. I’ll always take the shortboard out in good conditions, but If I’m tired and don’t want to paddle much I’ll take the log.
How does the feeling and sensations compare between the two?
I love drawing different lines on a longboard and I find it helps when I come back to my shortboard because it makes me feel so much looser with less weight under my feet.
You’ve won multiple titles in both disciplines; do you think you’ll continue to compete in both?
At the moment I’ve slowed down on the longboard comps a bit as I’m trying to chase a shortboard career. I’ve done one QS so far and a couple of Pro Juniors. I’m currently out injured but I’m hoping to do the whole circuit next year.
You and your brother seem close but also are constantly competing against each other. What’s your relationship like with Kaiden?
Me and my brother travel and surf together all the time. We’ve got a great rivalry and I always want to get one up on him but at the end of the day it’s all love.
You seem very in touch with your Indigenous heritage, how have you come to learn about that?
About three or four years ago I found out I was indigenous. My Dad’s always kind of known as it comes from his side and he’s slowly introduced to it. It’s played a huge part in my life with surfing and travelling to different places. It makes me feel a lot more connected with the places, people and culture wherever I go.
Is it important to you to express this?
I like to express it, not many people can. I want people to know about my heritage and I like telling people about it. I also love learning about it. I’m constantly finding out new things and learning different stories from elders.
Do you speak any of your language?
I only know a few words but I’d love to understand more.
How much has the Indigenous Titles played a part in your surfing career and upbringing?
Going to the Indigenous Titles and being around those types of people has had a massive impact. I learn so much from everyone about our heritage. It’s my favourite event. While it’s competitive, it’s more about getting everyone together. The vibe is super happy and easy. I’ll keep doing that contest every single year for as long as I can.
I saw a picture of you preparing for a heat with someone playing the didg’ in the background. Can you play it yourself?
Only a little bit, I’d love to be able to properly play it. That circular breathing is so difficult.
I’ve always been curious. Do you think the circular breathing you need to play the didg’ would help with breathing in the surf and dealing with things like a heavy hold down?
It would fully help in the surf so much.
Do you have any pre-heat rituals?
Yes, I always welcome myself to country before a heat. I’ll say a few words to myself and pick up the sand and put it behind my ears. It’s super important to me because I wanted to be looked after by the ocean and the spirits.
You wear the Indigenous flag with pride, are you hoping one day you can hoist it above your head on the CT?
That’s the plan. I’ll always rep the Indigenous flag and hopefully one day I’ll be on the CT wearing a jersey in my heat with the flag printed on my shoulders.
