Oscar Berry will be one of three rookies on tour when he paddles out for his first heat at Bells Beach in a couple of weeks, however he’s the only one with no previous experience in a Championship Tour event (Luke Thompson and Kauli Vaast have both pulled on jerseys at CT events.)
Choosing your jersey number is an important rite of passage for CT graduates, it symbolizes your arrival in the top ranks and makes the whole ‘Dream Tour’ scenario seem suddenly real. Oscar has already made his decision about which digits to roll but has chosen to keep it a mystery until he paddles out to face Dane Henry in the new do or die opening round format at Bells. While pressure can quickly ramp up for Rookies, shortly after his place was confirmed at Newcastle, Berry told Tracks he’s happy to be kicking off his CT career at home.
Honestly, I don’t really know what to expect yet. It’s my first time doing it, so everything will be new and probably a little uncomfortable at times. But I feel lucky that the first three stops are all in Australia, which gives me a bit of familiarity. I’ll also have my friends and family around supporting me, and I think that will help a lot going into those events. Hopefully I can start the year well and build from there”.
Oscar’s surfing approach borrows more than a little from his evolved skateboarding act; he’s competed in high level skateboarding events and that experience should also help him perform in front of CT crowds.
“My biggest weapon is my variety. I think I’m well-rounded and can do well in most kinds of waves,” he states confidently. “Whatever is thrown at me, I feel like I can deal with it. I love doing airs, getting tubed and laying down big turns. I love it all.”
While the Championship Tour can be grueling and ruthless, Berry is determined to enjoy competing at the top level.
“Balancing the seriousness while still having a good time while doing it. Obviously when it’s time to compete you lock in for your heats and take it seriously, but outside of that it’s important to keep things light. You’ve got to soak it all in, because if you put too much pressure on yourself and make everything too serious, it can start to feel like a grind. So, for me it’s about keeping it fun and not taking things too seriously when you don’t have to”.
Oscar is sponsored by The Mad Hueys, a group of larrikin Australians who surf, fish and know how to have a good time. He’s also formed a core friendship group with the likes of fellow competitors Joel Vaughan, Dakoda Walters and more. It’s the sense of comradery which has served Oscar well so far.
That jovial nature was on full display when Oz was eliminated in the Round of 32 in Merewether. Despite finishing last in the heat, it was still enough to qualify for the CT and to celebrate he nailed a shoey on the shoreline with The Hueys and his mates, who were repping special ‘Oscar Berry’ tees made specifically for the moment.
Looking ahead to next month, starting the CT season at home is always a bonus for Australian athletes. Oscar is looking forward to sharing the experience with his tight-nit crew.
“It’s all about who you surround yourself with. I’ve got a bunch of really good friends and family around me and the way they celebrated with me when I qualified meant more than anything. It’s nice having dinner together, good banter with the lads and once the comp’s done maybe a few beers and just enjoying the moment”.
Berry will have a couple of weeks to adjust equipment and strategies until the CT begins at Bells, but he’s understandably eager to experience what happens beyond the Australian leg.
“I’m really excited for the El Salvador event because the waves look amazing. It actually looks really similar to the wave I grew up surfing at Angourie Point. And then, obviously, Fiji, Tahiti and Pipe – those are some of the best waves in the world. I grew up watching people surf those places, so the fact that I’ll get a chance to go there and hopefully get a few waves is pretty special. You never know, I might even get the wave of my life in a heat, which would be pretty sick”.
Every surfer has a list of rivals they’d love to share the lineup with. For Oscar Berry, that list falls into two categories.
“It would be cool to face Joel Vaughan, he’s one of my best friends, hopefully later in an event. But it’s also going to be insane to face former world champions. I’ll probably come in with a pretty low seed, so there’s a good chance I’ll be up against those guys early. I’m really excited for those opportunities. It’s going to be good fun”.
Oscar comes in as an underdog against pretty much anyone he faces on the CT, but that’s also where his opportunity lies. The Tour’s established stars should be on notice – the rookie is hungry for success after a solid Challenger Series campaign that saw him reach two semifinals and deservedly earn his spot on Tour after only his second full CS season.
