Sonny - Down at the Surf in Bali

(08/06/2011)

Sonny - Down at the Surf in Bali - 08/06/2011

I meet Sonny the first time about a year ago, we sat watching the Gymnastic Girls at the Canggu Club. Sonny and I shared a great conversation, so when I saw his mom posting his video on facebook, I said: I want an interview with this incredible boy. So on a sunny Saturday I meet Sonny and his mom at the Canggu Club.

B4K: Sonny, how old are you? And when did you start surfing?

Sonny: I am 11 years old. My first time surfing was when I was 3 1/2 years old on a boggy board down at Double66 in Kuta and with 4 yeas I had had some lesions at a local surf school here in Bali.

B4K: 3 1/2 years, that's young. And than? Did you keep surfing all the way until now?

Sonny: I stopped for 2 years until I was 7 years old. Than I stared again up till today.

B4K: What made you stop and than restart after two years?

Sonny: My mom does not surf and was worried about me going surfing by myself. When I was 7 years she organized a German surfer to go surfing with me, but soon I was able to surf alone.

B4K: Well, Sonny. I saw your video and was quite blown away. I thought you been over 12 years or so. You got a very good technical on the board and you just seam to be one with the board and the waves. What is your plan for the future?

Sonny: My dream would be to become a professional surfer.

B4K: Have you got a sponsor yet?

Sonny: Not yet, but I like to have a sponsor.

B4K: So you have been doing competitions already?

Sonny: Yes, but I did not yet win any, but that's okay.

B4K: I am sure you will soon! Who is your favorite surfer?

Sonny: Taj Borrow, an Australian.

B4K: Sonny, to become so good, you need to surf a lot, so how many hours are you surfing?

Sonny: I go surfing every day for at least 2 hours. After I come home from school at about 4h, I go directly down to the beach.

B4K: All by yourself?

Sonny: No. I normally go down to Pantai Berawa. There is a group of local and Western surfers - Brawa Board Riders -, they keep an eye on me. Last year, they gave me a price for the "Best Improvement".

B4K: Wow, that sound pretty cool and how nice of the Brawa gang... What about the surfs? Which one you think is the best one you ever been to? Have you been to Uluwatu?

Sonny: Noosa Beach in Australia and here in Bali for sure Echo Beach. I been to Uluwata a few times. It's good.

B4K: What about your boards? Where you get them?

Sonny: I get them custom made here in Bali. Right now I get a new board from a guy called Luck Studer, it's the first board my mom actually buys me.

B4K: What do you mean with the first board your moms buys you? She did not buy them before?

Sonny: Not really. I had to work for them. Do little jobs, help her. But this one I am getting done without that I have to work for it.

B4K: I think this is great... We look forward to see you riding the waves on the new board. - Now I like to ask a bit more about Sonny personally. What school are you going here in Bali? Apart from surfing what are you doing.

Sonny: I am at Greenschool, there I play some football and sometimes I go skateboarding.

B4K: What is your big wish, when it comes to surfing?

Sonny: I really would be happy to surf and have no plastic rubbish in the waves, as well as really clean water. If the water is clean it makes such a difference to be in the surf.

B4K: One thing you would love to happen?

Sonny: I wished there would be more surfers in my age, there are only two and we live in different areas. There are also no girls out there, so really something that could improve.

B4K: Thanks so much Sonny to share your time with us. I hope next time we have you in our Bali for Kids.com news it will be when you win your first trophy, please keep us update!

So readers... Here is the video. To all the surf sponsors: Be fast, this boy is a talent and you might later regret not to have him on your list of surfers. You can contact Sonny via his e-mail or his facebook feature www.facebook.com. Sonny, Bali for Kids.com whishes you the best and we are quite excited about your future.