Fiji’s Tevita Gukilau is raring to go ahead of the World Surf League 2016 Fiji Pro.
The Namotu lifeguard won the local wildcard trials last month to gain a place in the competition that features the world’s top 36 surfers battle it out at Cloudbreak off Tavarua Island Resort.
With the Fiji Pro marking his first foray into the WSL Championship Tour, Gukilau says he was taken aback by the scale of the event.
“It was hard to really fathom everything until the opening ceremony, but seeing everyone arriving and having my dad here, it feels real, this is happening!”
The 31-year-old surfer has been working hard since winning the wildcard entry to ensure he’s surfing at his best for the competition.
“Training’s been really good, I’ve spent a lot of time out at Cloudbreak this year already and I’ve got some really good boards under my feet. Everything’s going to plan so hopefully I can get a few good waves in my heat.”
Being a local surfer, Gukilau knows the intricacies of the fearsome Cloudbreak wave that humbles even the most experienced surfer, but he insists it will take more than local knowledge to topple the likes of reigning world champion Adriano de Souza, who Gukilau will face in Round 1 today.
“You can never ever discount the calibre of surfer that these guys are.
“I’ve got the world champion in my heat and those world titles don’t come easy. I think I could have an edge if it’s really big and unruly out there but we’ll see.’
Above all, Gukilau hopes his endeavours will help grow the sport of surfing in Fiji.
“It’s huge to be able to represent Fiji. Now that the waves are open to the public I hope to help inspire the next generation of Fijian surfers.
“I’d like to see Fiji’s first fully professional surfer in one of these kids growing up now.
“We have the best sportspeople in the world and the best rugby team in the world so it’s only a matter of time before that translates to surfing.”
