Butch Aus 95
Born again Freestyler
- Location
- Cronulla AUSTRALIA
“Krash to Skyrocket Interview with Nick Barton”
So Nick now you have had time to get back into the swing of things since competing in the first two rounds of the IFWA in Portugal and France. Tell us about the trip and the first round in Portugal?
• When did you arrive in Portugal and who did you meet?
I arrived in Portugal on the Thursday before the event and after being vomited on by a drunk on the plane i was relieved to see Stuart at the Airport.
• I hear Miffy slept in and then you ended up in a Police Chase?
The rumours are true Miffy slept in by 6 hours and whilst we were driving through Lisbon trying to find him made an illegal left hand turn and were chased by an officer on foot blowing his whistle.
• Can you tell us about the Foot Rocket that John Church from Titan Poles prepared for you, engine specs etc.,
John built me a really good ski using an 865 x-scream engine, 48mm carbs, b-pipe, Msd, lightened flywheel, x-metal trim and obviously titan pole and steering system.
• What was the level of competition like?
The level of competition at those events is always going to be high plus everyone steps there riding up so in turn so do you.
• What was the surf conditions like?
The surf was pretty big when we first arrived with the occasional 8 footer but for most of the event it was a consistent 4-5 foot.
• What happened in the heat with Zack and the one with your now famous “ejection” and frog walk?
I hadn’t competed for a while and drew Zack in the quarters; Zacks a really great rider so I guess nerves got the better of me. Inside of just completing my run I thought I needed to go bigger than probably necessary trying a 720 in the first minute and getting seriously spat off then a big failed back flip to follow. I thought I’d composed myself after that and put enough back into my run but it perhaps wasn’t the smoothest I’d ever ridden and Zack went through.
• I hear you were pretty angry about not making it through the 4th round and were not going to enter the “Sickest Trick” which you went on to win?
Its true id dropped my lip a bit after that and was mainly mad at myself for stuffing up but Mick and Mitch were going in it and were telling me to just go and try something and I was afraid Miffy wouldn’t talk to me if I didn’t so I changed my mind and went out.
• What trick won the sickest trick?
I’d been working on a 720 at home for a while but always came up short with a 540 or one and three quarter rotations, so I thought what the hell have a crack I knew I’d need a solid wave and with 3 mins was a bit of an ask. 1 min into my run would you believe a solid 5 foot wave came through and I thought here’s my chance so I approached the wave as I usual do but this time I was at about three quarter throttle and opened it right up a couple of feet before the wave knowing that I needed to complete the 540 on the way up as on the way down the rotation is extremely slow, the rest is history it went round and round and down I came landing the right direction which is unusual for me!!
• How did the rest of the Krash Army perform?
I was really proud of Mick and Mitch at those events it’s pretty easy to be intimidated by the names your riding against plus different country different scoring system, but they definitely made a name for themselves with some innovative riding showing off new tricks plus we had some of the best support in the business with Miffy it was hard not to do well.
• In the week between the two rounds, I heard that some of the boys had a good time in San Sebastian and then got an escort to the French Border?
On the way to France some of the English and Brazilian competitors stopped in at San Sebastian (not mentioning names “Bruno”) for a ride after asking local authorities if it was ok to ride and getting the all clear launched their jetskis at one of the more popular beaches. Within 10 mins of riding they were surrounded by not only the Police but the Mayor and given 5 mins to collect their skis, belongings and a police escort to the French border where they were told never to come back, short but funny story!
• Things seemed to turn around in France what changes did you make in your approach to the competition?
I think the real turning point was the ride at Hossegor, I went and caught up with my friend Georgia who was competing in the Swatch women’s pro, just seeing how she and the other competitors approach competition helped so much. I also had the opportunity to do an in depth interview with her which enabled me to answer a lot of my own doubts and fears, which really helped to believe I could do “this”.
• What do you think the judges are looking for at the International Level?
Without a doubt they want to see smooth runs consisting of a lot of fluent surf riding and long rides to the shore line with high aerial manoeuvres and innovation.
• What was going through your mind when you were about to go out in the final against Pierre. Did you feel confident? I’ve heard Pierre was looking concerned?
No I don’t think he was overly concerned but having competed against me in other finals and him beating me at home in Australia I’m pretty sure he knew that I was going to try just about anything to beat him, there were neck braces being thrown back and forth, flip bars being bolted on and 1100cc engines getting warmed up, it was time to go big. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out to be the spectacle anticipated by my coaches (Mick, Mitch and Miffy) who were now on the beach with all the hand signals ready to go. Id decided before I entered the water unlike Portugal I was going to do a heap of surf riding early and all the combos I know I can stomp first, then with 2 mins to go, try some of the bigger tricks, Pierre on the other hand tried some of his bigger tricks early in the final which resulted in him losing his ski which got a gut full of water and 1 to 2 mins later getting on his other ski to finish his run.
• In all the photos of you on the podium you were still wearing your shorts, PFD rashy and Nike shoes, how come?
I was more nervous now at that point than when I when I was in the water and I knew I’d put together a smooth complete run but I also knew Pierre had no doubt thrown in some nice aerials and surf riding and whilst people were saying I’d done enough you never really know if the judges agree so instead I stayed in my gear and just paced back and forth in the pits and once I heard Pierre’s name first relief kicked in and it was time to celebrate.
• Are you different now that you have beaten the 6 times world champion and someone who I know you have always respected as a rider and a person?
I wouldn’t say I’ve changed I still have a massive respect for him he’s an unbelievable rider and great bloke, one thing that has changed changed is my approach to competition and the do’s and don’ts you need to follow in order to properly prepare yourself.
• And finally given that you have told me that you are going to compete in the final two rounds of the world championship how are you going to balance riding as much as possible and managing your business which I would imagine would be benefiting from your success in Europe.
Your dead right Butch since returning from Europe I have been somewhat pressured into bringing our expansions plans both here and in Thailand forward and anyone who has ever been in business realises that one of the toughest tasks you encounter in business is funding growth and like a number of other key players in the industry I have decided to investigate the option of taking in outside investment. While getting the extra funds required is certainly up there in importance, it’s become fairly clear to me if the business is going to realise its full potential and I am going to chase my world cup dream then I am going to need some extra help. These days, I spend more time on the phone and internet than I do riding or building hulls. Something is going to have to give and before it’s too late for me or the business I am determined to insure that the Krash hulls are up there with the best in the world and that I’ve at least given the world championship the best shot I can. So if there are people out there that are looking to invest either passively or actively then I want them to give me a call I’d love to talk to them, even though one of my immediate plans is to spend less time on the phone and more time riding and of course building hulls???
So Nick now you have had time to get back into the swing of things since competing in the first two rounds of the IFWA in Portugal and France. Tell us about the trip and the first round in Portugal?
• When did you arrive in Portugal and who did you meet?
I arrived in Portugal on the Thursday before the event and after being vomited on by a drunk on the plane i was relieved to see Stuart at the Airport.
• I hear Miffy slept in and then you ended up in a Police Chase?
The rumours are true Miffy slept in by 6 hours and whilst we were driving through Lisbon trying to find him made an illegal left hand turn and were chased by an officer on foot blowing his whistle.
• Can you tell us about the Foot Rocket that John Church from Titan Poles prepared for you, engine specs etc.,
John built me a really good ski using an 865 x-scream engine, 48mm carbs, b-pipe, Msd, lightened flywheel, x-metal trim and obviously titan pole and steering system.
• What was the level of competition like?
The level of competition at those events is always going to be high plus everyone steps there riding up so in turn so do you.
• What was the surf conditions like?
The surf was pretty big when we first arrived with the occasional 8 footer but for most of the event it was a consistent 4-5 foot.
• What happened in the heat with Zack and the one with your now famous “ejection” and frog walk?
I hadn’t competed for a while and drew Zack in the quarters; Zacks a really great rider so I guess nerves got the better of me. Inside of just completing my run I thought I needed to go bigger than probably necessary trying a 720 in the first minute and getting seriously spat off then a big failed back flip to follow. I thought I’d composed myself after that and put enough back into my run but it perhaps wasn’t the smoothest I’d ever ridden and Zack went through.
• I hear you were pretty angry about not making it through the 4th round and were not going to enter the “Sickest Trick” which you went on to win?
Its true id dropped my lip a bit after that and was mainly mad at myself for stuffing up but Mick and Mitch were going in it and were telling me to just go and try something and I was afraid Miffy wouldn’t talk to me if I didn’t so I changed my mind and went out.
• What trick won the sickest trick?
I’d been working on a 720 at home for a while but always came up short with a 540 or one and three quarter rotations, so I thought what the hell have a crack I knew I’d need a solid wave and with 3 mins was a bit of an ask. 1 min into my run would you believe a solid 5 foot wave came through and I thought here’s my chance so I approached the wave as I usual do but this time I was at about three quarter throttle and opened it right up a couple of feet before the wave knowing that I needed to complete the 540 on the way up as on the way down the rotation is extremely slow, the rest is history it went round and round and down I came landing the right direction which is unusual for me!!
• How did the rest of the Krash Army perform?
I was really proud of Mick and Mitch at those events it’s pretty easy to be intimidated by the names your riding against plus different country different scoring system, but they definitely made a name for themselves with some innovative riding showing off new tricks plus we had some of the best support in the business with Miffy it was hard not to do well.
• In the week between the two rounds, I heard that some of the boys had a good time in San Sebastian and then got an escort to the French Border?
On the way to France some of the English and Brazilian competitors stopped in at San Sebastian (not mentioning names “Bruno”) for a ride after asking local authorities if it was ok to ride and getting the all clear launched their jetskis at one of the more popular beaches. Within 10 mins of riding they were surrounded by not only the Police but the Mayor and given 5 mins to collect their skis, belongings and a police escort to the French border where they were told never to come back, short but funny story!
• Things seemed to turn around in France what changes did you make in your approach to the competition?
I think the real turning point was the ride at Hossegor, I went and caught up with my friend Georgia who was competing in the Swatch women’s pro, just seeing how she and the other competitors approach competition helped so much. I also had the opportunity to do an in depth interview with her which enabled me to answer a lot of my own doubts and fears, which really helped to believe I could do “this”.
• What do you think the judges are looking for at the International Level?
Without a doubt they want to see smooth runs consisting of a lot of fluent surf riding and long rides to the shore line with high aerial manoeuvres and innovation.
• What was going through your mind when you were about to go out in the final against Pierre. Did you feel confident? I’ve heard Pierre was looking concerned?
No I don’t think he was overly concerned but having competed against me in other finals and him beating me at home in Australia I’m pretty sure he knew that I was going to try just about anything to beat him, there were neck braces being thrown back and forth, flip bars being bolted on and 1100cc engines getting warmed up, it was time to go big. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out to be the spectacle anticipated by my coaches (Mick, Mitch and Miffy) who were now on the beach with all the hand signals ready to go. Id decided before I entered the water unlike Portugal I was going to do a heap of surf riding early and all the combos I know I can stomp first, then with 2 mins to go, try some of the bigger tricks, Pierre on the other hand tried some of his bigger tricks early in the final which resulted in him losing his ski which got a gut full of water and 1 to 2 mins later getting on his other ski to finish his run.
• In all the photos of you on the podium you were still wearing your shorts, PFD rashy and Nike shoes, how come?
I was more nervous now at that point than when I when I was in the water and I knew I’d put together a smooth complete run but I also knew Pierre had no doubt thrown in some nice aerials and surf riding and whilst people were saying I’d done enough you never really know if the judges agree so instead I stayed in my gear and just paced back and forth in the pits and once I heard Pierre’s name first relief kicked in and it was time to celebrate.
• Are you different now that you have beaten the 6 times world champion and someone who I know you have always respected as a rider and a person?
I wouldn’t say I’ve changed I still have a massive respect for him he’s an unbelievable rider and great bloke, one thing that has changed changed is my approach to competition and the do’s and don’ts you need to follow in order to properly prepare yourself.
• And finally given that you have told me that you are going to compete in the final two rounds of the world championship how are you going to balance riding as much as possible and managing your business which I would imagine would be benefiting from your success in Europe.
Your dead right Butch since returning from Europe I have been somewhat pressured into bringing our expansions plans both here and in Thailand forward and anyone who has ever been in business realises that one of the toughest tasks you encounter in business is funding growth and like a number of other key players in the industry I have decided to investigate the option of taking in outside investment. While getting the extra funds required is certainly up there in importance, it’s become fairly clear to me if the business is going to realise its full potential and I am going to chase my world cup dream then I am going to need some extra help. These days, I spend more time on the phone and internet than I do riding or building hulls. Something is going to have to give and before it’s too late for me or the business I am determined to insure that the Krash hulls are up there with the best in the world and that I’ve at least given the world championship the best shot I can. So if there are people out there that are looking to invest either passively or actively then I want them to give me a call I’d love to talk to them, even though one of my immediate plans is to spend less time on the phone and more time riding and of course building hulls???
