World Surf League aspirations begin now

NARRABEEN’s Cooper Chapman knows where he wants to be - and is using the recent success of good mate Davey Cathels as his guide.

Australian Open of Surfing Day 7, Manly Beach: Cooper Chapman.

NARRABEEN’s Cooper Chapman knows where he wants to be - and is using the recent success of good mate Davey Cathels as his guide.

The 21-year-old, who won his second round heat of the Australian Open of Surfing on Wednesday at Manly, is well aware plenty of hard work awaits if he is to eventually crack the elite World Surf League (WSL) tour.

“Davey has shown me the way forward,’’ the natural footer said.

“He stood out in the juniors a few years ago and then battled on the WQS tour, getting a heap of quality results all over the world.

“Eventually he got his reward, his path is the one I want to follow.”

Like Cathels, Chapman’s outrageous natural talent has never been called in question.

He just needs to find what works best.

“I am confident I am doing just that,’’ Chapman said.

“I am feeling fit and have done plenty of training recently on the Gold Coast at the Surfing Australia high performance unit.

“This year contest wise involves plenty of travel, so my focus is keeping myself in peak physical condition.”

Cooper Chapman competing previously in Portugal.

Chapman wasn’t wrong when it comes to getting his passport stamped.

After the AOS, his next contest isn’t until May, but come the end of 2016 he will have competed in America, Europe, Africa, Brazil and Hawaii.

“ Travelling the world and surfing has always been the dream,’’ he added.

“Hopefully this is my breakout year, I think it’s time I realise my potential.”

Meanwhile, local hopes Laura Enever, Holly Wawn and Sophia Bernard will all be in action on Thursday from 7.30 at Manly, with entry free for all spectators.