Sally Fitzgibbons changes her training approach in bid to win a world title
SALLY Fitzgibbons is swapping the surfboard for a skateboard and trampoline as she sets the foundation for a year she hopes will finally deliver her a maiden world crown.
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SALLY Fitzgibbons is swapping the surfboard for a skateboard and trampoline as she sets the foundation for a year she hopes will finally deliver her a maiden world crown.
Fitzgibbons, 27, is prepared to be “beaten up and bruised” as she trades the water for the air to find the edge she needs to soar to surfing’s top prize after four runner-up finishes.
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The No. 3 ranked surfer in the world, Fitzgibbons says she needs to arm herself with fresh moves and manoeuvres to stay ahead of the game.
The south coast surfer will practise on a trampoline and incorporate skateboarding into her regimen as she bolsters the arsenal of tricks she says she needs to achieve her world title dream — and a longer term goal of Olympic selection.
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“Last year was about the fundamentals: my lines and my positions in the water,” Fitzgibbons said.
“This year I am adding more manoeuvres and new tricks.”
Fitzgibbons is preparing for her first surfing event of the year at Newcastle this month.
“I will train a little bit on land, on a skateboard, trampoline and in the pool.
“Then I’ll take it out because the best way to do this is in the surf. You have to expect to get a bit beat up and bruised doing this and there is a lot of frustration. It can be humbling to try something new.”
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Fitzgibbons was in her best position ever to win the world title last year.
Leading the women’s world title race for most of the year, Fitzgibbons was overtaken by defending champion Tyler Wright and six-time world champion Steph Gilmore at the final event in Hawaii.
After the initial disappointment, Fitzgibbons says she has managed to turn the close call into motivation.
“Tyler catching up and then overtaking me is an experience I can learn from — am learning from. It will make me stronger,” she said.
Fitzgibbons will compete in just one event before the first tournament of the championship tour — the Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks next month.
“My training will be done on the south coast but I will do the Newy event (Grandstand Physio Pro at Surfest, Newcastle, from February 19).
“That will be my only lead-up event before Snapper.”
Fitzgibbons will line up at the Roxy Pro as the No. 3 seed behind two-time world champion Wright and Gilmore.
Wright is a two-time winner and Gilmore a five-time champion of the event.