Pro surfer Blake Thornton having a swell time on world beaches

A PROFESSIONAL surfer reveals his passion for fine wine and big waves, writes Chanel Parratt

POINT BREAK: Blake Thornton enjoys some down timewith his dogs

A PROFESSIONAL surfer reveals his passion for fine wine and big waves, writes Chanel Parratt

Chasing the endless summer is a full-time job for Mambo pro surfer Blake Thornton.

From the Drug Aware Pro in Margaret River kicking off next month to the shores of South Africa and even Scotland, take heed from Thornton’s “it’s summer somewhere in the world” approach and start planning your winter escape.

Favourite place to travel in Australia?

BT: I love Western Australia, especially Margaret River. Great waves, beautiful beaches and I’m a wine tragic too and the region has some of the best in the world.

Best surf break in Australia?

BT: There are so many but if I had to pick just one it would be Redsands on the South Coast of NSW. The waves are always so good.

How about overseas?

BT: I love Jeffreys Bay in South Africa. It’s a well-known spot but the wave is a natural footer’s dream.

Favourite competition?

BT: I love going to the Drug Aware Pro in Margaret River. It’s close to home and the waves are great. All of the Mambo crew go over for the surf comp as well so it’s awesome to hang out with everyone away from the work environment.

Blake Thornton Aus in his heat in the round of 48 at the Australian Open of Surfing in Manly

Do you have a routine to help calm any nerves before a competition?

BT: I have been competing for so long that I don’t get too nervous anymore. I just make sure I am confident in my strategy and with my board choice.

Has anything gone pear shaped while you’ve been travelling?

BT: I don’t really know where to start (laughs). One that has scarred me was the Iceland volcano erupting in 2010. I was in Scotland and needed to be in Brazil in two days. All the airports and flights were cancelled in the UK and it looked like I would miss the event I was due to compete in. My travel agent worked around the clock and found a miracle route. I had to drive from the tip of Scotland to the bottom of England, then catch a ferry during the night to France and then drive to Paris, which had opened its airport. I had just enough time to make all the connections. I then had to fly from Paris to Lisbon, to Brasilia then Sao Paulo, and finally Florianopolis. All of it on my own, worst experience for sure.

What’s the best destination you’ve been to for work?

BT: I would have to say Scotland. You wouldn’t normally associate Scotland with surfing but I have been there six times now and enjoyed it every time. It has a different kind of beauty, is rich in history and the people are amazing.

Big city hotel or B&B?

BT: B&B every time. I love the home-away-from-home feeling.

What has travel taught you?

BT: Patience and a greater appreciation for different cultures. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to see so many different places as part of my job.

Mambo pro surfer Blake Thornton appears at the 2014 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, April 2-13.

See aspworldtour.com

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