HUMAN TOUCH: WQS STAR AUSTIN WARE CHECKS IN
Twenty-seven year old Austin Ware is happy. As he should be, Ware is sitting in 2nd place on the WQS ratings after finishing with a 9th at the 6-star prime Scotland event and a 2nd at the 6-star prime Durban event. But it's the Carne Asada burrito he's about to launch into that has his spirits up. Ware sees the big picture and this global view directs him to think one step at a time. Right now, consumption of the burrito is at hand. After seven years of grinding on the WQS a singular style of focus is the only view afforded this veteran.
If you never witnessed Ware's attack (on the waves not the burrito), imagine Simon Anderson meets Brad Gerlach. Powerful big turns combined with stiletto-like precision. His style and power are perfectly suited for WCT Dream Tour events. We caught up with Ware in California after his return from an editorial trip to Puerto Escondido where he reports scoring fun tubos. We thought it a good idea to present to you some light-hearted banter from Mr. Ware in what we here at SURFER Magazine call HUMAN TOUCH.
Would you walk down the road nude for a charity or a social cause?
AUSTIN WARE: Umm… yes, but it would have to be a charity that I was pretty passionate about because I don't think people want to see how hairy I am.
What surfer do you most admire?
AUSTIN WARE: Rob Machado for his overall casual approach to life. I really admire his surfing. He's a guy that every young North San Diego County surfer looks up too. He makes everything seem so easy.
What is your favorite TV show?
AUSTIN WARE: Probably a toss up between The Office and Family Guy. The Office had a shocker of a season because of the writers strike, so probably Family Guy.
Who is your favorite character on Family Guy?
AUSTIN WARE: Quagmire. The real perverted skinny loon.
Do you watch American Idol?
AUSTIN WARE: No not really into that show?
Do you have girlfriends in every land?
AUSTIN WARE:(Laughs) No. I have friends in every place I go though.
You mean... like girlfriends?
AUSTIN WARE:(laughter) Get outta here. There is a girl in France that I've been hangin' with.
Who on the WQS pulls in the most chicks?
AUSTIN WARE: The Gudauskas' do pretty well. Pat.
What's you favorite mainstream sport?
AUSTIN WARE: I don't know if I have one. I guess basketball.
Do you believe in God?
AUSTIN WARE: I don't.
How do you explain the universe?
AUSTIN WARE: I don't need to explain it. I believe I make my own choices in life and there is nothing controlling me other than myself. I don't need to explain it because it doesn't affect my life.
Can you spell desert?
AUSTIN WARE: D-E-S-E-R-T. Or is that dessert? There another e in there isn't there?
Do you jam Guitar Hero?
AUSTIN WARE: I've never played it.
How many world titles does Tom Curren have?
AUSTIN WARE: Three!
Are you going to qualify?
AUSTIN WARE: Yeah, I have good start and I'm looking forward to putting myself in a position to be on the dream tour.
Have you prepared yourself for life after competitive surfing?
AUSTIN WARE: I take online college classes while I'm traveling the world. This last semester I took a web-designing course. Stuff to just keep me up-to-date. I've taken Sociology, English, and Psychology...some other classes as well. So while I'm doing the 'QS I'm still educating myself. It's good to keep the brain working.
Do you ever partake in crossword puzzles?
AUSTIN WARE: No. But my mom is into Sudoko. I've done a few of those puzzles.
What about Stand Up Paddle surfing?
AUSTIN WARE: I kind of like it. It's a good workout. As long as they do their own thing…if they're not running people over it is fine. But I guess that's true of any surfer. Beginners should be off to themselves though.
When was the last time you hung ten?
AUSTIN WARE: Hmmmm… I don't know if I've ever hung ten. Last time I longboarded was last summer, but I didn't hang ten. I'm too scared (laughs).
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READER COMMENTS
Mon Jun 2, 2008, 5:21 PM
Who is this guy??? doesn't believe in god? "there is nothing controlling me other than myself" this guy is crazy and destined for trouble
Mon Jun 2, 2008, 7:45 PM
Austin rips!
Tue Jun 3, 2008, 1:44 AM
ya its sick to se s d surfers on top of the qs rankings and geting some exposere but nobody gives a dam about the lame universe question... nobody cares!!
Tue Jun 3, 2008, 2:06 AM
Austin rips!! I hope he makes the CT.
Tue Jun 3, 2008, 4:09 PM
Who is this guy??? He's my hero! ha Im startin a huge Austinware fan club! GO Austin!!! anyone whos met him, knows hes a great guy. Very nice and very humble! obviously rips and deserves some credit! So what about these dumb questions, to each his own! Austins repres. our country and we're stoked for him. Kick arse Austin!!!
Tue Jun 3, 2008, 6:36 PM
Jason your a dumbfuck for saying hes destined for trouble, you my friend will go to hell
Tue Jun 3, 2008, 7:04 PM
WELL WHO DO YOU THINK MADE J-BAY AND LOWERS? IT WASN'T JUST A BIG BANG. IF THERE IS A DESIGN, THERE MUST BE A DESIGNER! THINK WITH THE BIG, NOT THE LITTLE ONE! GOD LOVES YOU NO MATTER IF YOU ACKNOWLEDGE HIM OR NOT! WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!
Tue Jun 3, 2008, 7:36 PM
If there is a design that is because you want to see a design. Respect other people choices the way they respect yours.
Tue Jun 3, 2008, 10:44 PM
JASON, "who is this guy"? WHO ARE YOU to judge someone based on his theistic or atheistic beliefs? If you're insecure enough to need to believe in something or someone larger than yourself and the natural world around you, that's one thing. But to put down others if they hold different views than your own shows significant immaturity, narrow-mindedness, and self-doubt. Wow, I love the irony of Christians and other western religious folk who pride themselves on acceptance... then they go right ahead and condemn anyone who doesn't believe in their specific god. I look forward to reading "Away With All Gods!" by Bob Avakian. I think you, Jason, should also read this book. Expose your brain to the global and omnipresent disasters brought on by religious followers, many much like yourself. DANO, although I disagree with your belief of some 'designer' other than the natural laws of chemistry and physics,I applaud your acceptance of 'non-believers', such as myself
Wed Jun 4, 2008, 12:50 PM
So Tom Curren and the Hobgoods are insecure and narrow minded for believing in God? Austin may have made a dumb statement but at least he's not pretending to have proof there's no God. And he's not attacking believers like most atheists do: See above.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 9:03 AM
Hey Guys. Really passionate debate thats come from such a small article about a surfer's beliefs.Weird.But to Jason "OPEN YOUR EYES":I dont want to condemn you mate, cause frankly you're beliefs are your own and everyone is entitled to theirs,but you neglected to mention the many "global disasters" bought on by non religious people; Pol Pot, Mugabe, Hitler, Stalin,not to mention the endless ancient kings who slayed millions. Oh yeah plus every one of us who lets someone starve to death cause of our greed. But lets forget about all of that and just point the finger at religion. Easier that way. Instead of throwing stones at christians or athiests, trying to prove which one is more righteous, how bout we all (myself included)focus on our own lives first. Time's too short to attack each other. Just a thought....
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 4:42 PM
You guys are all bumming out. Kooks.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 8:25 PM
I've known Austin since we were in High School... and let me put it this way, his shit used to stink, doesn't any more. When we first meet he was a HACKER(del mar hacker)...a hacker but still a bro, not a dick...we would hang all the time doing lots of things outside of surfing. Fast forward 8 years and the guy dogs you when you congratulate him on doing well this year (first time this happened i though he didn't recognize me, second time - not a mistake). Also, the irony makes me laugh, thinking that somebody who's talented, lives such a privileged life, and has never had to 'work' a day in his life doesn't believe in god. Austin, you should thank god that your shitty attitude hasn't affected your surfing career and looks don't have much to do with being a pro surfer....oooooouuuuuuuuuuuu There are a HEAP of good surfers coming out of SD...lets not get too excited for this half-turn-contest-douche Sorry I had to
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 10:06 PM
haha keep fighting, it's funny. You are all wise in your own eyes.
Wed Jun11, 2008, 11:49 PM
Dont hate on Austin cause u suck at surfing and he kills it
Fri Jul25, 2008, 4:44 PM
dear ol'classmate, let me put it this way, i get the feeling austin doesn't want to be your "bro" because you're obviously a two-faced bitch. if you had dedicated your life to something and some guyo from high school wanted to kiss you for it, i'm sure you'd be weirded out too. if you're so down with god and think he's responsible for austin’s success, try praying, but your never going to surf like austin. I promise your god will be more proud of you if you learn a little respect for common humanity and respect others’ rights to be left alone from kooks like yourself. if you seek recognition from someone who’s more like you, try ted haggard. i’m sure he’ll swallow your bullshit. if your god can't help you become a better person, you should try helping yourself, or just get the fuck out
Fri Apr24, 2009, 8:59 PM
Austin - Killer Surfer, Killer guy, or we would not care about his views. Austin, looks like you made it. Live the dream brother!