The SURFER Magazine Interview: Fred Patacchia

Since he plans on being around for a while, Patacchia is in no huge hurry to get to the top. For now it's all about laying down a solid foundation

So what does your dad think of your partying?
He doesn’t mind as long as I keep it to a low roar. I brought him to the Gold Coast event and he got a taste of the whole tour. It’s not like we’re all angels. I almost wish there were more guys on tour like Hoyo [Matt Hoy]; up at 6 in the morning before you after a huge night out. I think back in the day when it was like rock ’n’ roll, just partying, drinking and having fun with girls all night, those guys lived. But the ’QS is still pretty crazy. When I was on the ’QS there’d be six of us in the same room. That means half the guys there lose before the weekend, and they’re all saying, “You going out? You going to this party?” So even if you’re still in the event, trying to be a good boy, you’re tossing and turning thinking about how much fun they’re having, and then they get home and you’re still awake.

So let’s talk about long-term goals. How badly do you want to go all the way to the top?
It’s my lifelong goal and I want it. I’m not going to go on some Armstrong diet and go pray with the monks, but I’m going to try my hardest to win it for myself and everybody who has supported me.

Now that you’re on the ’CT, do you harbor the same doubts about yourself?
I feel like I’m too immature right now. I’m pretty realistic. I don’t think I’m world-title material right now. I don’t think anybody that’s a rookie now or last year, or even the year before, is. It’s so hard to win right now. Kelly Slater brought surfing to such a high level, and he had it while everybody was at the ’90s level. And now that everybody is up at his level, it’s even harder to win than when he won. There’s not just one Kelly Slater, there’s Andy Irons, Mick Fanning and everyone. Then you get these rookies like Bobby and Shaun Cansdell taking guys out left and right. If I did win one now it would be pure luck. I don’t think my contest surfing is mature enough. But I’m not in a rush. I’m having a great time still going to these spots. I’m not planning on retiring or falling off the ’CT any time soon.