Occy junior making his own mark on surfing

Jay Occhilupo, son of former surfing champion Mark, is determined to forge his own destiny in the sport.

Source: SBS

Jay Occhilupo cut a determined figure competing in the recent Australian junior titles, held at Cape Wollamai on Victoria's Phillip Island. Yet a reminder of his family name was inescapable.  

“It's great to see former World Champion Mark Occhilupo down here this morning watching his son Jay Occhilupo surf the Under 14 boys,” the competition announcer boomed through a crackly PA.

And watching on from a respectful distance was the 1990 World Champion. Mark, better known as 'Occy', said he’s there as a dad, not a coach – but it’s not easy.

“It's so hard just watching his heats - I get more nervous  than when I used to surf myself, it's just really hard,” he said.

Jay Occhilupo. Source: SBS

At 13, Jay is happy with the arms-length arrangement.

“It's good for him to like give me a couple tips, but at the same time like not be my coach - like be my dad and let Richo doing the coaching side of things,” he said.

Even at under-14's level, the technical aspects of the sport separate future stars from weekend-warriors.

Wave selection and scoring manoeuvres are the focus for improvement, and young Jay is clear what he needs to do.

"He charged some really big waves - waves I was scared in, and he was out there.”

"I want to try to get my air game as good as it can be and try get my backhand surfing like good as well," he said.

"I'd love to make the tour and like winning the world title would be my dream goal but I just want to get to the tour first,” Jay said. 

His 1999 World Champion dad knows better than most how much hard work stands between his son and a spot on the tour, but he said Jay has the potential - and importantly the courage - to get there.

“I've taken him to Hawaii earlier this year and I was really impressed he charged some really big waves - waves I was scared in, and he was out there,” he said.

So for the time being, 'Occy' senior will keep watching – from a distance. 

“Really proud that the name is carried on and hope he can go all the way - I definitely think he can, I really do," he said. "And in saying that I just want to be there to support him."