I know, I know – I’m late. But we have a great guest this week, so at least the wait was worthwhile.
I’ve seen this kid in the water at home a few times, and then I saw him featured in a Stab article, and then I saw Travis from Inherent Bummer write about him, yet you still might not know who he is. You should though. He’s quietly got a big role in the industry, and he also quietly rips.
I am stoked to bring you episode Three of,
HELLO, MY NAME IS: LUKE WORSHAM
Hey there Luke hows it going, thanks for the time. I was originally planning to talk to you about your edit JAZZMASTER w/ Keanu Igarashi, but when rewatching I saw you already have a new edit – AUS99. Was this your first trip to Australia? How did everything go?
- Hey Drew! Ya doing good. I finished both of those videos around the same time but had been working on Jazzmaster for way too long haha. That was my second trip to Australia, I went a few years ago to stay with my friend Luke Griffin and just fell in love with it.
Did you line this trip up with swell, or was this planned out in advance? How do you usually prefer to travel, quick strike or a planned out trip?
- This trip was planned months in advance. I like planning in advance, going in the best time of year for the zone and pray theres some swell. Only place I really strike mission is Mexico.
Is that Snapper you are surfing for this clip? Where else did you get to surf on your trip?
- The whole clip is Snapper basically. We had an apartment that was less than 10 minute walk from Snapper and I was just doing that almost everyday, living the dream really. If it wasn’t great then we’d make the walk over to DBah. We didn’t have a tripod for half the trip and missed a few good days, but once we got one my girlfriend Chloe was all in to film and try to get some good stuff.
How long have you been riding “alternate” style boards?
- I’ve always rode all sorts of boards. When I was younger I’d constantly be buying boards on Craigslist. I learned quickly that I loved all the different feelings and you could make bad waves fun with the right board.
I have seen that you’ve hand shaped a few of your own boards. How did you get started with shaping?
- I shaped my first board in my backyard when I was 12, mainly because I was a pretty small kid and wanted weird stuff that I couldn’t find in my size. I’ve tried to do one a year since then to put whatever I’m into, design wise, to the test. I always felt like riding something you’ve made helps you learn about design.
Did you glass those boards, the whole bit, or just the shaping?
- I’ve laminated a couple, but mostly just shaping and taking them in to get glassed. Glassing is really it’s own art and I have a lot of respect for people that are good at it.
Something I think about is that I feel like a surfer’s style in the water represents their personality out of the water, or vice versa. Do you think that would be true for yourself? (Stylish, laid back)
- Haha ya I guess so. Surfing is definitely an expression of who you are. I like when someone’s appearance doesn’t match their personality. There’s something special about being surprised.
Is Free99X your project? Can you give us some background info on that?
- Free99 is my project. Sort of a surf media channel, brought to life with the help of friends and produced by me. I love stacking clips, shooting B-Roll, putting it to the right music and creating these perfect memory packages that I can look back on later. Someday will make stuff to sell so it’s not just a money pit haha.
Where are you from, and whats your local surf break?
- I’m from Long Beach, CA. Grew up surfing Seal mainly, but end up surfing Huntington most of the time.
Are you still working at Futures? How did you get into that, and how long have you been there?
- Yes, I still work at Futures. I’ve been there 5 years. I cut and sand all the fiberglass prototype fins. My friend Drew had my job and got another opportunity he couldn’t pass up, so he brought me in and trained me to take over.
Do you have any other trips or projects lined up for the rest of this year?
- Not sure whats in the cards for the rest of the year. Maybe a Mexico trip or two, but keeping it pretty chill. I love traveling but I also love sticking around home. Sometimes its better to just save some money and enjoy where you live.
What’s next for yourself and for Free99x?
- Waves have been pretty bad the last few months and have been taking a break from trying to film and not taking it too serious. I really just love surfing with friends and been trying to get better on the guitar. Putting all your eggs in one basket isn’t the best idea sometimes. But I’ll hopefully start working on another video through summer and going down south to film.
Anything you would like to add, or anything you want to share?
- If you’re a kid that wants to make stuff, whether it’s surf videos, shaping boards, taking photos, making music, etc., don’t over think and just do it. We are made to create, and no one can do it like you.
Epic.
Thanks so much for the time Luke! It was a pleasure to meet you and get a little introduction.
You can follow and keep up with Luke at these links below:
IG – @ luketworsham
IG – @ free99x
Youtube – FREE99X
See ya next week.
Cheers,
hwilsin
Drew Stanfield