Interview with Presebo's flagship rider, Cory Lopez. From: ESPN.COM

SCRATCHING THE DOOR

Cory Lopez talks about his new world tour and We'll talk about possibly qualifying. Corey Lopez is a Gulf Coast surfer from Florida who spent 10 years (1997-2007) on the World Tour, during which time he helped establish the air as a competitive entry point into elite level competition and set the all-important air performance standard on the Tour. He won the 2001 Billabong Pro in Tahiti, the 2003 US Open, three X Games (when surfing was an X Games event), and has a first and second place finish at the ISA World Championships. He spent time at Teahupo'o becoming a legend, and he also spent time freesurfing enough to qualify for the Surfers Poll Awards 10 times. But in 2007, a series of shocking events led to him stepping away from the tour after an unforgettable Pipe Masters. He was 30 years old and already popular. The following year, he reinvented himself as a freesurfer, sniffing out mystical spots and chasing hurricanes. He never gave up on contests, though, and was close to re-qualifying, but it didn't work out. Now, at 34, he's knocking on the door that opened when he was 19. He earned alternate spots in the first three contests of the 2011 World Tour, winning several heats along the way. He also tied for ninth place at both the Volcom Pipe Pro and the Coca-Cola Oakley Prime Brazil. While the World Tour was initially all or nothing, the recent World Rankings have revolutionized the World Tour mid-season, and suddenly Lopez has a real shot at returning to the Tour. His perspective on everything has us hooked. ESPN At this time last year, many surfers at ASP had little understanding of what the new system would be like, but did you have a clear understanding of this? Cory Lopez Yes, I understand that now. 2010 was a transition period to a new system. Last year, I think a lot of surfers were scratching their heads and not really knowing what to expect. ESPN 2008 was your first year off the tour, freesurfing in various places (Skeleton Bay, Hatteras, Nicaragua, Trestles). This year you've been on a long contest trip. Talk about juggling both. Cory Lopez Well, let me tell you. First of all, 2008 was a lot more fun than 2011. Freesurfing trips are the most important thing for me. Surfing, cruising with friends and catching good waves is the best thing. Contest surfing can also be fun... if you win. The problem with contests is that the waves aren't always that good. ESPN That first year sounds like a very precious time in your life. What motivates you to try and maintain your place on the tour again? Cory Lopez It's an age-old question. Why go to work? To make money. It's the same as when you win a heat and it feels so good. The feeling you get from competing is incredible. During the heat, you're so excited, you're paddling hard, and you're burning every ounce of energy to win. Free surfing doesn't give you that feeling. ESPN In early 2010, we reported that your friend Andy (of Irons) wanted you to come back on tour. Did this have any impact on your motivation? Cory Lopez Yes, you know, I think Andy definitely had a big influence on my motivation. He would always call me and say, "Hey, come back on tour soon, I need a traveling buddy." This tour feels so strange without him. Every place this year brings back so many memories. It's so hard and I miss him so much. ESPN What kind of pressure is there in a Prime competition compared to a World Tour competition? Cory Lopez Now we're together. When I went back to my first contest at Snapper, it felt really strange, probably because I hadn't been with the younger guys for so long. But I don't really know why, but that contest was just so exciting because I saw things differently and stuff. But now it's different. I'm totally ready for the next contest. ESPN You just finished a Brazilian tournament, including a World Tour contest, and two prime contests. How was it? Cory Lopez It's amazing. There are a lot of young, talented Brazilian surfers now. Their surfing is so amazing, I'm speechless. Brazil is also a lot of fun. I caught a lot of good waves everywhere (except Imbituba, which wasn't very good). ESPN You were one of the first famous pros to use short, bulky boards in small waves, and now they must be pretty good and are recognised amongst the best surfers. Cory Lopez That's a funny thing to say. Ward (Chris Ward) and I have been riding a lot of the same boards we ride today for the past 15 years. Back then, we weren't allowed to use those boards in contests, but now we're OK. I guess it's the "Kelly factor." Once he used it, it was all OK. Thanks, Kelly. ESPN The last time you were on tour, you basically did nine contests and won the Triple Crown. This year, you've already done 10 contests in five months. Cory Lopez I'll say something about that! I've been to 10 contests. Traveling takes a long time. But I think the old tours were better. Let's bring it back. We need to talk to the union! ESPN How are you spending your time with your wife and two children? Cory Lopez This is a new problem for me, which is why it's so hard for me to go on expeditions now. I don't want to miss out on my child's growth. I'm so grateful for Skype! ESPN You've had reserve slots to compete in World Tour contests so far this season, how important is your entry in Teahupo'o? Cory Lopez It's one of those places I've really wanted to compete in. I love Tahiti and I haven't been there in a few years, so it would be a great opportunity to come back and compete here. ESPN When you look at the rankings, you see Kelly Slater at the top, who's a world champion, Hobgood, who's a model of consistency, and you and Gabe Kling, who seem to be in great form. Eric Geiselman is 119th. Were you concerned that there weren't many East Coast surfers knocking on the door? Cory Lopez I haven't really thought about it much, but it's a good point. Eric has only been competing for a year and a half, and I've seen a lot of good things about him. He needs to work harder, and the results will come his way. Eric's brother, Evan, is popular and one of the future roots of the East Coast. But other than that, the East Coast is pretty thin. That said, I believe young surfers always pop up out of nowhere and do well.