//Photographer// Michael Kew
//BREAKS// Daniel, where were you born, and where did you learn to surf?
//DANIEL// I was born in Kailua on the east side of Oahu, and learned to surf at Kailua shorebreak. It only breaks on wind swell and hurricanes.
//BREAKS// Who or what inspires you to do what you do? //DANIEL// The last surf movie I watched was “Searching for Tom Curren”, I watched it three times, that was inspiring. Surfing with my friends and brothers. I like to feel how different each board rides and just getting that feeling you only get from a riding a wave. Seeing the ocean makes me want to get in it, it just sucks you in.
//BREAKS// When did you realize professional surfing was going to be a career move?
//DANIEL// In 1988, when I was five and looking through my Dad’s surf mags, and could recognize the surfers because they had the same airbrush on every board. Sometimes, they were different colors, but same layout. That’s when I knew, I wanted to do that. I needed to come up with a good airbrush.
//BREAKS// Having surf as a culture running deep in the family must have really helped push you to surf? How competitive are you with your brothers and sister? //DANIEL// The whole family surfs, my Mom, Dad, step Dad, siblings, my uncles all surf. My Mom surfed with me when she was pregnant. We lived by the beach, my Dad made me my first board. I covered the bottom of it with stickers for speed. Surfing is what my family was already doing, then I showed up.
//BREAKS// Are you currently competing or traveling doing the free surf life?
//DANIEL// I enjoy surfing in the Hawaii events and I also travel to do the free surf thing as well.
//BREAKS// Do you train or just don’t care about that stuff?
//DANIEL// I stretch everyday. I have to train when there are no waves, or else I’m too tired from surfing all day.
//BREAKS// What are some current or future projects on deck? //DANIEL// Hangs Upon Nothing a 16mm film by Jeremy Rumas
I’ve done a few trips with Jeremy after I met him on Christmas Island two years ago. He’s from Indiana and has not been around surfing his whole life. It will be good to see surfing through a fresh pair of eyes.
//BREAKS// What kind of advise would you give to the next generation of pro surfer?
//DANIEL// Respect your elders, use your rail, and have fun.
//BREAKS// Do you like the way surfing has progressed as an industry and sport or would you have it another way?
//DANIEL// Yes and no, but it is what it is. I wish the surfboard industry was better. Too many cheap imports.
//BREAKS// What’s Daniel Jones next big move in relation to your career?
I’m very thankful for the opportunity to go surfing everyday. I’m going to take full advantage of it.
//BREAKS// Your current sponsors?
//DANIEL// Ruca, Matuse, Ocean Minded, Smith, Nixon, Vertra, Tropical Blends, Future
//BREAKS// Last shout?
//DANIEL// special thanks to my friends and family.
