Fresh off an incredible clutch performance at the Australian Surf Championships, taking out 1st in the Grand Masters division of the National Bodyboard Titles, we catch up for a chat with club legend and charger Nathan Clark.
Congratulations on winning your first Australian title. How does it feel mate?
Thanks mate. I was in total shock & bewildered for a few weeks. Obviously a fantastic feeling & something that I’d never thought possible after all these years!
You had a pretty strong support crew out there with your mum and dad, plus being your old stomping ground of port Mac. did that help you winning the Aussie title? Yeah I guess, although I didn’t have a great Aussie titles last year in Port Macquarie. But yes, this year felt different. I don’t think you can beat the support of your own parents. Even now. They were frothing! Also had a great gathering of close mates I grew up with & the Vicco National Team. I was just stoked to be in the final! I was saying to myself, stay calm, breathe, there is still time…until it got to 30 seconds left, then I starting shitting myself. Haha. Then that wave happened.
What went through your head when you realised you had won?
I don’t even know…I looked up and saw Clayton Pickworth, Mark Britten & Lyndall Jucker first running into the water yelling & yeeeeewwwwwwing, Oh my god, (not exact words) YOU WON! YOU WON! YOU WON! Followed by a stream of the Vicco team & others. Man I was in complete shock. Thought I was going to burst into tears & my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I was in disbelief! Very proud. What a way to win a National Title. Clutch victory. Super stoked!
What would your words of wisdom be to others who wish to win a title? Stay calm, breathe, anything can happen in 30 seconds.
Anyone you'd like to thank? How long you got? Absolutely, Chinita, Ava & Halle (my little family) Who hold the fort while I’m doing the thing I love. Coza & Chubs (The olds) who open their arms to all, donate us a car, load us with food on arrival & no.1 support crew. Stew (he was spewing he wasn’t there) for his Airbnb & copious amounts of DONE coffee. Picki for just being there & the Victorian entourage. Big shout outs to the DONE COFFEE, NOMAD & LIMITED EDITION, INNERVISION SURF & SKATE, X-FORM, BODYBOARDING VICTORIA & everyone that made the event possible. Last of all…. I know it’s been decades but Approximately 35 years ago, The Hastings Bodyboard Club & Port Macquarie bodyboard club (as they were known) inspired, introduced & chiseled the way for me & plenty of other groms bodyboarding competitively. Hats off to all involved back then!