Speaking of John, looks like the second Olympic spot for team USA is between him and Kelly. Rumour is he might be back for the Pipe Masters.

He's starting 3000 points ahead of Kelly. If he does paddle out, even if he just makes a heat, that'll add 1000 points to his tally. Even if he doesn't compete Kelly still has to find 3000 points to become the pick for Team USA.

John was always going to be up there for qualification after the year he had [Editor's note: two wins and a third in the first five events]. Kelly on the other hand has had one big result [a third place in Bali], but other than that he hasn't done too much – one third, a fifth, and then a bunch of ninths.

Alright, I'm going to shift the tone over onto some, let's say, less pressing topics. A bunch of quick simple questions – favourite surfer to watch, good books, movies, whatever – so, let's start with who you like to watch surf the most, right now?

Mmm, I haven't been watching much outside of contests [laughs].

I'd have to say Gabe. Over the last few month's he's been incredible. He's on another level to everybody else, he's crazy. I just wish John and Gabe could both be on fire competing against one another. It would be reminiscent of the good old days with Kelly and Andy. I really hope we get to see a few title races go down between them both.

What about favourite women's surfer?

I think Caroline Marks has been awesome... she's just goes and does it [laughs]. She's bubbly, there's no fuss, and I genuinely love watching her. She's a great person too.

I thought this year would be one where she could learn about the title race, but now she has two wins and is actually right up there coming into the last event at Maui.

I thought they weren't going to Maui anymore, or have I just lost it?

Aren't they, I thought they were? Let me check... nah they're going back to Maui, you've just lost the plot [laughs].

I did have a big night so maybe I've just made that up. I did have a couple of Balter IPA's and they've twisted me.

Mate, don't blame it on the Balters!

[laughs]. Okay, favourite surf film maker?

Of all time would have to be Taylor Steele. He was the guy back when I was a kid and even still he makes incredible things. He's a super fun dude to go and travel with as well, even though he puts me in shit situations [laughs].

I guess some newer guys I've been having fun with though would be Dyl Roberts, Nick Pollet, and Lachie McKinnon. They've all been sick to work with of late

Have to pump Dyl up! Alright, favourite clip from this year? It can't be Stab In The Dark either.

Mmmm, what did I like, what did I like... Micah Margieson put out a clip and that was really mental, I was really pumped on that. I can't even think of another one right now. Let's go with Micah, he's ripping.

In a similar vein, who do you think is the next big name who's under 18?

Have to pump up little Jett Schilling's tires. I love that kid, he's so cool. He sends me clips asking 'if this is alright and that is alright?'. He came and stayed with us at the start of the year and he's amazing. He's a sweet kid, but he's also determined to learn and improve, it's refreshing to see.