What’s up MotoSurf Nation!
I had the pleasure of interviewing American MotoSurf racer Antony Squire last month in Keystone Heights, Florida. Antony, who hails from North Carolina, is America’s best MotoSurf racer and is the first American to finish on the podium at MotoSurf World Championship Finals. This year, Antony has followed up his victory at Keystone Heights with a 3rd Place finish in Stock class at MotoSurf World Championship GP in Osiek, Poland. I want to thank Antony for his time and effort he puts into this sport, and wish him luck for the rest of the season!
Antony Squire’s Instagram: @antony_squire
Watch Antony go over some of the features of the 2023 JetSurf Cruiser DFI board
How did you first get into JetSurf and MotoSurf racing?
“So, getting into JetSurf like most people, I saw it online but we hadn’t seen it in person. We were kind of reluctant at the time, because 4 or 5 years ago it was “Send us all your money, and we’ll send you a board in 3 months.” Which makes you hesitant, you know? Then, we eventually saw one on our lake [Lake Norman]. A guy named Kurt had one, so we knew they were legit and it was real. We called Gus down in Miami, and ordered our first board in 2019. We’ve always been a part of water sports and motor sports, and most of my background is water sports and motorcycles. Getting on a JetSurf was an extra hobby for me at first.”
How long have you been professionally racing for?
“I went to my first race in 2020, the week before COVID. That ended up starting the itch. I ended up finishing 4th in Hobby class, but I rode like crap. Everyone thinks I’ve been winning for so long…but my first 2 years I was terrible. I eventually got better and progressed. Met a lot of really nice people, and that’s what drew me into the sport. Most small motor sports, the community is pretty good and some are better than others…Everyone was really helpful. I drove all the way down there about 8 hours, knowing absolutely nobody. That’s when I met everyone, and they were so nice and helpful that I knew this was something I wanted to continue doing.”
What is your favorite aspect about being a MotoSurf racer?
“I would definitely say that it’s the people. Everyone there is so willing to help and have fun. Yes, we are all competitive but we are also cheering each other on. It’s a good time, and a fun weekend with everybody. It’s not about winning or losing, or anything like that. The community is what draws in most people. Pretty much every race weekend, we all try to get together and have a good time. Some of us only see each other once, twice, maybe three times a year and you quickly grow to become family. Some people take it too serious and take the fun out of it. To me, once you forget about the fun, then what are you doing it for? It’s not like there’s money in the sport, or that we’re racing out there for thousands of dollars. Not yet, at least!”
What does it mean to you, to be the first American to finish on the podium at the 2023 MotoSurf World Championship Finals?
“It was a big deal, and I definitely didn’t expect it. It was a bit of shock, but I was really happy with myself. The Czechs have dominated ever since it started, and they still dominate to this day. To get in there, compete at that level and get on the podium was something I wasn’t expecting, but definitely a big achievement. To be the first American on podium at a Worlds was a really awesome feeling. I was able to use that as proof that if I could do it, anybody else could do it as well. You don’t have to be the smallest or the lightest, or the youngest. If you come out, keep racing and putting that time in, it’s possible. Anything can happen, especially in a race.”
With you participating at the grand prix in Poland next week, what do you do to prepare yourself for the race?
“I have been working out quite a bit recently. You have to be physically fit to do this. That’s something I’ve been working on, cardio and conditioning, because those last 3 laps you’re dead. The good thing is that most people are exhausted at that point as well, but if you can be less exhausted, then you’re able to overtake other racers in those final laps. Mentally, I don’t get too excited or nervous when I come to these races. I don’t know why. I treat it like another day, like any other ride. Some people get super nervous, and that messes you up. If you treat it like another lake ride and take out the mental strain, you’ll generally do better. If you get nervous, you get anxious, and you end up making more mistakes. Once you make one mistake, it just continues and snowballs. I try to stay calm at the races. Now, I will say that being anxious or angry sometimes helps. Last year at MSWC in Croatia, I was disqualified in one of my heat races and that made me pretty angry for the Finals. That pushed me and motivated me, and that is one of the reasons I finished on the podium.”
What goes through your mind when you’re at the starting line, with engines revving and competitors all around you, right before the starting flag gets waved?
“For a beach start like in Keystone Heights, I definitely pay as close attention to the flag marshall as I can. The minute he drops that flag, I’m shooting. Like every race, the hole shot is super important. If you get in 1st position right out of the gate, it’s much easier to defend that placement than it is to make up that ground. I’m just focused on the flag. I try to block the other guys out and not think about them. I’m focused on shooting out in front, and if someone else gets in front of me, I just wait for a gap. I have to make sure I’m ready for any opportunity to pass someone if it arises.”
What has been your favorite location that you’ve raced at?
“That is a tough one, because there have been some beautiful places that I’ve raced at. I’ve been lucky enough to race in 8 different countries in the 2 years I’ve been racing at Worlds, and that’s been amazing. I would say Italy is probably my favorite just because I love the food. I also did a Bali race trip at the beginning of ’23. That was absolutely phenomenal. The Dubai race was very beautiful as well, even though we weren’t quite in Dubai but in Fujairah. Croatia was probably the most clear water we’ve ever raced in. It’s hard to pick, because each spot has it’s own qualities that makes it special. For me, Italy would be my favorite.”
What is your favorite board to race with?
“I race with a Titanium DFI now, but I’ve had quite a few Titaniums in the past. My newest board is the 2024 Titanium DFI Super Light. The only thing different between my Titanium and the other race boards is the exhaust and the tune. It’s a very impressive, torque-y machine for only being 100cc. That’s been the biggest help, especially when you weigh more. I definitely need as much extra power as I can. The Titanium is the fastest gas board you can buy and not have to worry about reliability.”
Your race board has a unique matte finish that I have not seen much. What is the finish, and what purpose does it serve?
“Since the beginning, JetSurf has always clear-coated their boards. It looks great and it has protective purposes. Just like in any racing, paint equals weight. Same with the clear coat. Instead of putting a clear coat on the board, they polish a wax-like substance into the carbon. It creates a finish that doesn’t need a final coat or any extra film. Some people love the matte carbon look, and some people prefer the more classic, glossy look. I personally really like it, and it has a more luxurious style to it. If you look at more exotic cars these days, a lot of them are going to carbon fiber because of the weight. The heaviest part of carbon fiber is the epoxy and the clear coat. If you can eliminate as much of that as possible, it makes the board lighter. The matte wax finish shaves of 2.5 pounds of of the toal board weight. It does help, though I’m not sure it realistically makes a difference. When you’re talking about ten thousandths of a difference between qualifying for a race and not, anything counts at that point.”
I’d like to thank Antony again for his time, and make sure to follow him on Instagram. While you’re at it, make sure to follow @motosurfnation on Instagram and Facebook for the latest new and events in motorized surfing!
Responses
Love the personal stories of how people get involved and then evolve with the sport!! Great job MSN!!