What’s up MotoSurf Nation!
I had the pleasure of interviewing American MotoSurf racer Sebastian Squire a couple of months ago in Keystone Heights, Florida. Sebastian, who hails from North Carolina, competes in Hobby class and is the brother of American Elite racer Antony Squire. I want to thank Sebastian for his time and effort he puts into this sport, and wish him luck for the rest of the season!
Photo credits: Lukáš Fidrmuc @lfidrmuc
Sebastian’s Instagram: @seabass_squire
How did you first get into MotoSurfing? What got it all started for you?
“Well, my brother is Antony Squire, the best MotoSurf racer in the United States. We got our first JetSurf boards around 5 years ago, I’d say. We’ve always been into water sports our whole lives, so it was natural and loads of fun. Antony started coming to the races, and at first I wasn’t that interested. Once I started racing, it was in Keystone Heights two years ago and I got 4th. Last year, I went to Sebring and finished 3rd. And those are the only races I’ve done until yesterday!”
What do you do outside of MotoSurf Racing?
“I’m a supervisor for Pepsi, and we do audit work for companies like Walmart and other retail stores. It’s an office job, not too much time spent outside. This is definitely a fun release for me.”
What is your favorite aspect about being a MotoSurf racer?
“The people. The people are all great. The competition is always fun. Being out there, doing something that’s a lot of fun, getting away from work life and all that, being out in the sun and the water, it’s all great.”
Though it is very early, how do you feel the 2024 MotoSurf Games season is going so far?
“So far, so good. Not doing too bad, though I am a little tired after this morning’s heats. I’m just going to rest up and get ready for the next heats! The feet are the things that hurt the most since I’m strapped into the board super tight.”
Where do you see the sport growing in the future, especially with motorized surfing being in China’s World Games next year?
“Yeah, there’s that in China next year, I think it’s in February. I know Antony is going to that. It would be cool to be in the X Games next or something like that. The Olympics would be awesome, but they don’t do motorized sports yet. But World Games is a big step for growing the sport for sure.”
Between Keystone Heights and Sebring, which race location have you liked more?
“Sebring has twice the amount of buoys and more open space, making it a nice, flowing track. This one is a little tighter and technical, so you can’t stay pinned as much. I prefer Sebring more. The atmosphere was a little cooler as well.”
What’s going through your head when you see somebody fall in front of you during a race?
“So, I’ll throw my hand up to let everyone else racing, especially anyone behind me, know that there’s a racer in the water. That’s the universal signal for a man down. I just look for the safest way to pass whoever is in the water. Since I’m in finance, I’m very analytical so I’m always looking around to see who’s taking jokers, when I should be taking the jokers, etc. First and most important thing is to make sure everybody is safe during the race.”
What does training for a race look like for you?
“Chasing my brother Antony! We’re from North Carolina, so we go to Lake Norman all the time. We have some buoys that we’ll throw out and we’ll start going around the track. Trying to keep up with Antony is really hard, but it’s making me a better rider. I’d say I have a pretty great trainer.”
What has been your favorite board to ride and/or race with since you’ve started?
“The first board we got was the Race DFI. It’s a great board for entry-level racing or riders. I probably would have stayed on that board if the rest of the Hobby class didn’t all switch to Titanium boards. I used my brother’s older Titanium, and it’s a night and day difference. You can’t go back to a Race DFI after you’ve ridden a Titanium. The power difference is definitely noticeable. It’s the same engine, but somehow they were able to improve performance. It’s awesome.”
I’d like to thank Sebastian 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!
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