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 Name:
Tim West Jr
Nick Name:
Timbo Slice
Sport:
Big wave surfing
Sponsors:
Liquiid Miliia, Isurus Wetsuits, Nor Cal Surf Shop, Brewer Surfboards
Home Town:
El Granada, California
Age:
29
How long have you been surfing for?
16 years
What is tow surfing?
A progression of surfing. Being towed into a wave small or big with a lot of speed and making critical sections that you can’t make paddle surfing. When the surf gets past the 40 foot realm tow surfing really comes into play allowing surfers to get intowaves that are not possible to paddle into.
When did you start to enter contests?
Mavericks Surf Contest 2007/2008
How many surfboards do you own?
15
What is your set up for big waves (type of board, size, and ski)?
I’ve got a few boards for different types of waves. The 5’8” is for the big stuff. It weighs 15 lbs and is only 1 7/8 inches thick. For smaller waves and big tube riding I use a 5’6” 8 lb board that cuts through the water like a knife through butter. When I paddle big surf my 9’6” Dick Brewer gun does the trick.
Why do you think we added you to our team?
To support my passion of surfing big waves.
When you go down riding a big wave, what’s going through your mind?
Every wipe out situation is different, but the main thing is to relax and conserve as much oxygen as I can. I usually tuck in to the fetal position and focus on where I am underwater to know where the surface is. If your arms and legs are not tucked in during a hold down in big surf, ligaments and tendons will completely tear off the bone. Relax, focus, and do not panic- ever.
Who is someone you look up to in your sport? And why?
Jay Moriarty is someone I’ve always looked up to as a role model. He charged mavericks harder than just about everybody in his day. Most of all he treated people well and lived his life on a very positive note.
I heard about this “Shark incident” you had a while back, do tell?
November 2nd, 2005. It was a small day at mavericks in the evening with just me and a friend. The sun was about to set on a picture perfect Indian summer afternoon so I paused for a minute to admire the end of the day when a 12 to 15 foot great white shark blasted me clear out of the water unexpectedly. Luckily it got all board and launched me away from it. So when I came up from the impact the shark was 10 feet away splashing like a fish out of water with my board and I still had my leash attached. After a few seconds it vanished under the sheet glass water so I jumped on my board and paddled straight in to sail rock. I found a gash next to the stringer full of blood and a tooth embedded inside of it. I’m lucky to be alive, stoked to be alive, and don’t take things for granted- especially life.
Where do you surf? What’s your spot?
Mostly stick with the local spots but surf anywhere from San Francisco to Davenport. I grew up here on the (650) coastside in front of mavericks so I guess that’s my spot.
Jelly Fish or Sting Ray?
Sting ray for sure. I got zapped so hard out in Indonesia by a 2 inch jelly that looked harmless. Damn jellies.
What’s the worst beating you have ever had while out on the water?
I’ve had a few, mostly all at mavs. The two wave hold down was pretty knarly though, with a life vest on. I got sucked over the falls in the pit and deposited super deep below the surface. It was violent for a second and then completely calm when it released me. I’m not sure how deep I was, but it was dark, dead silent, and after the 23 stroke for the surface another wave blasted me before reaching the top. I came up after the second wave with a blown out eardrum and a new found respect for the power of that wave.
What do you like best about Liquid Militia?
The support given to extreme water sport riders by the company, it doesn’t go unrecognized. I also like throwing on an LM hoodie after a surf in 50 degree weather to stay warm.
How often do you surf Mavs?
Every time its clean and consistent so at least twice a month during the swell season.
What type of gear do you wear while surfing?
Isurus wetsuits is making these 3mm suits that keep you just as warm as a standard 4mm so I’m sporting one of those with the 2mm hood. 5mm booties and gloves if it gets really cold.
Who do you surf with? some of your crew?
I like to surf with people who enjoy a session even if the waves are crap. A few of the boys- Dom Spinardi, Fraggle, Mike Farno, BO, Wyatt Fields, Travis Payne, Mike Joshua, Skylar Banner.
What’s a typical size of a big wave you will surf when it gets big?
Depends on the swell size, wind conditions, and tide. But for mavericks it starts breaking at 15/20 foot and gets as big as 80 plus.
Smoothie or Coffee?
Medium roast, lots of milk, no sugar and a protein shake before a late afternoon workout.
What’s the biggest wave you have ever ridden?
December 4th, 2007. That day was insane out at mavericks. The waves were solid 60 foot with nothing under 40. The wave I got was big, not sure of an exact height. It was just, big. Powerlines productions documented that day really well in their new flick “Ride On”, check it out.
Summer or winter?
Winter here, summer elsewhere.
When you tow surf, do you always have the same partner?
Not always, but I mostly tow with Ion Banner from HMB. He taught me everything I know on a ski and charges hard. Travis Payne is a really good tow partner too.
What is something that you want people to know about Tow Surfing?
It is not a crime. There are people who want to shut it down and prevent it from happening- even surfrider foundation! Its another artform of surfing waves that progresses the sport and allows surfers to get barreled beyond their wildest dreams. There is a time and a place for it for sure and it needs to be regulated, but not shut down. I can’t even drive my ski in my hometown now because it is outlawed, which sucks when I see 20 foot piping beach breaks that are only possible to surf with a tow board.
Sites you want people to check out?
Mavfilm.com, isurussurf.com, coastsidesurf.com, towsurfer.com, norcalsurfshop.com
Anything you want to add?
Live life, stay positive, and follow your dreams.
Say the first thing that comes to your mind:
Hanger: Loogie on the ceiling.
Vampire: blood
Ink: tattoo
Fog: home
Triangle: geometry
Quiver: surfboards
Fish: mahi-mahi
Awards: billabong xxl
Marker: passed out drunk with shoes on.
Swell: offshore blue barrels
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Tim West