Tom Whitaker
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Smile, it aint that bad!
- Date of Birth: October 4, 1979
- Hometown: Sydney, Australia
- Other Sponsors: Rod Dahlberg surfboards
- Other Hobbies: A very weird eye
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Career Highlights:
- World top 10
- 2008 Drug Aware Pro Champion, Margaret River
Bio
Whitaker’s father moved their family from England to Oz to raise his three sons to become the best Rugby players in Australia. He succeeded with Tom’s brother Chris, who was a member of the Wallabies, the Australian national team that defeated France to win the Rugby World Cup. But something went wrong with Tom, who heeded the call of the sunny surf, and by age 13, he was
entering (and winning) competitions around Sydney…An all-around athlete, but especially masterful in the water, Whitaker spent three years on the ASP WQS before joining the tour in 2003. Boasting a style that features classic rail work as well as progressive fin-free maneuvers, Whitaker has proven he has the goods to dissect all conditions with beautiful precision.
One of the most pleasant athletes to work with, “ÂœTommy†is a dream of an ambassador – always smiling and constantly stoked. He’™s a mentor to all the groms he surfs with, passing on a stellar work ethic and a sunny outlook on life.
Q&A
- Number of years participating in your sport 20 years
- What is more important to you than surfing? Having a good time and family.
- Height 5'11" (180 cm)
- Sponsors Oakley eyewear / clothing and Dahlberg surfboards
- Do you have any other special talents (music / write / draw / paint)? No, I'm one dimensional.
- Favorite Surfer Mark Occhilupo (Occy), Taylor Knox and Rod Kerr
- Years on the Foster ASP World Tour Whitaker first started on the Foster's ASP World Tour in 2003 making 2007 his fifth season on the Dream Tour
- Favorite Maneuvers Tight lines
- Years as a professional 5 years
- Party animal or mellow TV on the couch? Party
- Favorite shades? Eyepatch, Gascan and the occasional Frogskin
- Favorite BANDS: ACDC, The Sounds, lil john CHICK: Kiera Knightly SURFER: Taylor knox FILM: TV SHOWS: Entourage DRINK: beer, g and t, mai Tai, Water
- Love? Smiles, uncrowded waves, family, my girl
- Hate? crowded surf, hasslers, thieves
- Goals? To win a damn CT and finish up the top
- Motivation? Good times.
- What is more important to you than surfing? Having fun
Polarized EYEPATCH