Darcy DeClouett’s laid-back persona belies a steely resolve.
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Talk is cheap for the 16-year-old Wombarra surfer who prefers to let his actions in the surf speak for themselves.
Darcy was “stoked’’ to win the 16 and under boys’ fourth round of the Rip Curl Grom Search event in South Australia earlier in November.
But soon after the Illawarra Sports High School student was planning his next course of action.
Long-term Darcy wants to follow in the footsteps of his father Christian DeClouett. But replicating his dad’s surfing results on the World Qualifying Series is just one of many goals.
‘’Since I started surfing, I’ve always wanted to be like him [dad],’’ he said.
‘’But I want to push the road of becoming a free surfer and work on filming, making good clips and getting my name out there.
“I’ve started doing a bit of this already. I spent a few months in Western Australia recently making a movie. It was sick. A really good experience. I can get used to riding some great waves, meeting great people and seeing some fantastic places.’’
But Darcy has some unfinished business to attend to in the meantime. He will head to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to compete in round five of the Rip Curl Grom Search on December 12-16. Darcy hopes to do well but regardless of how he goes, the talented natural footer is almost guaranteed a spot in the national final at Narrabeen in January.
“Your two best results count. I’ve had a win and an equal fifth. I’m currently third in the rankings and I think 16 progress to the finals, so things are looking good,’’ he said.
Gromsearch has launched many professional careers, with a host of former winners competing on the World Tour.
Darcy reckons a lot of his recent success is due to the support he gets at Illawarra Sports High School.
As a member of the school’s Talented Surfer Program, Darcy does daily strength, conditioning and flexibility workouts. The Scarborough Boardriders member also has surf lessons with pro Nic Squires and gets the opportunity to meet with a sports psychologist.
“Having access to awesome coaches has helped. Nic Squires and Illawarra Sports High have played the biggest role in my surfing career to date,’’ Darcy said.
Talented Surfing Program co-ordinator Geoff Latimer said Darcy was driven and had a good, mature approach. Surfing every day was the secret to success.
‘’I just love surfing and make a point of surfing every day,’’ he said.