OC'ers can learn a lot in school, and a lot from their buddies at their local break. But they can learn a heck of a lot more from surfers like Keoni Jones. As the youngest of four famous Jones siblings (Mikala, Malia and Daniel), Keoni has taken it upon himself to make a name for himself in the big world of surf not by following the status quo but by doing things as he sees fit. He's also one of the most polite surfers on earth, a personality trait that's helped him travel the world, get hooked up with amazing sponsors, and keep the family tradition alive. We got our hands on Keoni's latest video edit, and had a little chat with the freesurfing legend. Shoots!
10 QUESTIONS WITH KEONI JONES
1) Ghetto Juice: When you were a grom did you ever think you'd have such an amazing life as a pro surfer?
Daniel Jones: No way! Growing up, my focus was on having fun! But sometimes fun takes you places you'd never imagine!
2) How is your passport looking these days? How many countries, and which ones, have you traveled to lately for surf?
I've been to Indo a fair bit, Japan, Australia, and recently Panama. But my passport has plenty of room left and I'm looking forward to the adventures of the future.
3) Your mom and dad have raised you in an amazing family! The Jones family is legendary, from Mikala, Daniel and Malia….. what's it like to be the youngest Jones and what have you learned from your brothers and sister?
I'm the youngest but still the tallest (laughs). Nah, well I've learned it takes more than just talent to do anything in life—-it takes risk and determination.
4) Talk about your new video edit …. how long did it take to put together and what's the best thing about traveling and making films?
Well that edit is an introduction to my life, and an entrance to future escapades. It was a quick mash of waves from late this winter and even a few from last year. I've only just started editing and filming, but it's a great motivator to maximize my time in the water and on land, plus you learn a lot along the way.
5) I know it's coming on summer on the North Shore, but are you already amping for the upcoming winter?
I try to take it slow, but it's too easy to gain 10+lbs when summer comes around, just go into hibernation, and wait for the first swell. Totally slug out (laughs) But this year, I've been on a good program to stay fit and healthy, as well as keeping opportunities open to jump on a trip or two.
6) Do you ever get to spend time in Orange County, CA? What do you like or dislike about it, and where do you like to surf when you are here?
I haven't been to Cali in a decade! So it would be a new world for me; new waves, tons of people, and opportunity everywhere.
7) What's the single most important thing you've learned traveling all these years?
Respecting the locals is natural and should be #1… but besides that is just have fun!
8) What are your plans for summer?
Ghetto Juice! Got any trips lined up?!
9) Any words of wisdom for surfers from the OC who are thinking about making a life as a professional free surfer?
There's a thousand hipsters and even more 'QS warriors, but only one Rastavich, one Christian Fletcher, and one've Ryan Burch. You've got to set yourself apart, and not take life too seriously. Be unique, be memorable and bring something to the table.
10) You once told me that you wanted to get a boat and sail around the world surfing, is that still on your radar?
Yup! a boat and a nice girl to enjoy it all with!
Image of Keoni courtesy of Vissla
Posted by: Ghetto Juice at: 11 Jun 2014 15:50
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