Dropping In On Charlie Fawcett
Barrels and Burritos Photos and Story by Glenn Dubock
that just happen to see massive potential in your surfing abilities. Welcome to the world of Charlie Fawcett. Fawcett knows just how good his life is and it shows in his attitude in
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and out of the water. “ My favorite place to surf is Emma Wood because I grew up surfing here, it’s close to home and it always seems to have waves. Rights or Lefts, it doesn’t really matter, if it is good, I want to go out.” Speaking of growing up, there has been a lot of that going on. At
16-years-old, the family genes have kicked in and Fawcett has sprouted eight inches of height in just six months. He stands 5-feet, 9.5-inches tall but he still snaps his board around like
that little kid that entered his first contest in 2006. “My first contest was a Volcom event held at the Pipe in Ventura. I think
I got fifth in my heat. It was frustrating but it was a good start, and I just kept on doing the contests.” Fast forward to the 2010 Rincon Classic where all his practice time and
raw talent paid off with double wins in both the Boys and Junior divisions. In the 2011 Classic at Rincon, Fawcett stepped up to the Men’s division semi-finals and also took a hard-fought and well-deserved second place in the Juniors. “Contests play a pretty big role if you want to make it as a pro surfer. You have to do well in the contests in order to achieve anything. I really like the different events, I have a competitive side.”
magine growing up in a surf city surrounded by pitching beach breaks and pumping points. Ponder the fun and thrills of learning to surf with guys like Dane Reynolds blowing up at your home break every day. Throw in a support network of a great family and world-class coaches
Fawcett is putting in his time in the water and looking to excel his surfing .
Fawcett knows what to do to win
and knows what kind of board will get him there. “ I’ve been riding custom boards made by Roberts. My current favorite is a copy of the board I rode at the Classic. It runs 5’11” by 18 ¼” wide with a thumb-tail for good turns on shoulder high or larger waves, but it will work in anything.” Fawcett loves working with his shaper and says, “He always whips up something excellent!“ Fawcett spends a lot of time in the
water, much of it hiding in the tubes he has come to know as his second home. “ I check Surfline once or twice a week just to see what the swell is looking like, but half the time I just show up because I will hear from friends that there are waves coming.” His friends include rippers like Frank Curren, Liam Pastrella and Evan Caples. His coach is none other than Mike Lamm. “ Mike works with me on heat training, style, technique and the mental part of winning. Sean Hayes is in the background working with us on the physical training.” Does this kid have any time for school or other activities? Fawcett is a smart
and articulate guy who has managed to keep a well-rounded life afloat. “I go to a year-round charter school where I attend classes one day a
week and do independent study the rest of the time. That means I have no summer break, but around here it is like summer every day for me because I am not in the classroom every day.” When he is not hitting the books or slapping a lip, you can find Fawcett
riding his skateboard with friends at some “fun little banks.” And just how does Fawcett fuel up for all this hyper activity? “Never had
a bad meal at Olas in Camarillo. I usually get one of their huge carne asada burritos.” It’s a perfect sponsorship fit; the owner, Carlos, is getting quite a reputation for feeding hungry surfers in the area. Fawcett’s other sponsors are Hurley, Pro Lite, Arnett, Neff, and
Momentum Ride Shop. They take care of all his equipment needs but when it comes to soul
support, Fawcett’s family rides every wave with him. He knows that all the talent and tube time in the world can never replace that. Schooled by his mentors, powered by his sponsors and cheered on by
his family, Fawcett did 30 contests in the 2009-2010 season. He nailed five first-place trophies and made it into 16 finals. He has ridden Pipeline and Sunset Beach and looks forward to someday “exploring the slabs of Western Australia and the reefs of Indo.” But you will have to look hard to find Fawcett around here. He is usually neatly tucked in a barrel, just enjoying the view at home.
18 DEEP SURF MAGAZINE September / October 2011
PHOTOS : GLENN DUBOCK
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