Ry Craike is a straight shooter that doesn’t beat around the bush. His answers are always delivered with conviction. The same can be said about his surfing. Powerful, sharp and crisp with a reputation as one of the best frontside tube riders in the world. And If he didn’t have to surf another right ever again he probably wouldn’t care. To him Western Australia will forever be the land of milk and honey.
Tracks recently caught up with Craikey to see if much had changed since he first appeared in Young Guns many moons ago.
Q. Who would you like to see win the world title?
Ry Craike: I would have loved to see Taj go for it if he were still in the title race. But since he isn’t I have to say Mick all the way!
Q. Is there a wave on tour you’d love a wild card spot?
RC: I’d love to have a crack at Fiji. I’ve surfed there a bit and I reckon it’s a pretty bloody fun wave.
Q. How much can you make on a good haul fishing?
RC: On a good trip the old man’s boat can turn over around 20 grand in a few days. It’s hard work while your at sea but all worth it when you get in.
Q. Tell me what makes a good fisherman?
RC: A good fisherman is someone that knows the ocean well and can read when the fish are hungry and how they are acting at certain times. You also have to be really patient to be a decent fisherman.
Q. In your eyes, who is the best surfer in the world?
RC: I have to say Kelly. He would still be the best just for his all around talent in any condition.
Q. Has it been challenging perpetuating your career in this environment?
RC: Yeah for sure. The surfing world ain’t what it used to be so if you get a chance to give it a crack this day and age you really have to make the most of it!
Q. Describe the perfect day?
RC: Get barreled, catch a fish and hit the pub with your mates ha!
Q. Tell me about the bond with your old man?
RC: Yeah me and the old man are good mates. We both froth on the same things so I guess that has made us pretty tight. I just treat him like a good mate. It’s pretty sick that he is 60 years old now and still froths like a grommet!
Q. Kelly Slater once said your frontside bottom turn is second to none in the world.
RC: Haha yeah I’ll take that for sure! It’s pretty cool hearing something like that from the best surfer of all time.
Q. It’s no question WA has some of the best waves in the world. Are you more excited about scoring good waves at home than traveling anywhere else?
RC: Yeah I find it pretty hard to leave these days. We are pretty spoiled in our great land and if you have the spirit to explore there is endless adventures and waves out here!
Q. Clay Marzo has spent a fair about of time in the West in recent years. What’s it been like having the Hawaiian around?
RC: Yeah Marzo pretty much lives in our hood for half the year now. He fits in well and his surfing is simply incredible.
Q. You recently signed on with Luke Egan’s brand, Depactus. What’s the future got in store for Ry Craike?
RC: Yeah I’m so stoked to sign on with such a sick brand that shares the same passions as me. The future looks bright! There’s a whole lot of of epic adventures on the horizon.
