Taylor Knox is a battle-scared veteran of the tour, and one of the surfers we respect the most. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the man, and here is how it went down….
DailyStoke: Most people know you suffered a serious injury as a kid…what exactly happened and how did it influence you after that, when you finally got back at it?
Taylor Knox: Well actually when I was 15 I started getting a pain in the back of my leg which I didn't think was going to be a big deal, you know I just like said ‘well doc pop it back into place'! He took an x-ray and nearly hit the floor…. My L5 had grown out to a grade 4 which was starting to cut into my sciatica nerve so he wanted to operate right away before became paralyzed. It put me on a training and stretching program because I knew I had to step it up if I wanted my dream to come true.
DailyStoke: That’s a lot to overcome. What do you consider your best year on the tour and why? And how much do you pay attention to the rankings? How about the worst year?
Taylor Knox: I guess I would consider the best year as yet not to happen, I mean I'm learning so much and have so much to work on that it's an evolution…. The worst year was probably '98 for a lot of different reasons.
DailyStoke: So what’s it like to lay the beat down on Slater in competition (1980 World Amateurs)?
Taylor Knox: That was a pretty exciting contest for me because everything I was going to get was based on how I did in that contest. Kelly having such an amazing amateur career and we all know he was the best so it was a great win for me but I wish I would've finished the deal in the final.
DailyStoke: We know all the great things about being a pro surfer…but what sucks about the tour? What would you change, and are there things about the sport you’d like to see change?
Taylor Knox: Sitting in economy sucks, especially when someone is coughing on you! Well I feel like the worst thing is NOT having outside sponsorship for the tour like Toyota, Coke, or Goggle. I feel like the ASP could've gone after sponsorship like that more often and to do that you have to put yourself in those circles which in not in Coolie.
DailyStoke: We were watching some videos of you and love the one of you and Mick towing into some bombs in Portugal (video below). Most surfers never get that experience, what’s it feel like and what is the preparation that needs to get done before?
Taylor Knox: That day was a complete surprise I woke up a little later than Mick and he came back and got me! I didn't know how big it was or where we were going but it turned out that we had ski's. When I saw how big it was I got pretty pumped. I got smoked a couple of times which was pretty exciting and it was our second time getting towed in but was able to get a few. The best part was being out there with best friend.
DailyStoke: Whats the best surf spot on the planet?
Taylor Knox: There's so many good waves I can't answer that!
Taylor Knox: Don't Mess with Me
DailyStoke: So what’s in store for 2011? (What work are you doing with sponsors, films, events etc)
Taylor Knox: This year is going to be a lot of fun…. just signed up with Dragon and Reef which is amazing especially since their office is right down the street. Rip Curl is putting out a new movie we filmed last summer which I’m looking forward to.
DailyStoke: Thanks man, for taking the time.
Taylor Knox: Peace
