Getting to know the new Kidd on the block
Meet the young Ballito surfer with the long, blonde hair who surfed his way into round 2 of the main event of the Ballito Pro presented by Billabong after winning the wildcard entry last week
Gone are the badboy days of surfing, as the wave wizards now eat clean, live healthy and do yoga – a lifestyle Ballito’s Richard “Richie” Kidd (20) has adopted completely and his latest Pro wildcard entry showed that it works for him.
Rumour has it that you have recently become vegan. Is this true and how has it impacted your surfing?
Unfortunately the rumors aren’t true. I am a vegetarian and have been one for almost a year now. I do feel stronger as well as lighter so it helps my surfing when the waves get a little smaller. Being a veggie has given me loads of energy.
Tell me about your ritual before hitting the water…
My warm up routine is a mixture of yoga and some dynamic warm up movements. I have been working on it and changing things in my warm up for a while now and have recently found a good combination that I feel has been working for me and makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. Part of my routine is also a pep talk from my girlfriend Sarah (Steele) just to ease the mind and build up confidence and then I pray before entering the water.
What is your favourite snack?
Peanute butter on toast.
Who is your surfing idol?
John John Florence.
Where is your dream surf spot?
Somewhere secluded out deep in Africa.
What do you do in your free time?
I skateboard, do yoga and just generally keep fit.
What is your favourite movie?
Trilogy – a surf movie.
What was your craziest surfing move landed so far?
A massive full rotation!
If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
Kelly Slater, so I can take all his heat knowledge and experience back to my body and qualify.
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