Q&A with surf team’s Dillon Harrington

By Joe Scheerer | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Photos by Gunner Hughes

Every team has that one spotlight player and for Flagler College’s surf team, Dillon Harrington is it.

Currently in his senior year, Dillon has not just taken his surfing to the next level, but has brought the Flagler team with him. The team just got back from the NSSA Eastern Conference Championship in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. We sat down with Dillon, who is also team president, to talk about contest surfing and his surf career.

Q: How do you get ready for a contest?

A: I like to have a decent breakfast and get hydrated, stretch and try and get a practice surf in an hour before the heat. After my practice surf I get focused and blank everything out mentally and get in tune with the ocean and its conditions.

 Q: Do you change your style or approach in competition vs. free surfing?

A: During free surfing, I am more careless and try more advance maneuvers. When competing, I know I only have 15 minutes, so I focus on turns, linking waves to the inside and power surfing.

Q: What was your most recent contest?

A: This past April 5-6, 2014 NSSA Eastern Champions Men’s College Division.

Q: What did you place?

A: Second in the college men’s final. Flagler Surf Team took second as a team.

Q: What sponsors do you have?

A: Underarmour, Malibu Surf Shop and Surf Prescription Surfboards.

Q: When did you sign with Underarmour? What has Under Armour done for you?

A. In March of 2012. They use me in a lot of internet advertising. They also sent me on several surf trips with photographers to get photos for Internet and magazine campaigns.

Q: What is your favorite thing about surfing?

A: Being able to surf with my friends and not having to rely on anyone else like a team sport. Traveling and scoring good waves with my friends is always an adventurous and interesting part of surfing.

Q: Has surfing changed in any way for you in the past three years?

A: My approach has changed on speed and how I look at a wave.

Q: What is your favorite surfing maneuver?

A: Doing power turns and I love getting barrels.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: Hopefully being able to surf and hunt as much as possible and continue working with Under Armor.