Jon Rose Stays Inspired

Jon Rose makes life look easy. Then again, maybe getting paid to travel the world and surf is easy. The truth is, Jon Rose is about more than just traveling the world and surfing. He’s an artist and a photographer, an author and an adventurer, a fashion model and even a T.V personality helping lat34 cover the Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau.” Despite all these titles, the one he uses to describe himself is simply free surfer. One of the growing number of professional surfers who don’t compete, Jon’s M.O is all about the search for perfect waves, interesting people and good times…wherever they might be. From surfing a tidal bore in the English Countryside to surf exploration in Baja by dirt bike, Jon Rose’s lifestyle is anything but dull. Sponsored by Quicksilver since he was 17 Jon’s talent in the water is undeniable but it’s his easy going, fun loving personality out of the water that leaves the biggest impression. From photo shoots and cocktail parties in New York, to third world surf travel around the globe Rosey lives life to its fullest. “My dad always said ‘make your decisions bold ones…be bold’ and that’s what I’ve tried to do.” He’s done just that. Author of 'Towards Miles,' a critically acclaimed beat type photo diary chronicling his soul searching wonder van road trip through the U.S. Heartland and recently engaged, Jon Rose makes life look easy because he continually makes those bold decisions. Lat34 caught up with Jon on his way to the Bahamas.

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Lat34: Lot’s of people have described who you are, how would you describe yourself?

Lat34: Can you talk about some people and places that have influenced you, both in surfing and in life?

JR: The people are: Terry Richardson (photographer), Ryan Hitzel @ Ed Templeton (artists), Jeff Johnson (adventurer), My Dad Jack and Mom Leslie, and definitely Martin Potter and Kelly Slater. Some of the most inspiring places for me have been the less obvious destination such as - Iceland, river surfing in the English countryside, and I really have a deep love for the Basque region in Spain...San Sebastian (I go every year).

Lat34: Tell me about someone who's inspired you lately? 

JR:  Andy Goldsworthy - British Environmental Artist. I just recently bought his book and movie and his stuff is incredible. I'm so intrigued by what his mind sees when looking at an otherwise normal setting. He is truly a genius.

Lat34: Describe your quiver for me, both at home and the boards you travel with.

JR: My quiver is pretty standard....I have about 15 -20 boards at all times, all different sizes but usually pretty consistent in design. Then I have two retro boards from Timmy Patterson (one that I'm going to take out in about 20 minutes) One's a twin fin and the other is a deep six channel 6'0" single fin...both are amazingly fun for the little waves in Laguna Beach where I live.

Lat34: Was there a particular moment when you knew the 'QS, and competition in general, wasn't for you?

JR: I'd been on the 'QS for 3 years and realized that I wasn't having fun. I wasn't exploring or experiencing new things...I was traveling around the world all year in a little bubble. It's great for some guys...that's what the thrive off of...the competitive structure that is the tour. But I didn't want structure that's why I became a surfer. So The year I decided to stop doing the 'QS I coincidentally got two cover shots and thus left Quiksilver very pleased with me taking the path of a professional free surfer. 

Lat34: What makes surfing so special to you?

JR: The unpredictability!! Also the relationship a surfer has with the ocean. I even read a nutritional study that said the salt in the water balances our alkaline levels which is why we feel so grounded after a session.

JR: You know I was having this conversation w/ my fiancee last night and I've come to a conclusion about reality TV.  90% of the reality shows are absolutely terrible and I think they should all be taken off the air. But there is 10% that are truly social case studies...ones that are like watching a circus filled w/ aliens...its like a viewing platform for us to study their planets. Not ones like the Real World or Survivor but ones like Flava Flav's show The Flavor Of Love...I mean that shit is soo baffling that its great.

Lat34: Describe a typical day in Laguna? Who do you see, where do you like to eat, where do you surf, etc?

JR: Usually walk my dog Duke on the beach in the morning...get a Green Tea at a little place called Goko Cafe...Go bug my friend Jason Watson at Laguna Surf & Sport...and then try to surf, but there's usually no waves in LB. 

Lat34: Any trips planned in the near future that you're excited about?

JR: Oh Yeah...I have a big surf exploratory paddle safari I'm planning...let's just say it's in N. America...And I'm really looking forward to trip to Cuba I'm doing.

Lat34: Is your travel schedule pretty firm, or is there alot of flexibility involved?

JR: It's quite flexible since I don't have a contest schedule that I'm following anymore.

Lat34: Do you have any brothers or sisters, talk about your family a little and the role they've played in where you are today?

JR: Only child...my parents are absolutely amazing and supportive. They separated when I was ten but they've both played major roles in forming who I am today. They are extremely inspiring.

Lat34: What do you do to relax?

Lat34: To get fired up?

JR: I'm a music freak...so I'm constantly listening to it to get fired up.

Lat34: If you could have five different houses in the world, where would they

JR: San Sebastian, Spain - it's got everything... Laguna Beach - my roots are here... San Francicso - it's such a great place to hang for a month or two, but not full time... Tortola, British Virgin Islands - gotta have the tropical love... Australia - it's like America fifty years ago but still w/ current amenities.