His unique approach to riding a wave has arguably inspired more “cover bands” than any other surfer in modern times, Occy claims he’s always evolving. “The best style to me,” he says, “is no style at all.”
Mark Occhilupo’s influence on surfing – especially for the legions of goofyfoots who came after him – is immeasurable. That said, he remains on his own personal style journey, from brash young upstart in the early ’80s to the surf-as-you-feel flow-master he is today.
As part of Billabong’s Five Decades celebration, they walk through some definitive eras in his surfing and get his take on them now:
00:00 – Phase 1: The Early Years
“After looking over the footage from this time, my arms are actually all over the place. It wasn’t until Gordon brought me up to the Gold Coast when I really learned how to smooth out my style.” – Mark Occhilupo
00:52 – Phase 2: Occy V. Curren
“It wasn’t until I saw Tom Curren come. I really loved the way he surfed and wanted to surf like that.” – Mark Occhilupo
01:50 – Phase 3: Set Free
“I surfed perfect waves, which made me fall in love with surfing again.” – Mark Occhilupo
02:22 – Phase 4: Unbeatable
“All that time filming with Jack in those perfect waves got me in prime form for the Dream Tour. I was actually practicing for those events years before I ever knew I was going to get to them.” – Mark Occhilupo
03:22 – Phase 5: Forever Fired Up
“These are the twilight years, the really good years. Every session is a blessing, and that’s what keeps me psyched.” – Mark Occhilupo
