Roy Powers
Growing up on the wave and talent rich Island of Kauai, in Hanalei, Roy Powers never questioned his desire to become a pro surfer. It helped that he was surrounded by some of the most talented surfers in the world, which pushed this regular footer to develop his competitive nature and the skills necessary to be on the world tour. With 2009 being his third year on the WCT, Powers is looking to better his 2008 results. To give one a better idea of how powerful his competitive surfing is, you only have to look as far as his 2008 win percentage, an impressive 62 percent, bettered only by the most dominating competition surfer on the planet, Kelly Slater.
POSITIVE OUTLOOK
What sets Powers apart from others on tour is that he takes work seriously but isn't against signing autographs. Then again his work is surfing his way around the planet, so why not take it seriously? After winning the Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa in 2007 in what was called the heaviest waves Haleiwa has seen in 25-years during a contest and against a heavily stacked list of names, which included guys like Bede Durbridge and Joel Parkinson, he boosted his confidence and came into the 2008 season as ready as ever.
The next season Powers decided to up his game, adding a personal trainer to his training regimen, helping him focus on the mental, as well as the physical aspects of being a competitive surfer. "He gives me so much energy, and really shows me a new way at looking at surfing," says Powers about his trainer. While he attributes his current success to this new program, it's his father who helped push Roy as a youngster. "My father is an incredible surfer. He moved to Kauai to pursue surfing, and he's a man's man, if you know what I mean," he added. My dad e did everything for us, and was always there for us, putting family first unlike many parents who were divorced or not around. My dad's such a strong athlete, even at 61. Surfing secret spots with my him reinvigorates me more than anything else." A tattoo on his foot reads "take care of business." It is an appropriate motto explaining how he surfs and lives life.
The travel schedule of any pro can wear a surfer down, but when Roy returns home, he goes right back to his favorite wave, Pinetrees. When he isn't training he spends a lot of time giving advice and props to the groms in town. "Surfing is so competitive that everyone puts everyone down, and that one complement makes a kid's day or week," he says. Powers knows first hand it takes more then a kind word here or there to make a kid become a champ, which is why he has helped out with the Hanalei Surf Company youth team over the last few years whenever he's in town.
GROWING UP
At 14, the proverbial crossroads of youth sports, soccer and surfing, pulled at Powers and he was unsure as to what path to follow. But as often the case in Hawaii, surfing kept winning out. Growing up with the strong waterman tradition all around him, he can remember as a grom fishing on the Hanalei pier after a rainstorm, and for fun jumping on sharks that swam below. If he hadn't found surfing, Roy says he probably would have ended up in a professional soccer league.. Luckily for him this is a time where surfing can be as legitimate of a sport as soccer, and those who make it to the top, do enjoy (although more modest) the somewhat rockstar life of a pro.
Lately, Powers has been turning his energy to the latest trend sport of surfers, golf, which he admits seems to be taking up more and more of his free time. When not swinging his clubs, or waxing his board, he also has a passion for cars. He is currently rolling a Chevy Tahoe stacked on 24's that's all black and grey, but is looking towards Italy for the next ride, a Maserati. He even has a Powers Edition Chevy truck that JN Chevrolet custom made for the public to buy.
Nicknamed the "destroyer," Roy is the self-proclaimed "best looking man on the tour," with a giant sense of humor. He tries to keep it light and never get too worked up about life because he knows that growing up on Kauai, a place where options are limited for careers, surfing professionally has been an amazing opportunity And an incredible gift.
Roy has worked hard to get where he is today, and growing up in Kauai has helped him get there. Kauai is notorious for having some of the toughest Hawaiian surfers out there. "When you grow up seeing what others have done with surfing, the money and fame, you want to win, and reach those goals" said Powers. Coming up through the ranks with the Kauai Wolfpack has taught him the idea of brotherhood and standing up for what you believe. "We have each others' backs. It's like anywhere else, if you paddle out and are looking for trouble, you'll get it. But if you are respectful and mind yourself, you'll get no trouble at all. We're keeping things safe in the lineup, keeping tradition, and most of all helping others out. It's a lot more positive than negative like the media thinks," he added.
Winning the Triple Crown and having his name engraved on the Hawaiian Legends Plaque, is on the top of his personal goal list, but he first wants to win a world title and have a long and healthy career..
NO BOUNDARIES
Board design and equipment changes each year on tour. With surfers breaking the mold in surfboard design and testing, Powers is no different. Surfing on Glen Pang Boards by T&C Surf and trying new shapes is what helps separate Powers from other surfers. It's been almost four years that Powers has been riding boards shaped by Glen Pang. "Glenis super humble, listens to everything and is willing to learn about shaping. He's the nicest guy ever and has the best bbq's," Roy said. After his Haleiwa win, the owner of Town & Country ran for over a mile to get him a drink, and it's that family type friendship that keeps him there.
At 28 years, Powers has plenty of time to prove his mettle against the world's best surfers. Attitude and motivation can be your best friend as an athlete, and it can also be your worst enemy. Powers clearly knows what it takes to be the best. Surrounded by world champions while growing up taught him both the ups and down of surf stardom, and now that he is in a position to dominate, betting against Powers would be a big mistake. With his newfound fitness, a positive outlook on competition, and years of experience, this is one competitor who is ready for the tour.
Team O'Neill warming up in Tahiti 2010
Jordy Smith, Bobby Martinez, Roy Powers, Timmy Reyes riding out the waiting period at the ASP World Tour event in Tahiti
While the event has been on hold for a full seven days, Team O'Neill have not exactly been sitting around doing nothing - that's for sure. Jordy, Timmy, Bobby and Roy have been making the most of the swell on offer in the Tahitian paradise
Check out all the photos and videos
Lower Pro Team O'Neill Highlights
O'Neill CWC Tasmania Day 2 Action 2010
Spectacular video footage from the second day of the first stop of the Cold Water Classic series in Tasmania 2010. Including a perfect 10 for 17 year old John John Florence.
Timmy and Roy exploring in Tasmania
Timmy Reyes and Roy Powers get away from the contest scene, and explore what Tasmania has to offer.
Roughing it in Tasmania
O’Neill team highlights from Days 1 and 2 of the CWC Tasmania
Still Hanging in Oz
Bobby, Roy and Jordy blow up during a fun South Straddie session.
AS THE WCT DUST SETTLES THE SUN FINALLY SHINES
O'NEILL WCT surfers Jordy Smith, Bobby Martinez & Roy Powers seized the sunny conditions and solid swell on offer today to bag clips, shoot photos and share throaty barrel's after a relaxing few days post Quik Pro.
Off the back of very impressive starts to their 2010 World Tour campaigns Smith (2) & Martinez (3) along with travel partner Powers took the opportunity to get away from the ultra crowded Super Bank and score on South Stradbroke Is.
Snapper Round 1 Highlights
1st Round highlights from the Snapper Rocks event. Jordy Smith, Bobby Martinez and Roy Powers getting warmed up for a solid contest run.
Roy Powers strikes gold on the Border
Powers took no time finding his spot in the crowded D-Bah line up just hours after his Hawaiian Airlines flight touched down in Coolangatta.
2010 is Powers 4th year on the Dream Tour as is proving to be his strongest after a full on off season training program and some magic boards under his feet.
A Look Back at a Few Fun Days on the North Shore
Here's a look back at the O'Neill team from the past winter on the North Shore.
O’Neill Team Highlights from the Pipeline Masters
Jordy Smith and Roy Powers Rip Apart Gums
Pipeline Masters Highlights
John John Florence, Timmy Reyes, and Roy Powers early round highlights from the Pipeline Masters. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Tony Heff.
Finally a Pipe Day
Pipeline finally awakens. After a good month of no Pipe, the Banzai finally comes to life and the boys were on it. Cory Lopez, Timmy Reyes, Roy Powers, John John Florence, Brett Barley, and Charly Martin score some good ones. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Tony Heff.
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world
- year: 2007
- title: Reef Hawiian Pro Champion
- description:
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