MEET THE ROOKIE: Luke Thompson – The moment he knew he would qualify, His breakthrough Ballito win, Upbringing from New Pier to the CT, What he wants to bring to the CT, & More

South African rookie Luke Thompson joins Kaipo Guerrero to unpack the long road from Durban’s New Pier to the Championship Tour and the belief that carried him all the way to qualification. Luke reflects on discovering surfing later than most, growing up on Durban’s beachfront, and how moving to Cape Town sharpened his approach in heavier, more technical waves. He opens up about the ups and downs of the Challenger Series, including a difficult 2024 season, the mental reset that followed, and the turning-point victory at home in Ballito that ignited his qualifying run. The conversation dives deep into Luke’s mindset shift and the team around him that helped him level up, from coaching and mental performance work to physical preparation. He also shares the emotional moment in Newcastle when qualification became official, describing it as a “year of emotions” released all at once. Looking ahead to his rookie season, Luke talks about board adjustments, traveling alongside fellow rookies, and learning from his idols Jordy Smith and Ethan Ewing. He breaks down which stops he’s most excited for and his goal to bring both hard work and personality to the CT.

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