INTERVIEW WITH 2007 NATIONAL OPEN MEN'S CHAMPION TONINO BENSON.
NSSA Executive Director Janice Aragon chats with the NSSA champ on his big victory.

Tonino Benson has been capable of winning National titles for some time. Flashes of talent and potential came at a young age when he won the Menehuene division in 2002. For the next couple years, his Nationals record was decent with numerous finals appearances but nothing in the win column. When he came to the Nationals in 2006 after an impressive ISA World Junior victory the previous October, there were huge expectations. However his focus grew sketchy during the period preceding the Nationals and the consequence was a disappointing elimination in the Open Men?s quarterfinals. Fast forward to the 2006-07 season and it was a different Tonino. He had a number one priority and that was to win the Nationals. "I learned from my mistakes last year and just paced myself," Tonino said. "I focused all year on winning the Nationals." Tonino?s dad Peter was there to offer his son support and encouragement during the marathon event. "There are many distractions at such a large event as the Nationals and this year we pretty much avoided that," Peter said. "Focus is the key and he was able to maintain that. I am very proud of him to make three finals." Tonino was motivated to make a statement at Lowers. He showed up on day one at Salt Creek with the skills and confidence to push the limits and he never let up for the next 10 days. As renowned surfing coach Mike Lamm put it, "As soon as I saw his technical lines, his beautiful work around the pocket and his air game he looked incredibly complete. I was coining him as the man to beat."
by: Janice Aragon
photo: Billy Watts/SURFING MAGAZINE

Name: TONINO BENSON
Nickname: T
Birthdate: November 25 1989
Hometown: Kona, HAWAII
School: Pearblossum
Sponsors: REEF, Dakine, Xanadu Boards, Bubble Gum wax, Electric.

Janice: How did you get into surfing and who taught you?
Tonino: My dad taught me how to surf and after my first wave I was addicted.

When did you start surfing competitively?
8 years of age.

Have you lived anywhere else but the Big Island?
No.

What is your local spot and who is your local crew ?
I surf this wave called Banyans with my friends Kyle, Muzz, Lahiki, Kim Brown, Keala, Bones and KU.

You won the Open Men?s ?the most prestigious title in amateur surfing. What does that mean to you?
I feel a big sense of accomplishment. It is a really good feeling to set out with a certain goal and accomplish it.

You were really focused this year to come and win the Nationals after a quarterfinal finish the year before. What motivated you?
Last year my mind was scattered and not focused on what I had to do. This year I took a different approach by pacing myself throughout the event.

What did you do the day of the final to get yourself ready?
I was really enjoying the moment and because of that I was able to stay relaxed.

Do you have a coach and if so, was he there at Nationals coaching you?
No, I was just there with my dad.

How was your confidence going into the Open Men?s final with Cory, Kai and Alex? What game plan did you have going into that final?
Those guys are all good surfers and I was not looking at the outcome of the contest. I was more focused on my own performance and felt calm going in to it.

What is the funnest part about coming to and competing in the NSSA Nationals?
The funnest part is watching some of the parents go crazy.

Did you get any more sponsor opportunities after your victory?
Yes I did. Winning the Nationals definitely help my career.

It must have felt pretty good coming off the Open Men?s win and then staying in winning form to nail the US Open Juniors in Huntington.
I was pleased with myself. It meant a lot to me.

Many guys go pro after winning the Open Men?s. You decided to stay in the NSSA one more year. Are you going to try and defend the title?
The NSSA is always fun to surf and some of the events are at my home break. As far as the Nationals I will decide midseason depending on how I?m feeling and my schedule.

Only one person (Kalani Robb in 1993 and 1994) has been successful in defending that title. Many people have tried including Mike Losness, Dustin Cuizon, Pat Gudauskas, Clay Marzo and Kekoa Cazimero. What do you think your chances are and how pumped are you going to be to try and defend?
I really try not to focus on other athletes, but just on my own goals.

Who do you think will be your biggest threats at the 2008 Nationals?
This year (2007) I was the number six contender for the NSSA and I was not anyone?s biggest threat, so I guess it is wide open.

What moves are you going to be working on this year?
I am always trying to expand the possibilities of my surfing.

What school do you go to and will you be graduating this year?
I go to Pearblossum schooling and yes, I will be graduating.

What is the coolest thing about living on the Big Island?
The clean ocean.

Would you ever live anywhere else?
No.

If you could surf anywhere in the world, where would it be?
In front of my house.

What do you think about Carissa Moore?
I think she is raising the bar for female surfing.

Who influences or inspires your surfing?
People that try their hardest.

Other than NSSA events this year, what contests are you going to be focusing on?
The World Juniors and getting my seed up for the WQS.

Name something people don?t know about you.
I want to evolve as a better person and always keep moving up a level.

Anyone you would like to thank?
My family and all my supporters. And a special mention for Rainos Hayes who helped me and has been a big influence on my career.