"Drink at the Bar: an Interview with Peter Drouyn," was recorded in late 1970, and ran in the June 1971 issue of Surfing, when Drouyn was 22. This version has been slightly edited.

How do you feel about being paid for this interview?

I wouldn’t do it unless I got paid. I’m a professional so to speak, and I'm working my guts out trying to make a living from surfing. I’ll just leave it at that.

Do you think money creates a good contest?

I’d never go in a contest unless cash was the prize.

Five hundred before I left Australia, five hundred for the Duke, and five hundred for the Smirnoff.

If this was worked out on the same lines as pro golf you’d likely be rated on top.

I’d like to think of it that way. The most money at the end of the year is what should determine who is best, not the guy with the biggest mouth on the beach and a minimum of ability in the water.

Do you agree that you must have good surf to have a money competition?

Not only a money competition but any competition that will mean anything at all. Otherwise you’re kidding yourself.

The Smirnoff had a card system similar to a diving competition. After each ride, the judges held up a card showing how many points that surfer received. Did you like this system?

I thought it was terrific. Quite a breakthrough for competing surfers and spectators alike. The Smirnoff contest made me feel like a real professional. I just got up in the morning, went to work, did my job, got paid, and left with no social hang-ups—besides saying "thanks."

Besides competing, what have you been doing in Hawaii?

A little of this, a little of that. Rodney Sumpter is making a new film called 

, so I’ve been surfing with him quite a bit. We plan to go to California and possibly Texas to surf and promote his latest film 

They’re still waiting for waves and I’m still trying to keep fit.

[Note: the Makaha contest was held shortly after this interview, and Drouyn because the first and only non-Hawaiian-resident to win the event.]

Do you plan to work for or endorse any surfboard companies in California?

Not yet. I’ll just wait until I get there and feel things out.

In your opinion, is being locked in the tube the ultimate in surfing?

Right. At my favorite spot, that’s what I do all day. One minute you see me, and then you don’t.

A place I don’t want people to know about. It starts with "B" and ends with "Heads." It is on the gold coast of Queensland.

Your opinion on twin fins and other surfboard theories?

Over the last few years, especially the last two, this gimmick thing has really gotten out of hand. [The twin-fin is] a crazy little horse with a crooked little saddle.

Observers of the North Shore scene this year have said your surfing is basic, straight ahead and no gimmicks. Would you agree to that?

Who would you say influenced your surfing the most?

Mickey Dora is one of the more controversial people in surfing because of his somewhat radical points of view. Do you go along with his views?

I don’t know Mickey that well but I do see quite a bit of truth in his words. Most of all I like his individual approach, especially in the water.

I understand you’ve done some acting in Australia?

What was the latest production you were in?

[Photos: Art Brewer, Rusty Miller, Rick Chan]

Peter Drouyn (1970)

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