Jacob Burke – Surfing in his bloodline
From the days of being on the nose of his dad’s surfboard to spending a week at the Billabong Bloodlines Surf Camp, Bajan junior surfer, Jacob Burke is enjoying the family business. As the youngest son of ex-pro surfer, Alan Burke and little brother of Josh Burke, 11-year old Jacob has spent most of the last 8 years riding the tides.
Adrenaline Sun caught up with the kid known as Manrat while he and his brother were still carving the coast of Hawaii at the Billabong Bloodlines Surf Camp.
Jacob with the legendary Kelly Slater
First of all where did the nickname Manrat come from?
My grandpa Durant gave it to me a long time ago, but it never really caught on. Eventually, my dad started to like the name and all my friends began calling me Manrat.
Why did you start surfing?
Because its so much fun and I was born and raised on a beach so it just came naturally.
Who are your surfing role models?
Mainly Kelly Slater and I really like Jamie Obrien and my Dad!
Being from a family of surfers, do you feel intimidated being the youngest?
No, because my dad and my brother supports when I’m surfing and so does my mum and sister.
How long do you spend in the water each week?
It depends on the waves and much homework I have but about 14-22hours.
At 11 years old you’ve had a relatively short career but what your most memorable moments?
In September last year 2 weekes after being released from the Hospital with Dengue Hemorrahgic Fever, I got 2nd in the U-12 at the NKF event in Cocoa beach Florida.
What’s your favorite manoeuvre on the surfboard?
I like all aspects of surfing but I love to get barrelled.
Can you tell me any new tricks that you’re working on?
Right now the air reverse and when I get a chance on a wave I try lip 360′s.
Where are your favorite spots to surf?
My favourite surf spots are soupbowl, silver sands and what my dad calls sweet trees.
Is there any sibling rivalry between you and your older brother Josh in the water?
Yes, but its friendly and we push each other especially in big waves an new surf spots.
How does it feel be associated with the Billabong brand?
It feels great to be associated with such a big and cool brand, but I would not be this far in my surfing life if it wasn’t for my dad!
What do you do for fun when you’re not surfing?
When I am not surfing I like to take of my birds, build and create things, draw and read!
What are your future plans?
My future plans are to be like Uncle Kelly Slater or be better and beat his record of world 11 titles.
What was the experience like at the Billabong Bloodlines Surf Camp?
It’s truly a learning one, I am surfing bigger waves than I have ever surfed before and being advised by Hawaiian ledgends Rainos Hayes, Tony Moniz and Shane Dorian. It’s like a dream come true.
What spots did you surf in Hawaii?
I have surfed Haliewa, Freddies,Velzyland and a secret spot called Rice bowl.
Any Last Words?
I just want to thank my mum, dad, brother and sister for supporting me throughout the contests that I’ve been in. Especially my dad for taking me this far and all my friends for encouraging me in the water.
