Jacob Szekely was treated to a step-off tube session with Josk Kerr. Photo: Jacob Szekely//screenshot
Jacob “Zeke” Szekely might have blown his chance at future employment with the WSL after sneaking in some unruly interview questions at the Gold Coast Pro. But he doesn’t look to be sulking in regret. Instead, the YouTuber aerial specialist is making the most of his time in Australia, getting his share of a great run of swell after the event.
Szekely’s favorite part about visiting the Gold Coast was his “red carpet” reception by Josh Kerr, his childhood hero. Kerr gave Szekely a twin-fin for a session at D-Bah full of Championship Tour surfers, then invited him for a Jet Ski step-off session on a mysterious, offshore sand bar.
“My wildest dreams have come true,” Szekely said. “Josh Kerr is literally the reason I wanted to be a pro surfer when I was 12 years old. And then to have grown up and have him mentor me, and be like a big brother to me, give me business advice, give me life advice, and then take me on these amazing surf trips. I truly feel blessed.”
Kerr’s invitation to the Jet Ski session — with Sierra Kerr and Molly Picklum — resulted in what Szekely called “best wave I’ve gotten in a long time.”
“I can’t believe places like this exist… No California kid should ever see a wave like that,” Szekely joked, alluding to the relative scarcity of barreling waves in Southern California.
After scoring “epic” barrels in Mexico last month, followed by Gold Coast tubes, Szekely is making the most of his YouTube run.
