TJ Barron Thaws Out in Canada



Hawaiians and cold water aren’t exactly a match made in Heaven. But apparently, no one thought to mention that to T.J. Barron. Looking like a tanned seal, covered head to toe in black neoprene, T.J. has been annihilating his competition at the Cold Water Classic Canada event, looking right at home in the frosty conditions. Something has to give: You’re not supposed to be surfing as well as T.J. has been in 50-degree water...especially if you were reared in trunks. With a bevy of questions in hand, I grabbed T.J. after he won his heat and began the cross-examination.

You look a bit cold, I’ll be honest. But you’re ripping in all that rubber. What gives?

Yeah, it’s definitely cold but I love it here. It’s so beautiful. Different from Hawaii, but it’s an amazing place. But yeah, the waves are pretty fun, but it’s kind of a trip because I was just sitting at home in trunks a few days ago.

So how is it surfing in a suit that thick?

It’s not too bad, really. I didn’t have this suit until right before I got here actually, but it does a good job.

How’s the Canadian nightlife? Have you sampled the local fare?

Nah, I’ve just been kind of hanging out at night. To be honest, I’ve been too cold to really want to leave the house. We have this fire thing our room where you just flip the switch and it blasts. I’ve pretty much been cruising in front of that thing.