Frother of the Month – Fred Gooch

By Brad Malyon on September 2, 2011 in People

Bronte grommet Fred Gooch talks school, surf, sibling rivalry and learning to be a chef.

Age: 15
Board Details: Lee Stacey 5’4” x 17 3/8” x 2”
Stance: Goofy
Local Break: Bronte Bunker

What’s your favourite thing about high school? School isn?t too bad, but I prefer to be working with the boys at Three Blue Ducks cafe. There is no real pressure at school; it’s pretty laid back. I enjoy doing Food Tech but it doesn?t compare to cooking at the cafe.

You work at Three Blue Ducks on the weekends; what sort of jobs do they have you doing? It varies. Sometimes I’ll be out the back prepping food but usually I’m working the grill, covering all the B & E rolls and steak sandwiches. I also provide my boss, Mark, with some guidance when he is looking a bit lost.

What’s the best bit about your gig there? The best bit about my gig is working with the boys and the learning experience I am getting. It’s really getting me on the right track to where I want to go.

Are you aspiring to be the next MasterChef? I don?t really fancy myself on TV. I think I’ll just stick with the Ducks for now.

With school and work commitments, do you have any time to surf these days? I‘m not sur?ng as much as I would like to but I still manage to get a fair few sessions in. I’ve also earned a bit of coin that has gone towards some new surfboards, which my brothers are pretty jealous of.

You have two brothers; do they surf also? Is there a bit of sibling rivalry in the line-up? Yeah, my brothers and I have a little rivalry, a drop in here and there but it’s all fun and games. It’s also hard watching my younger brother getting better than me, so a drop in is always due here and there.

Your mum must be a legend; how does she handle a house full of boys? I don?t know how Mum does it. She has always got a table full of hungry boys and loves us enjoying all her food. She also plays a great role in my inspiration towards food.

If you could surf anywhere in the world where would it be? It would have to be a perfect left-hand point break. I have heard there are plenty in Mexico and Peru. I think Dunstan Foss is over there living life good at the moment and I can’t wait to hear about his trip when he gets back.

Where do you reckon we will ?nd Fred Gooch in ten years’ time? Travelling the world with my mates would have to be my number one option – just sur?ng and learning new things about food and travel.

Any last words? Come see the Three Blue Ducks. Yeww!