Former ASP World Champion Chelsea Hedges (2005) made a guest appearance at the Roxy Surf Festival today, despite not competing in this year’s event. One of the world’s foremost short boarders, Chels has taken a break from top level competition due to her pregnancy. We caught up with the soon to be mom,  for a short Q and A.

So Chel’s what is it like being down at a contest you’re not competing in?

“It’s actually a really good feeling to know I don’t have to get out there and compete and know that I can just relax and watch the surfing. It’s awesome to be down here just watching and seeing the girls go off.”

Congratulations on your pregnancy how are you feeling?

“Jason and I are just so happy! It’s another stage in our loves and we’re both looking forward to the whole experience. I’m really enjoying motherhood and Jason is so excited to be a Dad - we almost can’t wait for it to happen already!

We saw Bethany Hamilton reach the Semifinals here today, what did you think about this sensational young girl’s performance?

“Bethany blows my mind! I don’t know how she does it or where she gets the amazing motivation she has to get out there alone. She surfs so good, she has an amazing backhand and watching her surf I can see how much she puts into it. Hopefully she can back-up this fantastic result and maybe we’ll see her on the World Tour in the near future.”

Sally Fitzgibbons has also been pretty sensational throughout this event taking out two wins here today – what was your impression of Sally’s surfing?

“Sally is one of those grommets who has been coming up the last few years and is definitely standing out. She’s getting taller and it’s helping her develop a more powerful, aggressive style. In the next year or so we’ll definitely see her shine and I think after her results today, all the girls will acknowledge her as a serious threat to World Tour competition.”