This week we spoke to Greg Payne, who has been a GSI dealer for over 2 decades and is the owner of Extreme Boardriders, a local surf shop in Glenelg, Adelaide, South Australia.
image supplied by Greg Payne
GSI: Hi Greg, Tell us about about yourself. Where do you live and what do you do at and Extreme Boardriders?
GP: I live on the coast in Adelaide about a 5 minute walk from the beach and work. At Extreme Boardriders I am the Owner, Managing Director and I also keep my finger on the pulse of local surf forecasts.
image supplied by Greg Payne
GSI: How old were you when you learnt to surf? Where was your first lesson and who taught you?
GP: I was 16 years old and there were no lesson in the 80’s! :) Learning to surf was just trial and error and ‘support’ from your mates. Pushing the boundaries, exploring surf locations and egging each other on was all part of the journey. My first board was 5’8” Sky twin fin from Byron Bay. It was hard to paddle and way too loose but I thought it was the best thing I’d ever bought.
GSI: What is the best tip you have for anyone learning to surf?
GP: Get some lessons to start out, these will make your first sessions safer and way more fun. Also dropping into your local surf shop for advice on your early surfboard and wetsuit purchases will give you confidence that you are on the right equipment.
image supplied by Greg Payne
GSI: Tell us about a surf session that really sticks in your mind.
GP: Treasure Island Sumatra, 5 days into a boat trip with mates. The other boats had pretty much left and gaining the confidence to pull into the heavier barrels and hooting your mates into some of the best waves of their lives was super memorable.
image supplied by Greg Payne
GSI: What is your favourite surf spot?
GP: Favourite spot? Can’t really say…. ;) South Australians travel a lot for waves, so I’d have to say some of the more remote breaks. Six hour day trips or 10 hours to get to desert locations puts you right in the heart of nature in Australia. Remote camping spots, solo sessions and starlit campfire nights.
GSI: What do you like about dealing with GSI?
GP:GSI, being a surfer owned company based in Australia, knows how to put a great range of boards together. Having good models, competitive pricing and not flooding the market with rubbish is important to my business and customers. Kel and the team are reliable, easy to deal with and always sort out any dramas.
GSI: Our company mantra is ‘Life is Better When Your Surf®” how does that statement resonate with you?
GP: Surfing has had a massive impact on my life, the benefits are huge. Being amongst nature where you are focused on surfing and nothing else really clears the mind. Competing with others but mainly challenging yourself to surf better helps you stay mentally and physically fit and this has benefits when you’re out of the water.
