I was stoked to start off the year by meeting, surfing with and vibing with one of my favorite free surfers, Otis Carey. After keeping in contact with him, I decided it would be awesome to ask him some questions about his surfing journey and life in general. Here are a few highlights from our catch up.
Where are you from?
I was born in Grafton and brought up in the bush just outside of Grafton until I was four. Then I moved into Coffs Harbour. On my mother’s side we have a very big family based in Grafton, so we spent a lot of time there and at the beach in Coffs.
When and where did you start surfing?
Mum and Dad had us at the beach in the ocean at Coffs Harbour before we could walk, so my very first memories are at the beach with Mum and Dad. I couldn’t even tell you what age I first started surfing, but it has always been a first memory.
What’s your favorite food?
Bush tucker
Do you have a routine before a competition?
Yeah, I don’t do comps. Best routine ever.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My son Beige, my family and my culture.
What’s been your greatest achievement?
Breathing, being free and being happy.
Tell us a bit about your art and how that plays into your new sponsorship with Billabong.
My art is a reflection of how I see my culture and how I want to share that part of myself with others. It’s something I hold close to my heart, so it can be hard at times to share certain emotions and even certain traditional stories. The new contract with Billabong is a three year contract. I’ll be collaborating with the design teams every season to design some cool stuff, so that’s been really fun so far.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Home to my people’s country. I always look forward to traveling overseas just because I get to make the journey back home where I belong.
Any cool people you have met whilst living on this earth?
I’ve met some pretty extraordinary, crazy, out there people along the way so far. I’m sure I’ll cross paths with many more.
How’s your son doing?
My little man Beige is going really well. He’s just lost his first tooth so he’s super pumped on that at the moment. He also turns six in September. It’s crazy to think how fast six years go.
So where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I hope I’ve got two more kids, maybe three more kids perched up on a few acres near the ocean. I don’t know? I don’t think past next week let alone 10 years, but I hope I’m happy, healthy and surrounded by love.
Advice for up and coming surfers?
Don’t take it seriously and surf for the love of the ocean, not for the hopes of making money from it.
Last words?
Love and Light
