Life is Better When You Surf® - Ian Newland
GSI: Hi Ian, Tell us about about yourself. Where do you live and what do you do?
IN: I live in New Smyrna Beach Florida also known as the shark bite capital of the world. I've been surfing for 20 years which has helped me create a life around the ocean and a career following the things I am passionate about. I've been working in the surf industry for 15 years and running this store Quiet Flight surf shop for the last 10.
image supplied by Ian Newland
GSI: How old were you when you learnt to surf? Where was your first lesson and who taught you?
IN: I learned to surf at the age of 14. After years of skateboarding, my friends and I were looking for the next best feeling on a board. Living an hour away from the ocean it gave my friends and I the option to choose from different beaches to surf in Florida. We mainly learned to surf at the Cocoa beach pier, then started exploring areas like Satelight Beach, Melbourne beach, Sebastian Inlet and NSB. We were fresh to the game with no one to teach us and learned to surf on our own.
GSI: What is the best tip you have for anyone learning to surf?
IN: The best tip I have for anyone that wants to learn how to surf is to get a lesson in with someone who can put you on the right board that floats you well (so you can paddle faster) and teach you all the basics you need to know so that you have the best idea of what exactly to do when you get out there on your own.
image supplied by Ian Newland
GSI: Tell us about a surf session that really sticks in your mind.
IN: A surf session that really sticks in my mind... wow that's tough. So many good ones. One special session that comes to me is when hurricane Dorian rolled through back in 2019. This thing lined up perfectly for Florida by cruising right up along the coast line north and just pumped in swell for us. At times when it gets big, the inlet here can’t hold swell that well so that opens up some opportunity for us to check out other spots around town. We ended up scoring absolute Florida perfection at a spot just south of the inlet. Over-head. A-framing pits. Offshore winds. Just the magic that the Floridians look for when its hurricane season.
image supplied by Ian Newland | Linda Smith Photography
GSI: What is your favourite surf spot?
IN: My favorite surf spot is right here at home, New Smyrna Beach inlet. I do enjoy traveling down to Nicaragua and getting the goods down there as well.
GSI: As a long time surfer and surf store employee how do you personally keep the stoke alive?
IN: The way I keep the stoke alive is to just stay in the water. When there's waves, surf. Small or big, get out there. Flat, go swim. Flat for a while, go travel and find some.
GSI: What is your favorite GSI board from the current range?
IN: My favorite board from GSI would be the Huevo model from Creative Army. I've had it in every size and find the 8'1 is my all time favorite for maximized wave count and overall feeling of speed and trim.
GSI: What do you like about dealing with GSI?
IN: What I enjoy about working with GSI is the excellent service they have provided me over years. They make the process of getting boards in the shop easy and have always worked through any kind of speed bumps along the way. I also appreciate all the relationships I've made with the people I've worked closely with at GSI throughout the years.
image supplied by Ian Newland | Carol Sears Photography
GSI: Our company mantra is ‘Life is Better When Your Surf®” how does that statement resonate with you?
IN: Life is better when you surf. I mean how do you top it. Surfing provides so much for so many. An opportunity to play outside by yourself or with friends. Tap into that inner grom feeling and be psyching. Connecting with the ocean and nature. Travel. Community. I mean the list can go on and on. Surfing just provides.
