One of my favorite parts about surfing is how unique, individual, and personal it is. We all partake in the same activity, but we all do it a bit differently. Big waves, competitions, free surfers, shapers, weekend warriors, pro’s, “industry” folk, actors, tourists, staunch locals; the community is as diverse as you could draw it up.
With this range of surfers there are a ton of stories to be told, lessons to be learned, and people to meet. Which is why I would like to introduce you to our new Interview Series –
Hello, My Name Is:
I look forward to speaking with surfers from all different walks of life and different parts of the world, learning about cultures and waves and heritage. History and movements and ideas. It’s an exciting prospect. I hope you’ll follow along this journey.
With that said, I’d like you to meet the first guest of this series –
Greyson Grant.
My introduction to Greyson was at a US Pro Tour event that I judged here at home (Huntington Beach) a few years back. He dropped a 10 at some point that caught everyone on the panel by surprise. I don’t think many of us had known of him before. He just recently had a solid run through the Jacks Pro event that got the announcers attention, as well as my own. Scott Waring compared his surfing to Tonino Benson’s, and Pete Mel called him ‘The X Factor’.
He finished in equal 5th, his second best result on the QS thus far (after a 3rd place finish in Puerto Rico last year). His surfing is somehow both smooth and electric. Stylish and dynamic. I reached out to Greyson for a little Q&A to get to know him a bit, introduce him to you. Enjoy this first edition of
Hello, My Name is: Greyson Grant.
Hey Whatsup Greyson! Nice run at the Jacks Pro. Waves were tough, but you were ripping. How did you feel about your event and result?
- Hey whatsup, feeling pumped about my result. Been nonstop work and effort to get to where I am today. It’s a long season ahead, just happy and grateful to start off with a 5th.
What was the highlight of the event for you?
- Making a board switch and sticking with it the rest of the event, from PU to epoxy. The wind was crazy but it worked out. And my round of 16 heat where I decided to go down the beach and find waves. That heat ended up being super slow. Carlos made the heat with an interference.
What are your plans and goals for the rest of this year/season?
- Become a well rounded and respected human. Online college. And to just enjoy the moment.
I read that you didn’t start surfing until you were 12. At what age did you start competing?
- Started competing at age 13-14, then got serious around 16. Competing really pushes me and makes me want to put on a show.
Where are you from? What is your home break?
- Born and raised in Leucadia, and D Street in Encinitas is my local surf break.
Who is your favorite surfer?
- Corey Lopez.
What motivates or inspires you?
- How hard both my parents work.
Favorite surf movie?
- The Bruce Movie.
I see on your profile that you represent Sweden. Can you tell me about that? Have you been there? Do you hope to surf there?
- My mom is from Sweden. I go to Sweden every year. All of my cousins and grandparents live over there, and it’s like a second home to me. One day I will represent Sweden in the Olympics.
Dream surf trip?
- Mexico with the boys.
What would you like to do, or where would you like to take your surfing?
- I want to take my surfing to bigger waves, charge harder, get bigger barrels and learn new variations of airs.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- I see myself in 5 years working hard and retiring my parents.
Thanks so much for your time Greyson, much appreciated. Looking forward to following you the remainder of this year on the QS, and moving forward in your career.
You can follow Greyson on instagram
@ greyson_grant
Or watch some of his Youtube videos here.
If you’ve got someone you want to hear from, drop a comment below, or send an email.
hwilsin@hvoide.com
Cheers,
hwilsin
Drew Stanfield