Long Beach, New York
Big waves might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you envision the state of New York, but if you ask competitive surfer Will Skudin, these two worlds mesh seamlessly. He’s a Big Wave World Tour competitor and co-founder of two New-York based surfing programs — Skudin Surf and Surf for All — two organisations that invite folks of all abilities to jump on a surfboard and enjoy a fun, positive learning environment. Will and his family are great people, and we are proud to call him one of our own. Here’s a brief tour inside his mind.
What’s the first thing that crosses your mind before you go surfing?
Wave conditions. That determines which board I’m going to ride and where I’m going to go.
Tell us a favourite story from a day out surfing?
I got Jaws all to myself on February 25th, 2016. Caught three waves, rode them out, and called it a day. Best session of my life!
How do you up your game year after year?
With a strict training regimen, dedication, and mental preparation.
Who are your heroes? Who do you look up to?
Definitely my parents, and all of the adaptive athletes that we get to work with at Surf for All.
If there is any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
I love surfing, but I hate airplanes!
What sound or noise do you love?
Cliff Skudin’s one liners.
When are you happiest?
When I’m surfing with my mom.
What are the 3 most essential things you need for surfing?
1. A surf board.
2. A loose schedule.
3. A life vest.
2. A loose schedule.
3. A life vest.
What would be your day job if you weren’t doing what you currently doing?
I would be a creative marketing brand strategist.
If you could bring anybody in the world with you to do what you love (dead or alive), who would it be?
I would bring my Grandma Tutu out for a beach day!
What does YETI mean to you?
YETI means spending more time outdoors.
How would you explain what YETI is to someone who didn’t know?
YETI is a rugged outdoor adventure brand.
What is the YETI that you cannot do without?
What, if any, other YETI products do you use? How do you use a specific YETI product in your market?
The Sidekick Dry™. Gear Case. I attach it to my belt and use it as the manliest fanny pack ever while I run my surf camp. It helps me go in and out of the water.
How has any YETI product changed what you do or how you do it?
My Rambler® Bottle has changed the way I consume my drinks daily. It keeps me hydrated all day long!