JO SH CURTIS
We're reserving this spot for those local guys and girls that adorn surf spots the length of Aotearoa, living for the purity and stoke of each and every surf at their local. They don't chase the limelight, nor really care what is going on amongst the world surfing scene. They're just surfing for the love of it, whenever they can. This issue we're introducing Josh Curtis
Nicknames? Joshie, JC, Silknuts (don't ask haha) Married/Family at all? Single. Can barely look after myself let alone someone else! Where do you live? City slicker living in Grey Lynn, Auckland. When and how did you first
get in to surfing? I grew up in the Mount (Mount Maunganui), and my older brother Jase got me into it when I was about 10. Being 5 years younger than him, I kinda just did what he did and it went from there. Realistically spent the first two of years getting pounded in the shore break and wanting to go home but eventually got the bug! Travel? I’ve been lucky to travel a lot with my family over the years. We spent a bunch of time in Hawaii over the NZ winter and can somewhat call it a home away from home. I’ve also spent some time in Europe, Aussie and Bali which is always a good time! Favourite place to surf? Warm tropical places are always a bonus, but we get some really good waves here in NZ. I love surfing Raglan being forehand, but the crowd gets to me. Matakana Island has to be up there too - The mission over there on the boat and getting little beach break barrels leaves you with a smile for a few days that's for sure! Your perfect surf session? I’m not really a charger, so probably 3-4ft fun punchy beach break, warm enough for boardies with only 5-6 mates out. Something fun and playful where you can try things, high-5 your mates on the way past and just have fun! Your stance on localism? I get it, but I also think some guys take it way too far. Everyone's a local somewhere, everyone's a visitor somewhere, just don't be a douche bag in the line-up, wait your turn and everyone should be happy. Any bain's at your local? The 40 min drive out there. Crowds. Rips. Hot black sand in summer and feeling like you’re going to end up on Piha Rescue most sessions. Other interests? I try and keep busy with a mix of things. I recently got a motorbike to keep my sanity through the Auckland traffic and it's becoming a fun side project. I also grew up wakeboarding and snowboarding which go hand in hand and keep you busy through the different seasons. It's cool to mix it up and keep things interesting!
Occupation? Monday to Friday I work as an Architect for a company in Parnell. I work mainly on commercial projects - offices, retail, mixed use projects and things like that. It's cool to see the city grow and know that I'm contributing something positive to it! Life highlight? That's a big question! Being 25 and single I think the biggest thing I have done so far is exchanged a fairly large student loan for a piece of paper haha. Fave beer? I'm no expert on beer, but as long as it's cold and not Guinness, I'm more than happy! Rugby or league? WSL! Shout outs! NZ Surf Mag for getting this little piece going! Gaz for getting the photo, and all the other weekend warriors out there doing it for the love of it!