TONY HARBOTT
We’re reserving this spot for those local guys & 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
Nicknames:
My kids call me Silver Surfer, I think because I have been grey since I was about 30!
Married/family at all? Or relationship?
Happily married to my high school sweetheart. Funny, after 30 years of marriage to a surfer, she has recently taken it up herself and is as keen as a young grommet. We have three fantastic kids and a recent addition that now makes us grandparents! My oldest lives in Auckland and works for Air NZ which does have some travel bonuses for the rest of the family. My second is a Funeral Director here in Gisborne who I hope I don’t need to ask for any favours from anytime soon, and my youngest works in the mines in Australia.
Where do you live?
Chalet Beach, Wainui, Gisborne
Where, when and how did you first get into surfing?
I started surfing when I was 10 years old in Dunedin. I think I found my niche in surfing because I wasn’t good at anything else. I still have many fond memories of cold water, good surfs, sharks and hot pies. Came to Gisborne in 1983 for the warmer weather and have been here ever since.
Travel?
The spice of life! I love travelling to new places, surfing new breaks and meeting new people. I guess my favourite destination is Bali as I keep going back to it. But I have also had great times and surfs in Australia, Rarotonga, Vanuatu, and Europe. Coming from NZ I love warm water destinations, it is such a luxury to surf in board-shorts.
Favourite place to surf?
Nothing better than surfing my home break at Chalet but I love the variety Gisborne offers. I came here nearly 30 years ago and I thought it would only be for a couple of years but I am still here. It’s a hard place to beat.
Your perfect surf session?
A-frame peaks with good friends to share it with.
Your stance on localism?
I hate it! As someone who travels a lot I haven’t had too many issues. So long as everyone is respectful and plays by the rules there shouldn’t be any problems. We are all out there sharing a common passion and it should be about having fun!!!
Other interests?
Fitness especially as I get older. To make the most out of life you need to be fit enough to enjoy it so I work pretty hard on this. I also love doing up houses and working with property. I find it really satisfying and rewarding.
Occupation:
Ex teacher but I am now fortunate enough to be able to pursue my interest in property and am currently working on The Chalet!
Life Highlight?
Apart from kids and my new grandson it has to be travel, travel, travel. Oh yeah buying the Chalet, selling the Chalet and buying the Chalet, that has been pretty cool!
Fave beer?
Being a southern man has to be Speights!
Rugby or League?
Rugby it is!