Life is Better When You Surf® - Ian 'Wooly' McPherson
This week, we had a chat with Ian ‘Wooly’ McPherson, long-time GSI dealer and the owner of Star Surf & Skate located in Mandurah, Western Australia.
GSI: Hi Wooly, tell us about yourself, where you live and what you do at Star Surf?
IM: I’m the owner/operator Star Surf + Skate Surf Shop and Mandurah Surf Lessons. You can find me coaching at the surf school and on the floor at the shop most days.
image supplied by Wooly
GSI: How old were you when you learnt to surf? Where was it and who taught you?
IM: I started my surfing journey when I was 9 or 10 years old on a coolite (foamie) and that thing used to give the worst rash you have ever seen until I painted it with some water-based paint. My mum was a keen swimmer and used to drag me and my younger brother down to the beach and that's what got me started. The 2 spots we used to hit were Avalon (Mandurah Avalon WA not Northern Beaches NSW) and Falcon Bay and they just so happen to be 2 beaches that I run my surf school at now :) No one taught me as such but we used to just look at the older surfers and watch what they were doing.
image supplied by Wooly
GSI: What is the best tip you have for anyone learning to surf?
IM: Get out there consistently and make sure you are on the correct board - too many times I see people trying to learn and progress on boards too small. Foam is your friend and there is no 'too big' only 'too small'.
image supplied by Wooly
GSI: Tell us about a surf session that really sticks in your mind.
IM: I have a few, one session I had at Desert Point (Lombok) really sticks in my mind for some of the longest tubes I've ever had but I've also had some epic sessions in the North West of WA. I have had some amazing tow sessions and one that haunts me forever is when I was out there towing and saw Damon Eastaugh ride a wave that was later measured at 65'! That day is also the same day that I remember for my best (or worst) wipeout.
image supplied by Wooly
GSI: What is your favourite surf spot?
IM: North West WA for sure. My dream spot would be Snapper/Superbank with only a few surfers out (that's never going to happen) but I do love my hometown of Mandurah for its variety of waves and community.
GSI: What do you like about dealing with GSI?
IM: I've been dealing with GSI for around 20 years and some of the positives are that the boards are very good for the beginner and entry level market and that really suits my business as you can start your journey on a softboard board then onto a longboard or mid and even progress down to your first short board. GSI is always consistent with the way they do business and I know what to expect.
image supplied by Wooly
GSI: What is your favorite GSI board from your current range?
IM: It would have to be the Modern Highline 2.0 as it's the perfect first board when you are coming off a softboard. It will help you progress if you're a beginner but will also work for an intermediate surfer and a good surfer can ride them too, it's very versatile.
GSI: Our company mantra is ‘Life is Better When Your Surf®” how does that statement resonate with you?
IM: The best! I have my own one that gets me out of bed each day to go to work and that one is "Sharing the Stoke of Surfing" so they really do go hand in hand and I can relate!
image supplied by Wooly
WOOLY"S FAVORITE BOARD
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Modern Highline 2.0 Shortboard from $530.00 |
STAR SURF & SKATE
If you find yourself on the southwest coast of Western Australia be sure to drop into to Star Surf & Skate in Mandurah and tell Wooly we sent you!
Follow Star Surf & Skate on Instagram: @starsurf.com.au
