Meet Paul Kirby: Surfer Dude From Bude
We at Urban Surfer love the opportunity to speak to someone in the industry who is passionate about what they do. This week we were fortunate enough to be able to interview Paul Kirby: surfer dude from Bude who gave us the down low on what it's like to ride the waves...
Hi Paul, it’s great to be able to talk to you! How are you? Hi, I am really great thank you. Just managed to catch a few waves earlier, which always helps me get through the day.
So tell us, how did you first get into surfing? My big brother started and I just wanted to be like him. I was 12 which I guess is old these days. Every Sunday we’d go to Polzeath and hire boards and wet suits. I’ll never forget the rash those suits gave me on my neck!
Sounds great, besides the rash! What is your first surfing memory? I have loads really and to be honest they were the best times. Me and my friends Shaun and Karl used to catch the bus to Widemouth. We'd get changed in the bus shelter and spend all day there. Another thing that sticks in my mind is those bungee cord leashes we used to use. I’ll never forget the anticipation of the board flying back at you when you fell off. So lethal!
Ha, amazing! And so why is it you love surfing so much? There are loads of reasons I love surfing, the main reason is how it make me feel and shapes me as a person. If I have a surf and get some time to myself in the sea I feel like I can do anything. No surf and the wife says ‘your grumpy, you need to go surfing!'
Who inspires you? My friend Alex is always keen to go and pushes me to surf better. I love watching people having fun. It reminds me that, that is what it’s supposed to be about.
You have been surfing for some time, what is your greatest achievement to date? I have competed for a few years, I have won a few contests and come second in the British and English Nationals more times than I care to remember! To be honest I feel like I've achieved more when I’ve found a bank with no one out and scored a few good waves.
Have you done much travelling with your surfing? I haven’t done a great deal, but I have been to Morocco, Sri Lanka, Fuerteventura, Madeira, New Zealand, France and Australia. The best wave I have ever surfed was in Sri Lanka. I went to Araugan Bay on the East coast in 2004 for the Champion of Champions contest and got the chance to surf an amazing wave.
Was it always surfing for you or do you have other hobbies beside it? No, I played all sports but really took to Hockey. I used to play hockey and I actuall played county level and had England trials. But surfing won over in the end. And now my kids and my wife take up a lot of my time.
So what’s next for you then? Try to stay fit and healthy, keep searching for quiet spots to surf and keep having fun.
What events are you hitting this year? I might do the JSC and British National but that’s about it.
What do you love/hate the most about surfing? I love having fun and goofing about. I hate the hassle, people who snake and really don’t have any surf etiquette.
Where’s your favourite spot? Well that would be telling! Let’s just say, I prefer to go right unless its big.
If you could change anything about surfing, what would it be? The amount of people in the water, or just people surf etiquette.
Who else on the scene is ripping it up right now? Bude is full of good surfers: Jobe Harris, The Ash brothers are obvious names, but there are loads who rip, Bobby Horstman, Alex Boardman, Tim Holland to name a few.
Thanks , it’s been a pleasure! Here is a chance to thank any sponsors. I’m not sponsored, never been very good at self-promotion. Always happy to help brands, promoting etc, so if there’s anyone out there, let me know?!
Have you had any amazing surf experiences you want to share with us? If so, tell us in the comments below!
If we've tickled your fancy for a surf, head over to our surf section of the website.
