Knees up – Matt Gallagher NCW team rider interview

Hard charging, kneeboard shredding family man Matt Gallagher has been a stalwart of NCW’s core team riders for a while. Based in the sunny land of Australia Mr G knows his way around a juicy break and can turn his hand to multiple water craft at the drop of hat. He’s also a trail running junky and loves a bit of endurance fitness stuff. Over to Matt for the lowdown.

Give us a little bit of your wave riding background – when did you start, where did you learn and what prompted you to take to the water?

I’ve been around the ocean since I was little. My mum tells me I used to kneel down in front of the waves and let them wash into me. I started surfing around the age of 12 at my local beach, Hungry Head on the north coast of NSW on a bodyboard.

Where’s your current local – is it a friendly beachie or gnarly reef?

My current local is the bay in Bundeena NSW just opposite Cronulla, which takes a lot of swell for it to break. You need something long and fat to be able to ride the ripples. I also can be found riding a few at Garie Beach in The Royal National Park which is a punchy beachie.

Do you have specific spots in mind when you surf or are you just happy to be immersed in salty brine?

Wherever is breaking is good for me. I haven’t got all day to be searching for the perfect wave.

Got any bucket list spots you want to tick off in the coming weeks, months and years?

Chicama, Peru, has been on my wish list since I was in early high school. I look forward to one day riding the world’s longest left. Sand Left Hand Point on the Skeleton Coast of Africa would have to get a look in as well.

Where’s your fave wave and why does it stoke your fire?

The rivermouth back home in Urunga. It’s my home break and I usually get it all to myself.

Who’s your regular surf crew and how do they add to your everyday surf mix?

No surf crew at this stage, I usually surf by myself or away from the crowds.

What about surfing heroes in general – which rippers do you look up to?

Kelly Slater, Taylor Knox and Joel Tudor.

Talk to us about the kit you’re rocking – what’s your set up all about?

5/3 mm, 4/3mm, 3/2mm steamers, a 2mm long john, long sleeve hooded vest,      2mm vest and 2mm soft sole booties. This kit covers all the seasonal variations Australia has to offer.

How did you come across NCW and what do you love about the brand?

Around three or four years ago I saw fellow kneeboarder Ritchy Smith, whom I’d met at previous Kneeboard World Titles, with NCW Wetsuits so I got in contact. Ritchy emailed NCW and I was lucky enough to get on board their team of riders and have been stoked to wear their wetsuits ever since. The cut and quality of NCW wetsuits has been unreal and unlike many big brands they last longer than one season. The range of wetsuits fits really well into Australian seasons, NCW have got Aussies covered.

As a team rider, what does that entail? What are you expected to deliver in return for support from your sponsors?

I chat with other surfers about the NCW products, how they have worked for me, their benefits and how to get a hold of them. I try to enter as many competitive events as I can in order to get the product out there in my sporting domain. I also give feedback on products for research and development purposes.

Got any winter surf travel plans? If so, where you heading?

I wish…

Do you do anything specific as far as training goes outside of water time – weights or gym work for instance?

Yes I dabble in a bit of ultra-trail running. I use this to help endurance in the water. I’ve also been getting out on an old banged up prone paddle board to increase my paddle fitness. Free weights and slam balls also make an appearance in my training regime as well as Yoga. I like to pull the occasional tyre or two through the bush just to mix things up.

Is it just surfing or are you in to any other sports? If so, what are they and how do they fit with watery shenanigans?

I’m loving trail running at the moment and working towards running 50km before the end of June this year. My other watery shenanigans involve having a play on my father-in-law’s 11ft mal out in the bay.

Quick fire time: bacon or sausage?

Bacon.

Blonde or brunette?

Ranga-blonde because that’s what my wife is 🙂

Warm or cold?

Cold.

Dogs or cats?

Cats.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee, always.

Curry or Chinese?

Curry.

Any final shouts, thanks or praise?

A big big thanks to NCW for their support and the unreal gear they have supplied for not only me but also for my kids. I’m especially grateful for the interest they have taken in my sporting endeavours and my personal life.