Checking in with another goofyfooter in William Matthews, who is going to have some fun on the lefts at URBNSurf Melbourne for the Surfing Doctors Wellness Conference
Nationality?
Australian
Current Position?
Intern at Tweed Valley Hospital
Education and work experience?
Studied at Newcastle through the JMP
Medical interests? Have you found your niche?
I have enjoyed basically all the specialities I have been exposed to, so I think I would enjoy a career in emergency medicine or GP/generalist, but am keen to see what the next few years bring!
Local surf spot?
Originally Stockton Beach, Newcastle
In the Gold Coast area really been enjoying Cabarita and Lennox
What is your favourite surf destination?
Hard to beat Macaroni’s as a goofy footer, but my favourite place to surf when it is good (very rarely) is my home beach of Stockton with all my mates
Travel experience?
Been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit and surf some unique locations, including living in Southern California for a little while.
I have spent time in South & Central America, made multiple trips to Indonesia and other parts of Asia, and completed a medical placement in Tanzania, which was amazing.
I also love snowboarding and have been very lucky to travel to Japan, Canada, and Europe to board.
Best surf trip ever?
My favourite surf trip would be exploring Northern Peru. Got to surf waves like Chicama and Cabo Blanco with a solid swell. It was not an easy place to get to, but it got really fun, long, barrelling waves and made for an amazing experience.
Worst surf trip ever?
Mexico in 2019 – terrible surf, terrific tequila
Best thing about surfing?
Exercise, being in the ocean, and being with mates – no better combo
Best advice you were ever given with regards to surfing?
To square your shoulders in the barrel and through turns
Favourite surfer in the world and why?
Mick Fanning – the first surfer I really started watching religiously when I started.
Able to win titles in the Kelly and Irons era, which made for some of the best heats to watch.
Also, I really enjoy Ethan Ewing’s surfing, probably because of the similar rail game.
Current go-to surfboards? (make and dims)
Been surfing a 6’6 Jye Burns pulled in twin pin recently and have really enjoyed something with a-bit more length for the points around the Gold Coast. Finding it makes me surf a whole lot more.
Otherwise my standard short board is 6’0 by 19 ½, 21/2 thick
Instagram?
Will_matthews56
Read more: Meet The Crew