Brendon Gibbens wipes a crisp autumnal slob, NSW

“This picture was taken during my two-month stint in Australia,” says Brendon. “I was posted up in Newcastle at Craig Anderson’s house, kinda just hanging around in limbo. I was fortunate enough to link up with Bosko who is extremely passionate about his work and an absolute legend of a man. He managed to nail this shot during our first session shooting together. I personally think that tweaking a straight slob or indy has become the new ‘straight air standard’. I reckon Dane, Dion, Craig, Creed and Noa, to name a few, have been demonstrating that for a while now. It’s just not quite as dynamic if it’s not boned out.” Let’s ask Brendon about his experience in Australia, a place often compared to his native South Africa. “Well, yes, I’ve always thought of Australia as being the cousin country of South Africa. It’s just like an expensive, First World version of SA with lots more pubs.” Brendon’s surfboard is by Dave van Ginkel, who has been shaping his boards since he was 15. “Dave’s boards are brilliant, in my opinion,” says Brendon.