Brett Simpson Is (Sort Of) Back!

Who doesn’t love Brett Simpson? Maybe not for his competitive prowess. Or insatiable desire to surf on the QS (only topped by Keanu Asing and Jadson Andre). But certainly for his antics during Tour Notes’ glory days. You know, back when we we and Hurley were running the show and Tour Notes actually showed you something not seen on the stream.

Between 2010 and 2015, Brett, had a commendable crack on the CT. And in ’09 and ’10, he went back to back at the US Open: an enviable feat regardless of how shit the conditions there are.

He may have always teetered around the relegation zone on the CT, but his surfing was competitively sound and he was one of the more personable characters floating around the marshalling area. As Brett’s interest in the QS grind wained, he found solace in another surf-adjacent field – coaching.

“For me, it’s taken a couple years to find my path, figure out what I want to do.” Brett told the LA Times. “As I slowly got less competitive in surfing as many contests, I really realized how much I enjoy sharing the knowledge I’ve learned over the years, at any given level.”

The previous national coach (of both adults and juniors), Joey Buran, gave up the spot to focus on the upcoming 2020 Olympics. Leaving the junior spot up for grabs, which was quickly snatched by the now 34-year old Simpo. 

“The young athletes respond so well to Brett’s coaching,” USA Surfing CEO, Greg Cruse, said in a press release. “He listens intently and closely observes their performance, identifying what they need to do to progress and communicating it in ways that stick and motivate.”

Simpo will be taking over the three divisions within the elite junior team: Development, Junior, and the ISA World Juniors, all of which are filled with kids under 18.

“Joey did a great job, but I’m different, I’m younger.” Simpo told the LA Times. “I’m young at heart, I still surf a lot and I see a lot of the kids and the talent and ability, and I think there’s that cohesion there where maybe Joey didn’t really have. He was great at keeping the team tight, but I feel I can bring something a little different.

“I want to push them, I want to see results, but I want to see the kids get better.” Brett continued. “For me, that means a lot. They might not win right then and there, but this is for years down the line, gaining that knowledge with priority, how to utilize it, how to limit mistakes, but still react and surf free. It’s a hard thing to balance. Being young, you don’t think as much, which can be good. But there are situations where you do have to think it through, and hopefully that’s done beforehand.”

We’re sure going to miss Simpo rearing his head on the tour, but here’s hoping he pops his head in front of the lens at the occasional comp.