Introducing EAST’s First Goofyfoot Test Pilot: Harry Bryant
“My life’s already a board test.”
Harry Bryant has arguably done more to elevate underground shapers, young and old, than just about any surfer of the modern era.
Seen his Ferrari Boyz? There are Ben Webbs, Mawscodes, Byrning Spears, Dahlbergs, Emerys, Wade Tokoros and Outer Islands rattling around in the boot.
The cover of The Surfer’s Journal issue 33.1? The same orange-and-yellow stick from Roasted. A magic quad from Merimbula’s Josh Keogh.
The board underfoot for the first ever perfect 30 at the Vans Pipe Masters in 2023? A 7’2” Paul Gravelle from South Australia, acquired while Harry’s car was broken down at Penong Pub.
All of which is to say, Harry’s a fitting star for EAST. He’s been conducting his own surfboard experiments for years.
A born entertainer and self-confessed fin-and-board nerd, Harry has been the most requested EAST pilot since we wrapped Mikey February.
There are numbers (and comments) to support this.
In the 2025 Stab Surfer Of The Year poll, Harry ranked 7th in Best Male Surfer globally, one spot above Gabriel Medina. His film Motel Hell won Best Film in 2024. Then Roasted won Best Edit in 2025.
His blond mop sits atop one of surfing’s most recognisable heads.
Over three weeks in Central and South America, Harry tested 10 weird and wonderful boards, ranging from 5’0” to 8’0”, from a lineup of mostly fresh-faced shapers. One of the more surprising parts of the trip was discovering just how well-known Harry is outside Australia. At almost every stop, he was approached by locals eager to surf with him and guide him through the lineup.
Unlike previous EAST stars, who have tended to be diplomatic when eliminating boards, Harry was unfiltered and his charisma didn’t disappoint.
Alongside Danny Johnson, the trip was captured by James Kates, the man behind many of Noa Deane’s most beloved films, and Wade Carroll, a two-time award-winning filmmaker.
Like last year, the series culminates at EAST Fest, hosted by Kona Big Wave: a celebration of surfing’s fringe freaks and weirdos, where legendary shapers, chlorine tubes, cold beers and strange quivers collide. It’s all go down in Palm Springs, October 2–3.
EAST with Harry Bryant is presented by Kona Big Wave and Vans. The first of four episodes of EAST with Harry Bryant drops August 18, 2026, with new episodes released fortnightly.
Full schedule:
Episode 1: August 18
Episode 2: September 1
Episode 3: September 15
Episode 4: October 2nd, with the Season Finale premiering live at The Ace Palm Springs.
Stay tuned for more information on EAST Fest tickets and EAST series premieres.
