The re-invention of Dusty Payne

The beard. The bucket hat. The new outlook! And, the colour in Dusty Payne’s voice! Dusty was the Mod Col’s Hawaiian connection, has been a Volcom marquee surfer for some time, and one of the best freesurfers in the world. But he’s been plagued by injury and it ain’t cruel to say he’s never had much luck as a competitor, save for moments like the Margaret River Pro and, more recently, the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa. Dusty’s one of those guys that everybody – everybody – wants to see do well. What makes this all really interesting is the profound change of character and outlook that Dusty’s recently undergone. There have been whispers that Dusty’s fall from the tour has taught him a little humility. And, that it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him and he’s returned a better dude. Here, he talks about where he was at, what caused change, and where he is at now. Welcome back, Dusty.