Oscar is far from your typical young surfer. Offbeat but on a true course. His interests lie in the classic, the alternative and matters of substance. Oscar doesn’t care about how hard you rip; he values what you’ve got to say. A no-bullshit attitude reflective of the unique lines he draws in the surf. So what figures have helped shaped his style, individuality and ideals? We sat down to talk music, surf culture and activism and the people who’ve left an imprint. – LACHIE GORDON
Jack Freestone
“I’d say Jack because of how humble and genuine he is. He’s really helped me a lot over the last few years and is almost like a second dad to me, in a way. He doesn’t give a fuck but is still so humble. Plus, he surfs amazing too. He’s sort of how I want to be as a person. Just having time for everyone but still doesn’t take shit off people if they’re being assholes. I went and stayed at his house a few years back for a couple weeks, just surfing every day and he was amazing. It was a pretty crazy experience.”
Ace Buchan
“Ace is from my local beach. I’ve known him since I was a young kid and he’s always been so kind to me. He’d offer for me to come surf with him, talks to everyone out in the surf and never snakes or anything. Always has a smile on his face. He’s quite intelligent and really active environmentally. I respect that.”
Torren Martyn
“I’ve loved all his clips. They were absolutely beautiful. He was on those mid-length twins, and I got a 6’6” Town and Country that I ride a bit now. It’s pretty sick. I’ve never really been into that sort of board but since I’ve moved to Onboard it’s really opened up my mind to riding different things instead of being stuck on the same sort of board.”
Adalita Srsen
“I recently messaged her on Instagram and got to meet up with her. I couldn’t believe she responded to be honest. She was humble and really genuine, no fake bullshit. She’s really active with environmental causes such as the Tasmanian forests. She’s pretty fuckin’ cool. I’ve listened to her music from Magic Dirt since I was very young, so I was quite starstruck. It was amazing to chat to her and quite an experience to be honest, not something I’ll forget.”
Joe Strummer
“One musician who’s influenced me a lot is Joe Strummer, just because of his attitude. He was cool as fuck but a nice guy from what I could tell. Had time for people, wanted to hear what people had to say, but then at the same time knew his rights and didn’t take shit. That’s what I think is really cool.”
The Specials
“I’ve always loved The Specials since I was young. I love their lyrics; a lot of it deals with racism. I’ve always hated racism and never really understood it. I started printing some shirts with their lyrics on them and Pat [Tenore, RVCA] saw that I was doing that and wanted to get behind it. I thought that was pretty amazing of Pat because I don’t think many huge companies would do something like that.”
Laurie Towner
“I happened to be in South Oz a while back at this one wave and it was so weird, Laurie Towner just happened to be out. It was just my mate, me and Laurie, and he was just the nicest guy, giving me waves. I was a bit out of my comfort zone, and he was just pushing me. He surfs so good I didn’t expect him to be kind too.”
Roger Federer
“I see Roger as an inspirational figure because of how much of a good sport he is. He never cracks the shits when he loses or anything, always congratulates the other players and obviously he’s really humble. I think what you see is what you get. So even though I’ve never met him, I like people who are like that – just straight up and no bullshit.”