Interview with Grant Noble
Ever since we started talking about Grant Noble this week and posted his new “Case Study” by Daydream Surf Shop, it’s clear he’s well-liked. People from all walks of life seem to be reaching out to let us know they’re fans of the Costa Mesa raised, dirt bike-riding, surfer/shaper who shreds at skating and listens to good music. A recipe Costa Mesa seems to have down.
We wanted to hear a little more, so we got Grant to go a little deeper. And our latest prediction: more fans of Grant Noble incoming.—Travis Ferré
INHERENT BUMMER: Where did you come from?
GRANT NOBLE:
I grew up in the small town of Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa has everything going on. The ocean, mountains and desert are all easily accessible. In grade school my family was into racing motorcycles so naturally I was drawn to that and BMX. Over the course of my teenage years, skateboarding and the beach activities projected into a curiosity for surfing. I started surfing way late, probably around 14/15 years old but I had a foundation of board sports so I seemed to pick it up pretty quick.
How would you define Grant Noble Surfboards? Who would like a board from you?
I was looking at my catalog of boards the other day and it’s primarily twin fins and longboards. It would be rad to venture out and hit another market by selling a hi pro thruster but that’s not me. Buying a board from me sorta like an extension of myself, everything on the website are boards that I’ll be riding on a day-to-day basis. Fast twinnys and narrow-nosed longboards.
How would you describe your career to someone ya just met and who doesn’t know much about surfing?
When I talk about my career I try not to drop the, “I’m a pro surfer” card. It’s sorta weird for me. I’ve come from a hard working family of nurses and doctors and that makes me sound pretty washed up. (I still sound washed up) , but usually I will just let them know I make surfboards and test them for a living. It’s a little easier for them to grasp.
What do you hope to bring to surf culture?
I’d love to help keep handshaping surfboards alive. There is a time and place for CNC machines, but making a brand off a file is pretty crazy to me. I’ve seen people make board brands and not put in time with the planer.
Tell us about the community you surround yourself with?
Growing up here in town was so mental. So many people doing such cool things. One of my best friends Ross Schwartz connected the dots for all of us. He was kinda the leader of the pack throwing group art shows, managing bands and surfing every day with the little rat pack down at Blackies. It was a crazy connection between artists, surfers, skateboarders, and music.
He [Ross Schwartz] connected me with Tanner Barrett and Tanner Prairie who showed me the ropes of surfboard building while flowing me boards.
Learning the intro from the greats, being able to make boards for my friends is one of the coolest feelings ever. The way they surf my boards inspires me.
Who is doing something you admire or psyches you up?
My wife. She’s the best. I admire her the most. She’s a major influence and watching her be her best self psyches me up to be my best.
What is your current relationship like with “surf competition?”
My relationship is pretty non existent. I’ve always loved the Duct Tape Invitational events because it felt like a win just being selected to do the contest. I try and have the cut throat mentality in a heat but, I usually fumble. I’ve made a heat or two but contests just ain’t my cup of tea.
What do you listen to in your car if you have to run an errand that takes 45 minutes? (Full album length)
The struggle is real when it comes to listening to a full album, there’s always that one song in the album I’ll play a dozen times that ends up in my liked song on Spotify. If I’m doing a long stint on a drive I’ll most likely listen to The Nine Club or The Bunt podcast.
It’s an average Tuesday, couple waves around, what’s your day look like beginning to end?
Hopefully get outa bed early. Head down to the beach, I’ll ride a log at Blackies if it’s small or up by River Jetties if it’s big enough for a shorty. Post surf, stop for a 2nd quick cup of Joe, Hola Adios Coffee shop since it’s steps from my house, maybe Daydream if I’m in a time crunch. Usually will rough out 1 or 2 boards with the planer and finish ‘em that night or the following day if I’m too smoked from a surf. Great Mex for dinner. $2.00 Tacos & $2.50 for a beer.
Who has your favorite style?
There’s not just one person but the first that comes to mind is Didrik Galasso from Norway.
You see his part in the “quickstrike” vid?
Above Surf Photo: @ZanMilan
