When someone as talented as North Carolina’s Gabe Morvil manages to remain under the radar, despite our unfettered access to information, it’s absolutely baffling. In an age of shameless self-promotion, wacky pool clips and gimmicky talents, someone like Gabe gives me hope. With a quiet, docile demeanor on land, Gabe is one of the most powerful, technical and stylish surfers I’ve come across in a long time. He flicks off the idea of shameless self promotion and does his thing. He’s a fine blend of Dane Reynolds, Noa Deane and Benji Weatherley. Taller guy, but he interprets it so smoothly on a board. Full of power and style.

Matt Tromberg of Metal Neck is releasing a part of Gabe that will hopefully rewrite the script (any minute now, right Matt?). We cold called Gabe and put him through the old parlor game the Proust Questionnaire to get a better idea of what this Southern dude was all about. Let’s make this the last time you have to say you haven’t heard of him.

What is your idea of perfect happiness

Living a comfortable life, surfing, everyday hopefully. Minimal real work.

What is your greatest fear?

Probably falling to my death or getting mauled by an animal.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Pretty bad with public speaking. Vocab is pretty off, that’s one thing I’d work on.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Cockiness, and someone who acts like they don’t have time for you. That always bothers me when they think that they’re better.

What living person do you most admire?

I’d say my dad. He’s provided so much for my family. I’m 1 of 6 kids. He’s done a lot. He got put on his own at an early age, moved around a bunch and started his own business when he was super young. He’s been in business for 37 years I think. He’s a strong dude. He owns a graphic design agency. Commercial stuff, billboards and graphic design. Surfing wise, Dane Reynolds.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Eventually, probably car parts. I got a 2002 Tacoma, so I wanna keep that forever, so I’ll probably be putting some money into it. That and surf trips.

What is your current state of mind?

I’m motivated and a little bit frustrated at the same time. I’ve been injured for a couple months now. Frustrated but it’s making me more motivated to get back to surfing. Part surfing, part skating injury. Had to get an internal brace put in, tore up some ligaments in my ankle.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Obedience. It’s good to teach others and especially children to be respectful and kind to others and have good listening skills to urge them to do the right thing but obedience is commanding and micromanaging it just seems extreme to me.

On what occasion do you lie?

I guess to probably get myself out of something stupid. Stuff around the house, if I misplaced it, or do something someone else doesn’t like.

What is your least favorite thing about your appearance?

I get cankles pretty easily.

Which living person do you most despise?

Tekashi 69.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Probably a good laugh. When they got a good laugh, it’s pretty contagious. I like that.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

I love a good voice, a nice smile... yeah, pretty eyes.

What word or phrase do you most overuse?

Probably, “Ah shit.” I’ve been saying the “F word” a lot, too, and I’ve been trying to refrain.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Definitely surfing.

When and where were you happiest?

I guess probably in Portugal on a surf trip.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’ve been practicing a lot, but I wish I could pick up guitar a little easier.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Probably my social awkwardness.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I would say maintaining a career, but I've never been under contract so I haven’t officially had a “career.” I feel like I’m a little more cultured than some people, I’ll count that as an achievement.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be?

Maybe like a bird, or something. Fly around.

Where would you most like to live?

That’s a hard one. I don't know if I can answer that. I mean, I will answer, I like where I grew up, but I don't really wanna... I like using it as a home base I guess. I like traveling. I don't think I’d ever really settle in.

What is your most treasured possession?

Family.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Lost at sea or something. Stuck on a boat out to sea, no communication.

What is your favorite occupation?

I’ve always thought it’d be really cool to be an actor. Thought that would be pretty neat. To be a professional surfer, too.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Caring. I tend to care for a lot of people.

What do you most value in your friends?

To have people to talk to and hang out with and share laughs with, share life with.

Who are your favorite writers?

It’s hard for me to pick up a book. It’s taken me like 2 weeks to get through 6 pages of the book I’m reading, Reports from Hell by Chas Smith.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Patrick Star from SpongeBob.

What historical figure do you most identify with?

Well, he’s fictional but I've been told I remind people of Tarzan... if that counts. Real historical figures, I don't really know who to compare myself to.

Who are you heroes in real life?

Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo from the band Ween. They’ve made some of the best music ever and it just makes me happy.

What are your favorite names?

If I were ever to have a son, I’ve come to terms that I’m going to name him Zeph. I’m still debating whether to spell it Z-E-F or Z-E-P-H.

What is it that you most dislike?

Squatted trucks with loud mufflers.

What is your greatest regret?

Kinda is, but going to high school. I was homeschooled. Sometimes I’m like, “Maybe I woulda been a little smarter or a little less socially awkward if I went.”

How would you like to die?

Probably in my sleep. I don’t wanna drown.

What is your motto?

Be diligent and stay happy.

[Matt Tromberg of Metal Neck’s new film “Feeling Nostalgic” stars Gabe and will be out any second and as soon as its out we’ll paste it here.]