SLAB Average Surfer Interviews - Hamish McNeil

Still in lockdown, and our ability to surf and mix with each other is still restricted. We checked in with East Coast Surfer and all round good dude Hamish McNeil to see how he’s getting on.

Hamish! How are ya gettin on? Keeping busy?

SLAB! I’m doing well cheers! You know it! It’s been a pretty mental coupla years for everyone, and I’m super grateful to have a job that I really enjoy! The past week we have been out snow ploughing the french style snow we received, was pretty fun! 

What do you love most about surfing on the East Coast of Scotland?

What’s not to love! We get some cracking swell here! (VERY RARE) but when it comes, it’s something else. I think the long wait for it to arrive might  have something to do with how special it feels when you're in the water and it’s going afff! Also the climate and scenery for sure! 

Last surf trip you went on?

Last surf trip was up the North Coast! We visited some cracking spots that I had never been to before! The trip had a good mix of catching some, getting punched to the bottom, beer and getting devoured by midges, canny ask for much more! 

You have a pretty tasty board that Jay Surfboards made, how does it compare to boards you have had in the past?

THE BOTTLE OPENER! hah, this was my first custom board so it’s pretty special to me and Jay smashed it. it’s for sure the nicest board I’ve ever had a surf on! Having your board shaped from a local lad, who has surfed the east coast for nearly 30 years is a no-brainer in my eyes. Jay knows these waves, how they work and what they do, or can do. So he knows what you're needing under your feet in the cold Scottish ocean,  which is pretty awesome to have on the doorstep. 

Seen you’ve been doing some nice photography in the water, what motivated you to get into that?

Cheers guys! 

Dawn Days of winter really got me motivated into starting to get some shots from the blue, but I’ve had a lot of inspiration from Vilmos Misota, David O’Neill, Mike Guest, Nick Pumphrey, and Sam Howard! The way these guys photograph the ocean is pretty incredible and worth checking out if ya haven’t already!

 Also  gives me a reason to get in the water when there’s no waves, it’s always nice getting in the water after a long week at work. 

What motivates you to put a wetsuit on in the middle of winter?

Just to be in the ocean to be honest, there’s no better feeling. When you’ve had a pretty hectic week, a surf/swim/dip in the sea is definitely what the doctor ordered. The feeling of bobbing about in the sea really clears the mind and makes ye feel gid. Although I’m never motivated to put a cold suit on, but needs must ae, especially if it’s going aff!!

Cheers Hamish, see you in the water soon!