Meet Barry Wolins

First up, Barry was Vice President of merchandising for Rusty Apparel USA from 1986 to 1990 before becoming President of Rip Curl USA from 1990 to 1995. He then headed on back to South Africa to head up and made a total success of Quiksilver South Africa along with Arthur Limbouris. Now living in the United States, he still pops in to South Africa for a few waves every couple of months.

We caught up with him on his most recent trip.

When did you start surfing?

It was exactly 44 years ago, at age 14.

What was your first big move?

I remember doing a huge cutback at Kon Tiki on a board made by Paul Maartens and Des Basnett (Ricky’s dad) which had I not made I would have hit the old Wedge Pier.

What was your biggest moment in the realm of competitive surfing?

Being involved in Pro Surfing for a long time there were many highlights, but putting the Quiksilver Goodwave together was very satisfying. SA Champs at Supers in the middle of the Bong / Quik war was also pretty cool considering how good the surf was!

Who did you look up to in professional surfing?

Shaun Tomson. He has managed to live his life with dignity and soul, and I believe he surfs better now. I also respect Pat O'Connel for the same reasons.

Is there anything that really bums you out on surfing?

Not really, maybe just the fact that I can’t surf as much as I want to.

What is it that gets you back into the water after so many years?

Definitely not the 2.5 hour drive to my local beach. I’ve put 22,000 miles on my car in 1-year. I guess it’s part of my DNA, but I’m also trying to pass the stoke onto my kids

What is the best thing about surfing in the year 2012?

Board design. Width, volume, and progress in a crap economy.

You had a serious injury recently, which kept you out of the water. What happened? Why did it take so long to come right? How old are you?

At the time nobody could tell me what happened. I couldn't sit, I had intense back pain, in fact I stood for 15 hrs on an 18 hr flight from Washington to JHB.
After 2 MRI's countless steroid injections pain killers, therapy it was established that I tore the labrum in my left hip, which ripped my hip flexor and a whole lot of other stuff. I’m 58 years old.

Where do you live now and what do you do for a living/on a day-to-day basis?

I live in Wake Forest North Carolina USA (which is to Raleigh as Glenashley is to Durban). I am involved in a small construction business - remodeling and doing additions. My business partner is a licensed contractor, and I‘m like the "gay designer " so with my accent and the fact I don’t wear Cammo, I’m "cool."

What’s the best thing about your life right now?

My wife Michelle and I get to go to both my sons every soccer practice, game and event. Not many dads can do this.

Where is your favourite wave these days?

Still New Pier, although Tortolla in the British Virgin Islands is amazing if you get it!

Who is the most under rated surfer in the world and why?

I have 3:
1) Kelly Slater - because he is 11 times (hopefully 12) champion. I don’t believe most people watch the turns he does, and his timing with the same awe that they might give Jon Jon or Medina.
2) Jason Ribbink - because on his 5'8" his 6'2" my board your board he just rips. From 1" to 70" nobody in SA rides the barrel as well as him. Shaun Holmes and Simon Nicholson come close.
3) Kane Benningworth - ask Pat Flanagan about the big day at Jason’s secret spot. The lightie charges!

There you have it. The life and times of Mr Barry Wolins. A totally stoked grom at 58.