Seth Hulley

Seth has been around forever. Originally from Durban, Seth has been surfing competitively since a young age, and is now firmly entrenched in the surf industry. Seth and his family are happily based in the Cape, and Seth works for Oakley. We hooked up with him to see where he’s been and where he’s going.

When did you start surfing?

I started surfing when I was seven years old in Umhlanga Rocks

Your first 'moment' in surfing?

My first big moment I can remember was my first re-entry at Black Rock in Umhlanga Rocks. I got home and couldn’t get to sleep I was so pumped – I just couldn’t wait to get back in the water the next morning!

What was your biggest competitive surfing highlight?

There are 2 highlights that stand out equally, the first was winning the World Pro Junior at Bells Beach Australia in 1992 – I also received a wildcard entry into The Rip Curl Pro, the 1st event ever of the 2 tiered ASP World Tour. It was my first ever trip overseas and such a great experience.

The other was winning the Billabong Pro World Qualifying series event in 1995 – it was a big deal because most of the WCT top 44, including Slater, were in that event and it was probably my biggest career win.

Who did you look up to when you were surfing competitively?

Growing up I looked up to Tom Curren and Occy and when I started the tour, Kelly Slater won his first world title that year and he was the person I enjoyed watching surf the most.

What is it that really bums you out on surfing?

Surfing is a really subjective sport. I remember how pissed off I’d get when I’d be in a heat at the other end of the planet, needing a small score to get through and the ocean goes flat and there is nothing you can do about it!

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

I tend to complain about the bad surf conditions in Cape Town and I have people telling me to buy an MTB bike, there’s great places to cycle around here. I’ve ridden a bike, but nothing beats that feeling of getting barreled and spat out or flying down the line and boosting an aerial and landing clean – that’s the ultimate exhilaration. Surfing gives you a mix of feelings – pure weightlessness, speed, power and taking control of your own roller coaster.

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

Being at the Trestles event with super high performance waves and watching Slater surf a wave so perfectly it was incredible. Also, the standard of surfing and the guys like Jordy and Medina doing huge airs – great to watch.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the Sport Marketing Manager for Oakley.

What does this job entail?

The job entails creating awareness and demand for the brand by obtaining marketable talented athletes and key opinion leaders, to utilize Oakley’s performance products in competition. I also attend events to assist athletes in accomplishing maximum exposure with Oakley’s latest products through the television & print media. I look after about 130 athletes across target sports of surf, golf, mountain bike, cycling, cricket, track and field, running, rugby, soccer, skate, rowing, MX, rally, superbikes to name a few. I also oversee events along with the rest of our marketing team, that Oakley are directly involved with as a sponsor.

What’s the best thing about your job?

At one stage in my life I lived the dream as a professional athlete, and my job still keeps me involved with the world of sport of which I m very passionate about and working for a great brand that has a fun culture is also appealing.

What does the future hold for you and your family?

Chantal, the kids and I were very happy to be back in South Africa after spending two years abroad – we have an amazing lifestyle here in this beautiful country. We want to be positive about the country even though it is difficult at times, but I don’t really want to live anywhere else. The most important things are my kids, Livia and Georden, and we want to do what’s best for them.

Where is your favourite wave these days?

J Bay. Apart from being one of my favourite waves, it will always have good memories having won the Billabong Pro twice - I love going there! I also enjoy my trips back to Umhlanga Rocks – Bronze Beach to me is home, also Barry Wolin’s favourite wave.

Who is the most under-rated surfer in the country?

Probably Jason Ribbink – the king of big waves! Jordy too, he should be top 3 not 12 on the ASP ratings. Up and coming: Matt McGillivray