Robert Underwood – Manly Surf School

What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
Narrabeen Beach. I grew up here. It has a beautiful beach and lake. It’s a pretty sleepy suburb for Sydney standards but that’s why I love it. Rock pools at either end of the beach, the lake, parks for kids and great restaurants and cafes. Everything you need is here.

Is there something about you that would surprise people?
In my early 20’s I got into a heated argument on the set of Jerry Springer.

What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Crowd Surf

It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Swimming or surfing at the beach, enjoying a picnic with my wife and baby daughter.

If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
Veggie seeds to plant in the garden.

Business

How have you been at Manly Surf School?
I started working for the surf school 13 years ago after many years in the hospitality game.

Best business experience?
Taking surf trips to remote parts of the world

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I think I’d be a fire fighter.

Best part of your job or most enjoyable part of your job?
1. I get to surf and catch waves while I work
2. I get to introduce the enjoyment of surfing to so many people.
3. The ocean is a very grounding and humbling place – I love that it’s my office.

Most stressful part of your job?
Looking after hundreds of kids on a daily basis and ensuring they are all safe.

Weirdest thing that has ever happened at work?
I was surfing on a wave in the Maldives and a fish slammed into my hand, it’s spine was stuck in me and I had to get it surgically removed.

What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches? Why’d you chose to work here?
Best part of working on the Beaches is the sense of community here. The weather isn’t bad either. It’s a truly blessed part of the world.

Personal

What would you rate 10/10?
Cheese and bacon sausage rolls from the Upper Crust at Long Reef.

What is the best advice you’ve received?
Books make you smart. Travelling makes you wise.

Greatest strength?
My Family

Greatest weakness?
Impatience

Does anything scare you?
I’m scared of heights

What’s your most treasured possession?
My baby daughter, Gia

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Tropical beach, perfect waves and warm sunshine.

Which two famous people would you choose to be stuck in a lift with?
Johnny Depp & Charlize Theron.

What travel experiences is on your bucket list?
I’ve been lucky to travel a lot, but now I’d love to get in a camper van and travel around our own land.

How do you switch off?
Surfing alone.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
SAUSAGE ROLLS

Who’s your personal hero?
Turia Pitt

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Gorilla

How would you like to be remembered?
Being a loving, caring father, partner and good friend. Someone you can always count on WHENEVER.

If we could ask you one more question what would it be and what’s your answer?
How do you like your eggs? ‘over easy’.