Frother of the Month – Rob Norman

By Christine Bennett on December 26, 2013 in People

This month’s Frother of the Month travels the world making video content and squeezing in the occasional surf whenever and wherever possible…

Name: Rob Norman
Age: 35
Born: Sydney
Local break: Bondi
Fave board: My Billy Tolhurst quad, 5’10”, swallow tail, Harley Ingleby replica model

Can you tell us a bit about what you do for work?
I’m co-owner of a small production company, Knack Studios (www.knackstudios.com.au), making video content and specialising in branded content, pop culture and action sports. My co-owner and good friend Justin Barnwell (originally from Bondi) is based in London and we are trying to run our business from both sides of the world, which is difficult, but going pretty well for the time being.

Do you get to travel a fair bit?
Yes. There’s a huge amount of travel involved with all the different shoots we do, but that’s one of the main reasons why I love it.

Where’s your favourite destination?
There are so many to choose from and so many more on the list, but if I had to choose one I would probably go with Lord Howe Island of the east coast of Australia. It’s such a beautiful, untouched and unique place. It’s like an Aussie country town on a South Pacific style tropical atoll.

What’s your wildest overseas adventure?
There have been a few, but one that stands out was a recent trip to China with my dad and brother to find some surf. It was just the right balance of fun and sketchiness with some decent waves thrown in for good measure.

It seems that most of your family prefer a longboard; do you have many Norman team surfs?
Yeah, it’s great being in a family that all surf (Mum is in charge of our spot on the sand). It’s pretty amazing to be able to go away on holiday somewhere and find a little peak for all of us to session. The old man loves a good drop-in on account of his “failing vision”, but we let that slide these days.

Do you enjoy sharing a wave with your sister Claire?
Claire is such an amazing surfer. She’s so chilled out in the water and always has a big smile on her face when she rips past. I’d say as far as surfing with style and grace goes she beats me hands down.

Any last words?
I have to say after travelling to so many other places around the globe it’s always amazing to get back into the valley, even with all the madness it comes with. When you break it down we are pretty lucky to live where we do. Oh, and never stop frothing!