In this inspiring episode, Tappa sits down with Guy Ormerod — a Gold Coast surf legend whose story stretches from his early days at Palm Beach to his decades of influence in and out of the water. Guy shares his journey from competing with greats like Rabbit Bartholomew and Jerry Lopez to becoming one of Billabong’s first sponsored surfers. Beyond the surf, Guy opens up about his faith, family, years of missionary work, and the deep personal loss that shaped his outlook on life. Still charging Burleigh in his 60s, Guy embodies what it means to be the eternal grommet — full of gratitude, resilience, and stoke.
Show Notes (Key Talking Points)
- Guy’s early life in Sydney and move to the Gold Coast during the canal boom
- Discovering surfing through his lifesaver father and first waves at Palm Beach
- Meeting the Peterson brothers and joining Kirra and Burleigh Boardriders
- Competing against the world’s best and finishing second behind Richard Harvey at the Pa Bendall Classic
- Becoming one of Billabong’s earliest sponsored surfers and the truth behind its early history
- The defining “sliding door” moment that led to a three-year competition ban
- Turning to faith and family — becoming a pastor and school chaplain
- 15 years of missionary work helping communities in the Philippines and Fiji
- The devastating loss of his daughter and how faith helped his family endure
- Life lessons on respect, gratitude, and giving back through surfing and service
- Still ripping at 66 — staying fit, stretching, and living the “eternal grommet” lifestyle
