Catching Up with Our Brand Ambassador: An Exclusive Interview with Nathan Fletcher

We recently had the chance to catch up with one of our brand ambassadors, a seasoned waterman who continues to inspire with his dedication to both his craft and personal growth. From exciting new ventures to reflections on staying in shape, he gave us an in-depth look at his life and what keeps him motivated. As always, his perspective is refreshing, offering a blend of humility and passion for the sport and lifestyle he’s devoted to.

What are you up to at the moment? Traveling? Hanging at home?

Right now, I'm spending time at home, getting ready for the winter season ahead. Unfortunately, my grandfather, Walter Hoffman—a legendary waterman—recently passed away. I'll be traveling to California for his funeral next week. Other than that, I’m focusing on the coming winter and what it brings.

As we chatted, it was clear that family remains a top priority for him. Despite all the excitement and projects in his life, he makes time to honor the important relationships that shape him. His reflection on his grandfather’s legacy highlights how deeply connected he is to his roots and the waterman tradition.

You always seem to have some kind of goal or project for yourself. Anything you're working on?

Yes, my biggest project right now is a podcast called LIVE and DIRECT in collaboration with Nalu Films. It's something I'm excited about because it's unique—it’s not just a typical podcast. We’re incorporating a lot of archival footage to enhance the interviews, bringing a fresh perspective to the format. Beyond that, I’ve been staying in shape and learning to foil surf, which has been keeping me busy.

His podcast project, LIVE and DIRECT, sounds like an innovative approach to storytelling in the surf world. Blending interviews with archival footage adds a layer of authenticity and history that will surely resonate with surf enthusiasts. His willingness to embrace new challenges—whether it’s creating media or learning to foil surf—shows that he’s constantly evolving, even after decades in the sport.

What's the secret to staying in top physical condition? It seems like you, Kelly Slater, and others have found a way to continue performing at such a high level as you age.

There’s no big secret—it’s a combination of working out, stretching, breathing, and, of course, surfing. Staying active is the key. Honestly, keeping up with my kids is one of the best ways to stay in shape. Being active with the younger generation is a great way to keep the body moving.

With winter around the corner, what excites you most?

Summer in Hawaii can be pretty mellow in terms of waves, so I’m stoked for the bigger winter waves to come. I’m also really looking forward to trying out some new surfboards and designs. William "Stretch" Riedel and I have been working on a few concepts, and it’s always exciting to see how they perform in good surf conditions.

If you were designing your own wave pool, what would it look like?

Most wave pools today focus on either long peeling barrels or massive air sections—but not both. If I were in charge, I’d combine the two. I’d want a wave that offers the biggest possible barrel with an air section to top it off. That’s the dream wave for me.

Huge air or huge wave—which would you pick?

It seems like we’ve pushed the boundaries of big wave surfing, and we haven’t seen anything significantly bigger recently. But there’s still a lot of room to progress in aerial surfing. I’d love to see bigger, cleaner airs become the focus, so I’d pick huge airs.

Your podcast, LIVE and DIRECT, is gaining traction. Who’s been your favorite person to interview so far? And who’s on your list of must-haves?

So far, my favorite interview has been with Gerry Lopez. He’s lived through so many different chapters of surfing and accomplished so much—it was an honor to have him on the show. Mike D from the Beastie Boys is also on my list. He’s not only a musician but also a surfer, so I’m really looking forward to that one. We have plans for both, so stay tuned!

If you weren’t a surfer, what do you think you’d be doing today?

I’d probably be a merchant marine or maybe working as an underwater welder.

Four fins or three fins, and why?

It depends on the board. For shortboards and guns, I prefer four fins because they provide more speed and control. Three fins work great too, especially for longboards, but I tend to lean toward four fins for most of my surfing.

Do you have any interests that people might not know about?

I think most people wouldn’t know that I’m into self-realization, bodywork, and breathing exercises. It’s something that’s become a part of my training and is a great way to keep my body in alignment.

As always, our ambassador continues to push boundaries in and out of the water. His passion for surfing, family, and personal growth are evident in everything he does. With his upcoming podcast, evolving surfboard designs, and commitment to staying active, we can't wait to see what he accomplishes next. Stay tuned for more updates from our brand ambassadors, and be sure to check out LIVE and DIRECT for some insightful and exciting conversations.

Enjoy the Sun

- SPY+