Working With.

The times are tough for surf companies. They’re even tougher for professional surfers. When the recession was in full force, companies were forced to slaughter their spending budgets and often their team riders suffered. Surfers had to look towards other forms of income and prospered on any kind of cash they could get their mitts on. So, what do some surfers do for the bit of extra cash? That’s what you’ll be finding out over the coming weeks. First up is Byron Bay hipster, Ellis Ericson.

Where are you employed?
I work in the warehouse at RVCA. I also work in the store, co-ordinate the quarterly sales and get rid of the all the excess clothes.

Can we have some excess clothes?
No.

What’s your normal day involve?
I’ll normally roll in to the offices of the Northern Beaches after a little surf. My day depends on what I’m doing. If I’m working in the warehouse, I’ll put all the orders together for the team and ship it out ASAP. If I’m in the store I’ll be sorting all of the clothes and organising the sale. I’m currently working on an events calendar, which includes gigs, exhibitions and showings over the next year. I haven’t really got a title in the company but I’m wearing whatever hat they give me. It pays the rent that’s for sure.

How’d you score it?
I used to hangout with Noodles when I was living in Byron. He had a joint in Suffolk Park and he hooked me up with a gig riding for RVCA. I guess it’s just gone from there and I ended up scoring a job. I’m definitely wearing a couple of different hats and that’s fine at the moment. I didn’t want to be another surfer with my hands out. I guess I’m the company’s handyman.

Do you still want to be involved in the company in five years time?
Yeah for sure. I like what it’s about and everyone is great to work with. They’ve supported me over the years and I like the idea of giving my time back. This industry has given me so much and although there have been some low points, I still want to stay involved.

-Sam Paterson

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