Oscar Langburne: Rising Surf Star Navigates Challenges to Deliver ‘Ever Changing Moods’
Oscar Langburne isn’t simply riding waves; he’s embodying a fluid style and compelling presence that feels as natural as the ocean itself. The 22-year-old goofyfoot, hailing from Avoca Beach on the New South Wales Central Coast, draws inspiration from surfing icons like Rob Machado, Dave Rastovich, Stephanie Gilmore, and Craig Anderson – influences acknowledged by nearly every aspiring surfer. Yet, Langburne isn’t replicating; he’s innovating, forging his own path across the water.
This unique approach is powerfully showcased in his new film, Ever Changing Moods, which captures Langburne’s calm speed and mastery across diverse Indonesian breaks. However, the film’s creation wasn’t without significant hurdles. A new sponsorship deal with Rip Curl at the start of the year was quickly followed by a torn meniscus during a tennis match, sidelining him for four months. His return to the water was then immediately challenged by a severe bout of dengue fever contracted in Sumatra.
Harry Dot/YouTube
“We were meant to leave at 7 a.m. for the Mentawais, and at 6 a.m. I could barely stand up,” Langburne recounted. Diagnosed with dengue fever, he spent five nights in a Bali hospital. “It felt like a low point, lying in a hospital when I was supposed to be in the Ments.” The illness necessitated another two weeks of recovery, with the allure of the Indian Ocean just out of reach. Remarkably, this experience fostered a profound appreciation for his health and the simple joy of surfing. “When I first got back in the water after my leg, I felt an incredible sense of gratitude,” he explained. “But surfing after dengue? It was double that. It was a pretty wild ride.”
From Competitive Roots to Freesurfing Freedom
Langburne’s upbringing in a highly competitive surf zone, alongside rising talents Hughie and Joel Vaughan, provided a strong foundation. However, the structured world of heats and buzzer-beaters didn’t resonate with him. He found greater fulfillment in surfing’s countercultural spirit, prioritizing the pursuit of uncrowded waves and unique experiences. This philosophy is central to Ever Changing Moods, which documents his explorations of Sumatra, Simeulue, the Mentawais, and G-Land, alongside filmmaker Harry Dott.
Central to Langburne’s surfing is his equipment, crafted by Chris Christenson. The Californian shaper’s diverse range – from groveler twins to high-performance step-ups – perfectly aligns with Langburne’s desire to avoid categorization. “He’s got such a wide variety of boards, and I don’t want to be pigeon-holed,” Langburne stated. “I love high-performance surfing, but I also love the feel of a twin fin and other alternative boards. Chris was a perfect match, and he’s a great guy.”
Harry Dot/YouTube
The final segment of the film, shot at G-Land, presented its own set of challenges. Washthrough sets, unfavorable conditions, logistical hurdles, and the looming deadline created significant stress for Langburne and Dott. They ultimately adapted, focusing on filming during low tide to allow Dott closer access to the action.
Langburne’s dedication to finding unique lines and less-traveled breaks is a testament to his commitment to the art of surfing. He’s not chasing scores; he’s chasing experiences. What does it mean to truly connect with a wave, beyond competition and recognition? And how does overcoming adversity shape an athlete’s perspective and approach to their craft?
Harry Dot/YouTube
Looking ahead, Langburne hopes to join Rip Curl’s “The Search” team, potentially alongside surfing legends like Mick Fanning, Mason Ho, and Stephanie Gilmore. In the meantime, he’s already planning future adventures, perhaps to colder climates, seeking new challenges and opportunities to refine his craft. Wherever he goes, one thing is certain: his lines will flow effortlessly. Oscar doesn’t force it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oscar Langburne
A: Oscar’s style is characterized by its fluidity, naturalness, and a focus on finding unique lines, rather than mimicking established techniques. He prioritizes the experience of surfing over competitive performance.
A: Oscar faced significant health challenges, including a torn meniscus and a severe case of dengue fever, which delayed and complicated the filming process. He also encountered difficult conditions at G-Land.
A: Oscar draws inspiration from a range of influential surfers, including Rob Machado, Dave Rastovich, Stephanie Gilmore, and Craig Anderson, but ultimately carves his own path.
A: Chris Christenson shapes Oscar’s surfboards, providing him with a versatile quiver that allows him to explore different surfing styles and avoid being pigeonholed into one category.
A: The film was primarily shot in Indonesia, featuring locations such as Sumatra, Simeulue, the Mentawais, and G-Land.
Related: Watch Oscar Langburne Slice His Way Through El Salvador and Nicaragua
Share this article with fellow surf enthusiasts and let us know in the comments: What do you think sets Oscar Langburne apart from the crowd? What challenges do you think surfers face today?
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