An ever-growing surf culture

THE surfing culture is continually growing in the coastal town of Bass Coast and the renowned Phillip Island Board Riders Club (PIBC) is an attraction for young surfers, including 16-year-old Vortex team surfer, Sam Patterson. 

Sam found a passion for surfing at 11-years-old, after being positively influenced by his father who was a local surfer.

Growing up in Inverloch Sam’s surfing quickly progressed, he bought his first custom 5’6 23L board at the local Vortex that then led him to a sponsorship three years later.

Now surfing competitively with PIBC in the Under 18’s, Sam values the culture of the club and enjoys both surfing with friends and the competition heats. He now rides a 5’11, 28L Vortex custom board and is ‘stoked’ by the quality and craftmanship that Vortex delivers. 

“I’ve had four boards since getting my first-ever brand-new board from Vortex and they’ve just been getting better and better with more fine tuning,” said Sam.

“I give Vortex my dimensions, explain what I’m after and they put their spin on it and its always a great board.” 

Only joining the PIBC 12 months ago, Sam is looking forward to a future in competition surfing with the support from Vortex – a local brand that is set apart with their knowledge and guidance.