Harsun Ambassador, Jerome Forrest, shares his surfing adventures, travel dreams and where he calls home . 

 

In the heart of the famous Margaret River Wine region there is rugged coastlines and raw natural beauty, Jerome Forrest is living a life crafted around the ocean, community and travel. A former professional surfer, Jerome has channelled his passion for the ocean and love for his home into several adventures around the world. 

Jeromes approach is grounded in authenticity,  his global surf experience has a deep reverence for Western Australias landscapes and local culture.  Join us as we dive into Jeromes laid-back yet purposeful world, centered around longevity and community, where the sea is a constant source of inspiration. 

. Bio photo credit Russell Ord . 

Tell us a little about yourself, where did you grow up, where do you call home?

I currently call home Cowaramup, which sits halfway between Margaret River and Dunsborough, directly across from Gracetown,the area I surf most. I grew up in Broome, in the northwest of Western Australia, and had a really good upbringing there. It was a very free childhood, lots of time at the beach and no real obligations, just beach every day. There wasn’t much surf though, so when I was about 13, we moved to Mandurah, which is where I properly started surfing. I lived there for around three years before moving down to the southwest with my family. Since then, I’ve called this place home and never looked back.

What is it about the southwest of Western Australia that has made you want to make it your home?

What makes the southwest so special to me and why its home is the surfing, without a doubt. But it’s not just that; it’s the variety and quality of waves we get here. Heavy slabs, soft slabs, fun reefs, beach breaks, exposed and sheltered spots, it’s all here. Over a stretch of about 50 kilometers, there are easily over 100 world-class surf spots. It’s a raw, powerful coastline, but it also has balance and protection when you need it. On top of that, you’ve got the wine region, incredible food, and a quality rural lifestyle that lets you live out of the city. That combination is what makes the southwest so special.

 

 

What are some of your favourite things to do in Margaret River? Recommendations for visitors?

Some of my favourite things to do around Margaret River, or what I’d recommend to visitors, would start with surfing. You can surf in the morning and then head straight out to wineries or breweries for lunch and amazing food. There are also some incredible natural sites like Contos, the Boranup Forest, the postcard beaches of Dunsborough, and Yallingup. The whole region is just spectacular and really beautiful.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Music is a funny one for me, I listen to everything. Country, dance, R&B, heavy metal, all genres. I usually just have a big playlist on shuffle. I’m pretty open to anything.

 

 

Where would be some of your ultimate travel spots you would love to visit?

Some places I really want to visit but haven’t yet include Namibia. I’d love to surf that long left there. I also want to go back to Tahiti, which I’m actually doing later this year and I’m super excited about. There are also a lot of reefs I haven’t been able to surf yet, especially some of the Mentawai's - that’s definitely still on the list.

 

Photo Credit . Andrew Semark 

 

What are some of your upcoming projects you can share with us / working on? 

One of the main projects I’m currently working on is a 12-minute film with one of my best mates, Tom Jenno, who’s an incredible water cinematographer, honestly one of the best in the world. The film is a showcase of the region we live in, as well as the northwest, and it takes you on a journey through surfing and cinematography that moves between slow and fast pace, really capturing the essence of the area.

Where has surfing taken you in the world and what were some of your biggest achievements competing? 

Some of the places I’ve loved most that I’ve travelled to might be a bit surprising. Europe really stands out, France, Spain, and Portugal because it’s so different to home. Beach breaks, tides, food, and culture are all completely different. Hawaii is amazing too, though I struggle with the crowds and being at the bottom of the pecking order in the lineup. Tahiti is incredible, Indo is hard to beat (although it’s getting pretty crowded). But my favourite place in the world is about 15 hours north. a place called Gnaraloo . It’s where the desert meets the sea and has one of the best left-handers in the world. There’s no reception, and I can completely clock off — surf, fish, and be present with my family and friends. That place means everything to me.

 

Photo Credit. Russell Ord 

 

Was anyone an early mentor or someone whose surfing has significantly influenced you?

My mentors have mostly been my friends and the people around me. In surfing, the biggest influences early on were local older guys like Dino Adrian, Taj Burrow, Mick Short, Jay Davies, and Jake Patterson. As my career developed, friends like Creed McTaggart and Jacob Wilcox played a big role. But honestly, my close friends and the community around me are my biggest influences, and I’m really grateful for that.

Photo Credit. Guy Williment 

 

Beyond surfing, what other interests do you enjoy or fuels your passion for a happy life?

Beyond surfing, I’m really interested in training and longevity. As I’ve gotten older, staying fit and healthy has become a big focus, Pilates, training, and taking care of my body so I can keep surfing and be the best parent I can be for my son, Kai. I’m a pretty simple guy, surfing, training, and being present with my family is what fills my cup.

What has been your favourite Harsun product you have used so far and why?

My favourite product with Harsun is honestly all of it. I love the simplicity elegant, comfortable, minimal, and built with quality. It really captures a “less is more” approach: comfort over excess, and quality over quantity. I’m genuinely excited about where things are heading in the future.

 

Photo Credit . Andrew Semark 

 

Follow along with @jeromeforrest

@ariwolfl @russellordphoto @guywilliment @anjsemark