Growing up on the talent infested beaches of East Coast Australia’s Narrabeen, Nathan ‘The Hog’ Hedge has successfully carved out a reputation as being ‘The surfer’s surfer’. Short in statue - but big in heart - his lack of fanfare on land belies a stylish approach to surfing that makes him instantly recognisable on a wave.
Hedgey’s repertoire is one part instinct, two parts talent, and a ten-fold measure of unbridled commitment. Regularly unleashing his trademark ©‘Hog Hack’ on unsuspecting waves the world over, his ability to emerge from unspeakable barrels often compels one to muse, will it be death or victory?
Hog has enjoyed a surfing apprenticeship most kids could only dream of. Having been part of the Rip Curl team since he was a cherub faced grom, he’s been lucky enough to surf some of the best waves in the world alongside some of the greatest surfers in the world, courtesy of ‘The Search’ campaign. Not a bad training ground to develop your professional armoury.
Qualifying for the ASP World Tour in 2001, Hedge quickly developed the reputation of Australian ambassador to the World Tour. Never scared to nail his colours to the mast, his tenacity and honesty has both riled and endeared.
In 2004 and 2005 The Hog had seemingly entrenched his position amongst the top ten surfers in the world. Runner-up finishes at Teahupoo and J’Bay in 2004, consistent quarter-final finishes in 2005, only the issue of a dislocated shoulder in Tahiti and Hawaii in 2004 could dampen his spirits.
Fast forward to December 14 2006, Hog has struggled for results all year, and in the Pipeline line-up sits the despondent figure of a man condemned to the requalifying ranks of the WQS. The only consolation is he picks up the ‘Surfer’ award for best tube ride, a mammoth left-hand barrel which carries on for an eternity.
His QS efforts in 2007 and 2008 have come tantalisingly close, but still a tacit silence amongst many would have you believe the only rightful place for Nathan Hedge is amongst the elites of the sport.
If the measure of a man is how well he rebounds from adversity, then Nathan ‘The Hog’ Hedge has all the traits of a rubber band man.
People talk about the loss of sincerity in surfing, the loss of innocence, a disconnection from surfing and what it means to be a surfer. In an age when the world can often blend into one big fluorescent mess, it’s good to know that there are pro surfers out there who just love to go surfing..
