Dylan Longbottom – Board Shaper

Dylan is one of the most respected big wave surfers and board shapers Australia has ever produced. Having faced his own mortality more than once with serious injuries, including neck breaks, almost drowning from broken ribs and a punctured lung, his role as an active adviser for blind surfer Matt Formston’s mission to ride the giant, dangerous waves of Nazaré was one he didn’t take lightly.

40-50 foot waves, speeds of 60km/h and a choppy surface require specialised big wave boards which are shaped, balanced and weighted to minimise ‘chatter’ in the nose, giving maximum control and trust for the surfer. Dylan worked closely with Matt to prepare him with the ideal boards for his style and size, so that he could feel completely confident when going for the ultimate big wave.

Matt’s feedback from initial outings was that the boards felt amazing, allowing him to take certain lines at speed, and have confidence to go bigger when the ideal conditions came.

When I was watching him and towing him, and on safety, I knew the board was right for him. The boards had been tested and proven."
Dylan Longbottom

Confidence comes when you feel prepared, safe in the knowledge that you have the best, most trusted advice, and fit for purpose tools on your side to take on whatever lies ahead. At Insurance Advisernet, we provide experience, active advice, the right policy solutions and exceptional support so our customers can manage their commercial risk and take on bigger things.

Other Active Advice Team Members

"When things go wrong, which they will, you need to be prepared." Dwain Fitzsimmons trains blind surfer Matt Formston to deal with...
Blind surfer Matt Formston's journey to Nazaré all started with parents Loraine and Don, who instilled a "never say die"attitude in him...
"I wouldn't do it". That was surf coach Samba Mann's blunt answer when first asked about visually impaired surfer Matt Formston's intention...