Life as a Grom - Brian Lopes

So I hear you are from Jersey. What are your favorite spots out there?

Well my favorite spot is my home break in the summer, Bryn Mawr Avenue, Lavalette. I also like Casino Pier, the pit, Loch Arbor, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Mantoloking, Ocean Beach(Tri- Beach), Normandy Beach, Seaside Heights, Manasquan, and wherever my dad will take me. But, Lavalette is so crowded so only go there if you live there!

Who are you current sponsors?

I am sponsored by 9 companies including AS|ONE Clothing, Trunq, Osiris shoes, SMX Optics, DNA Energy Drinks, Fringe, Fuel, Power Crunch, and my most recent sponsor is a board company from New York called Solid Surfboards.

What is your advice to other groms who are looking to get sponsored (besides posting their pictures and videos on FirstStoke.com of course)?

Go out and surf! That’s the main thing you can do. Then at competions, meet other people and see if you can meet a rep. But, if you’re having too much trouble, make a “sponsor me” video, they work too. Keep shredding the gnar!

Who has had the most impact on your surfing style?

My family, especially my brother, J. Christ, friends, the SSG crew, and all the competitors I surf against.

Who are the surfers from New Jersey that you have looked up to?

I’ve always looked up to NJ pro Sam Hammer, Matt Kenan, Mike Gleason, and Frank Walsh. Those guys are insane.

How do you balance surfing with all the school commitments?

Well my mom and dad are always on top of me. I also try to plan everything out. That’s the best way for me to balance everything I do.

What boards are you currently riding?

I currently ride a 5’10 Graham Preston. I also have a 6’1 Al Merrick which I use during Northeastern swells and hurricanes.

What wetsuit do you rock in the winter to deal with the harsh East coast weather?

Man it is so harsh and I hate wearing a thick wetsuit, but I rock a 5:3 O’Neill with an attached hood. For gloves I use O’ Neill 3mm. And Boots I use Rip Curl 3mm.

What are the main competions you are competing in these days?

I competed in the Rip Curl Grom Search, Hurley Rip My Shred Stick, and I occasionally compete in the ESA.

What is the newest trick you are working on?

I just started landing my frontside airs in September so my I’m working on getting them with rail grabs and working on bettering my frontside slash.

What do you hope to be doing in 5 years?

I hope to be in a nice college with my sponsors set so when I get out I can go pro. That’s the way to go.