When making our list of people to interview for this series of newsletters, we wanted to highlight people who inspire us on a daily basis. Today’s newsletter interviewee is someone close to our heart as a company.
Bridget Reedman started working for GSI back in 2014 as the first GSI Territory Manager for New Zealand. She was also the first female Sales Rep the company has ever employed, and in a heavily male-dominated industry, Bridget shone brightly.
A few years later, Bridget took maternity leave. After six years with GSI and a global pandemic, Bridget took a role with Salt Gypsy. Recently, the Salt Gypsy Team took an epic surf trip to the Maldives. We caught up with Bridget last week. We hope you enjoy this interview.
Photo supplied by Bridget Reedman
GSI: Hi Bridge, Where do you live and what do you do at Salt Gypsy?
BR: I live in a small, beautiful beachside town called Mount Maunganui, on the East Coast of Aotearoa-New Zealand. It's a long sweeping coastline bound in the North by the mountain Mauao-Mount Maunganui. I work remotely for Salt Gypsy, based in Byron Bay. We have a small core team, so we wear many hats! I manage sales, assist with our ecomm store, look after our collaborations and sponsorships, provide customer service and support Danny (CEO/Founder) with other areas of business... I'm like Sales + CS Manager / SG Sidekick!
Photo supplied by Bridget Reedman
GSI: How old were you when you learnt to surf? Where was it and who taught you?
BR: I started surfing at 14, skipped school one day and went with a girlfriend up the coast North of Auckland. I never really had lessons, just a great group of friends who were all surfing and I joined in to learn the ropes. Living in Auckland was great in some respects as it's an hour drive to either East or West Coast, so you can pick which coast depending on the swell and wind. I definitely paid my dues learning to surf on the wild West Coast at Piha and Muriwai... in hindsight some lessons and guidance on best board selection for learning would have gone a long way!
Photo supplied by Bridget Reedman
GSI: What is the best tip you have for anyone learning to surf?
BR: Consistency and perseverance! Having good friends to go with is key and also a board suited to your ability. I spent way too long battling on a shortboard while I was learning. I surfed a shortboard for the first 10 years and once I started trying out different boards with more foam and volume, longboards and mid lengths, I have enjoyed surfing so much more.
Photo supplied by Bridget Reedman
GSI: Tell us about a surf session that really sticks in your mind?
BR: Well, I have just been on a really epic boat trip in the Maldives with Salt Gypsy, Liquid Destination and a bunch of legendary ladies, and we scored some really fun sessions over there. Warm water, beautiful sandy atolls, really fun waves, lots of wildlife in the water, great crew, cold brews at sunset and relaxing time in between surf sessions - I had the best time!
Photo supplied by Bridget Reedman
GSI: What is your favourite surf spot?
BR: There are some great spots in NZ that really stand out, but I think anywhere can have its magic moment if all the elements align. Fun little waves, sunshine and no one out and I'm happy!
GSI: What is your fav Salt Gypsy board?
BR: I surfed the Salt Gypsy 6'8 Mid Tide a lot in the Maldives and loved it, it's my favourite in the range. It's the perfect balance of having enough foam to catch loads of waves, the rail and tail shape hold in the wave so well and the single fin creates a really flowy feeling on the wave. It's a really fun board shape to ride and suits my surfing style.
Photo supplied by Bridget Reedman
GSI: Our company mantra is ‘Life is Better When Your Surf®” how does that statement resonate with you?
BR: Surfing has become such an intrinsic part of my life, I've always just done it because it's fun, and it's totally shaped my life and lifestyle.
I've been fortunate enough to work in the surf industry for most of my career, and for a couple of surf companies that have epic gear, strong values and amazing people behind the scenes. Shout out to Global Surf Industries and Salt Gypsy!
