Life is Better When You Surf® - Laura Michelmore

This week, we focus our Interview on a wonderfully creative, funny, and hard-working woman: Laura Michelmore from a small surf-focused brand called Froth Nugget. We came across Froth Nugget back in 2018 and have purchased some of her fun T-shirts and Hats over the years. Laura’s Instagram will keep you laughing and stoked at the same time. Get a drink and sit down and have a read of the interview we think it’s great. Laura lives the "Life is better when you surf" mantra daily.

GSI:  Hi Laura, tell us about yourself, where you live and what you do at Froth Nugget
LM: I live in South Australia, about 30 minutes from Adelaide along the Mid Coast. That’s where I run Froth Nugget out of our small two-bedroom apartment. I’m the founder, illustrator, designer, content creator, packer of orders, customer service rep... basically every role you can think of, I’m doing it.

GSI:   Froth Nugget. What is it, and how did it begin?
LM: Froth Nugget is a small independent surf brand that I accidentally started after a fun surf and a few beers with mates. I drew a sketch of a nugget riding a barrel of fries, got a couple of stickers printed for fun, and stuck one on my car. I posted it online and suddenly everyone was asking where they could get one. So I made an Instagram page and started selling stickers.

From there, I realised there was a huge gap in the surf scene for something more real. Most surf brands are all about clean logos and following trends, but nothing really spoke to what surfing actually feels like for most people.
Froth Nugget is about all the funny, awkward, and awesome parts of surf culture. Every design is based on something from real life. A wipeout. A weird lineup moment. Something dumb I did. They all tell a little story.
It’s a brand for people who love surfing for what it is, not just how it looks. And online, I try to share the journey of what it’s really like learning to surf as an adult. The struggles, the small wins, and everything in between. I just want other surfers or people thinking about getting into it to feel like they’re not alone.

GSI: How old were you when you learnt to surf? Where was it, and who taught you?
LM: I was around 29 when I learned. Pretty late, I know. I actually started skating first and loved it, but kept ending up bruised and broken. Someone told me to try surfing because falling doesn’t hurt as much.
I booked a lesson at my local beach and was instantly hooked. That was it for me.

GSI: What is the best tip you have for anyone learning to surf?
LM: Be patient. Progress is never a straight line. Some days you’ll feel like you’ve gone backwards and other days you’ll feel like Steph Gilmore. Maybe not look like her, but feel like her. Just remind yourself it’s all part of the process. Go out, have fun, don’t take it too seriously.

GSI: Tell us about a surf session that really sticks in your mind and why?
LM: There was one session at my local that was meant to be average. We rocked up and to our surprise it was pumping. No one was around, just four of us trading waves and hooting each other on. It only lasted about an hour before the wind changed, but it was one of the best sessions I’ve ever had.
To this day whenever we see each other and someone says “the surf was good”, someone always says “yeah but was it as good as that day” and the answer is always no.

GSI: What is your favourite surf spot?
LM: Winkipop in Victoria. It has my heart at the moment.

GSI: What is your favourite GSI board right now, and what do you like about it?
LM: The Salt Gypsy Chi Chi. I absolutely love this board. It’s coming with me to Morocco! It paddles like a dream, turns so easily, and always surprises me with what I can do on it. I did my first proper snap on it and honestly couldn’t believe it. It’s one of those boards that just sticks with you. Full of good memories already.

GSI: Our company mantra is ‘Life is Better When You Surf®️”. How does that statement resonate with you?
LM: It just feels true. Surfing resets me. No matter what kind of day I’ve had or how stuck I feel, getting in the water makes everything better. It clears your head, keeps you grounded, and reminds you why you love it. Life always feels a little lighter after a surf.