Greg Long : photo Al Mackinnon/Billabong XXL

Billabong reached into the unique world of big wave surfing to acquire big wave aficionado Greg Long as its latest member of the Billabong team. But this highly respected, humble, young Californian has done a lot more than most people think in his first 25 years.

Besides riding 60 foot monster waves, Greg has been attacked by a Tiger Shark, named one of Fittest Fifty Americans in Men’s Fitness, achieved top amateur competitive status, traveled to six continents and won Billabong XXL awards in several categories.

“It is so refreshing to see in this day and age a surfer who has achieved so much already, and is still so down to earth and appreciative of being a part of something as special as surfing,” stated Billabong’s VP Marketing, Graham Stapelberg. “We look forward to a long and rewarding partnership.”

Starting in a more traditional mode, Long began his career when he won the 2001 NSSA Men’s Open Championships earning respect as a great guy and a solid all round surfer. Having built a reputation in his home area of San Clemente, California, this affable young charger came into his own when he began to explore the rarified world of truly big waves, taking him to Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, Oregon, Mexico, and the fabled Cortez Banks.

“Nobody chases big waves as hard as Greg” says Mike “Snips” Parsons, himself a XXL winner and former ASP Top 16 Pro. “He’s definitely one of the top 3 big wave paddle surfers on the planet. He’s the only guy who gets invited to everything.”

In 2004 he won the Red Bull/South Africa contest at Dungeons, and pretty much since then Long has been inducted into the small, elite club of big wave chasers who specialize in hunting for the very biggest swell around the globe. He has been a multiple winner of the XXL Awards and is the 2008 Mavericks Champion.

“I am very honored to join the Billabong team. They are without question, the greatest supporters of modern big wave adventure surfing. I truly look forward to working with the entire Billabong crew around the globe. Together, we will continue our quest to search for, and ride the most extreme waves on the planet.”

Perhaps the most valuable character trait Long possess is a big heart.“You don’t find young guys who are humble, fearless and so likeable all at the same time,” notes Parsons. “He makes friends everywhere he goes.”