Path from pit bikes to point breaks with Deus Ambassador, Eddy Hamaty.

From a small garage in Western Sydney to a surf haven at Sandon Point, Eddy Hamaty's path to the waves wasn't exactly a typical tale. He swapped go-karts and motocross for morning surf sessions - though the dirt track still calls from time to time. Now a Deus ambassador and full-time wave chaser, he brings a style that's all smooth speed and expressive flair. We caught up with Eddy to talk early influences, evolving style, and how an old board sparked a lifelong obsession.

Between surf, design and the people around you - what sets the tone for a day well spent?

I'm a sucker for signs and superstition. So I think little things like getting a string of green lights on the road, a delicious morning brew or a glorious sunrise reaaaally sets the tone for a day well spent. But I think getting in the ocean in the morning sets the tone for a great day more than anything, whether it be a swim or a surf, the ocean will set you right, I tell ya!

When did surfing shift from just something you did, to something that shaped a big part
of your lifestyle?

Definitely when Dad and I finally moved to the coast when I was in my mid teens. Until that point, we were living in Western Sydney and it was something I could really only do on the weekend. Surfing is so obsessive and consuming, I remember always dreaming of one day living close to the beach just so I could open the front door, run down to the beach and paddle out. Once this finally became my reality, you couldn't keep me out of the water. It's shaped my life, let alone my lifestyle. What I think sums it up the best is I still check the forecast prior to committing to any plans, I'm sure plenty of surfers can relate to that.

How has your personal style evolved over the years, and what has stayed the same?

I would hope it has evolved into something palatable haha! I think my style has become a lot more minimalist and conservative these days. In my late teens/early twenties I drove around in a lowered car with flashy wheels, wearing Nike Air Force - I look back at that and cringe in all honesty. I appreciate the "walk quietly, carry a big stick" sort of vibe, people that inspire me most have that demeanour.

And on his surf style...

My style has rapidly evolved over the years. I think having started surfing so late and countless hours on YouTube watching surf clips of my favourite surfers is to blame. It's only natural to emulate what inspires you and what you enjoy watching. Since jumping on as a Deus Ambassador in 2023, my curiosity for alternative boards like twin fins grew and my style evolved with it. These boards carry more speed than the performance shortboards I always rode. I believe it settled me down and made my approach smoother and faster. Dad doesn't surf, but he always encouraged me to have expressive arms and that's stuck with me until this day.

Growing up in Sydney’s west, the ocean wasn’t exactly on your doorstep - what first pulled you toward the world of surfing?

My Dad. He put in a lot of effort to make sure I was exposed to many sports as a kid. Swimming, riding dirtbikes, driving Go-Karts, swimming, tennis, and cricket were all things I enjoyed as a kid. Surfing wasn't even a thought. Dad had many friends at his work that were heavily into surfing. In 2013, our family had gone through some big changes at that time and he was offered an old - sun warped - fiberglass surfboard for me to take out and try. We headed to Maroubra one morning and as the cliche goes, I was hooked.

Surf culture has traditionally had a narrow lens - do you feel like that’s changing? And where do you see yourself in that shift?

We still see shadows of it to this day, but it's definitely changing. There are more people surfing in the world than ever before now, this rapid growth is going to influence culture to a degree. Considering surfing is culturally male dominated, I heard a wild stat a few months ago that the largest growing sector of surfing is actually women over 50. So yes, definitely changing. I see myself as someone people can look at and say "I guess you don't have to grow up at the beach to be a surfer", which is 100% the truth. It's a sport and lifestyle that's changed my life and is capable of changing many others. Everyone should try it at least once! No matter where you're from or what your age is.

The magazine

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August 27, 2025

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