Being Dave Rastovich

Free surfer, team rider, eco warrior, sealife lover, organic grower, hippy Rasta – that’s how Dave Rastovich rolls.

Being John Malkovich is a crazy film, being Dave Rastovich is real life crazy.

Before I get down to the details of being Dave ‘Rasta’ Rastovich today, lets have a quick look at his life so far:

• Born 31 December 1979 in Auckland, New Zealand
• Grew up on a farm
• Dad was in New Zealand’s Special Forces, but became a holistic healer
• Moved to the Gold Coast aged 6
• Won numerous junior lifesaving, paddleboard and surfing competitions
• Won the U16 World Grommet Champs in Bali
• Left the WQS to be a professional free surfer and ocean activist
• In 2005, married a professional mermaid (Hannah Fraser), now divorced

Free surfer, team rider

Disenchanted by the rules of the fun sapping surf tour, Rasta left the WQS early in his career. But with a hard work ethic and environmental mentality, he carved out a niche with Billabong as a team rider, free surfer, surf film star and environmentalist. Rasta is now the face of mens surf clothing brand Billabong’s environmental campaign ‘Be The Change You Want In The World’, pushing a range of eco friendly recycled boardshorts and organic T-shirts.

Despite his lack of competitive zeal sponsors still love him, especially: Billabong, Sanuk, Electric Visual, Sector 9 and Sticky Bumps. Due to his Curren-esque style, primal good looks and ability to surf anything (inc. inflatable mats, barn doors); Rasta’s film credits include Jack McCoys ‘Blue Horizon’, Taylor Steele’s ‘Sipping Jetstreams’ and Thomas Campbell’s ‘Sprout’.

Eco warrior, sealife lover

Rasta was once saved by a dolphin from a shark attack (true story). Ever since he’s done what he can to return the favour. In 2004, Rasta and artist/activist Howie Cooke founded Surfers for Cetaceans (S4C), to mobilise surfers and the surf media against whaling and dolphin kills.

Rasta also likes to get his hands dirty with Sea Shepherd, Oceanic Preservation Society, IFAW and many others. In 2007, Rasta and fellow activists paddled out in peaceful demonstration during the Tajii. The annual Japanese tradition is responsible for the slaughter of many dolphins and whales, turning the sea red. Protests, film, media and education have already had a positive effect as many locals now refuse to sell or consume cetacean meat, but the annual slaughter continues.

Check out the film ‘Minds in the Water’ for a great visual insight to Rasta’s journey, and the S4C website for the latest campaign information.

Organic grower, hippy Rasta

Rasta has been criticised by many for his less than green credentials and lifestyle choices. For example he’s clocked up more air miles than Obama, has no academic eco-credentials and drives a gas guzzling SUV (he lost the hybrid in the divorce).

But he’s doing a whole lot more than most to make a difference in the world. Commercially he’s working with sponsors to develop recycled clothing, soy wax and sugar-based boards. He’s a strict vegan, grows his own organic veg and built his house from salvaged materials.

To compliment his hippy living, he practises yoga and meditation daily.

In summary, being Dave Rastovich must be a pretty cool way to live a life.

Here’s Dave Rastovich in a hand picked collection of multimedia magnificence:

Why I surf

Minds in the water trailer