Warrnambool surfer riding some of best waves he's seen

The goofy-footed surfer has been hitting the waves at every opportunity.

"Whenever the surf is good and even when it's bad, I'm out there surfing," he said.

"I think it's a good way to pass time and you can still kind of see your friends while in the ocean."

The 17-year-old offered his take on why the south-west's surf has been so sublime this year.

"The conditions have really lined up, we've had lots of northerly winds and a consistent swell throughout this winter," he said.

"Northerly winds hold up the waves so you get more time to ride across them."

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The South West Academy of Sport (SWAS) athlete started surfing when he was five. His dad Andy taught him how.

A few years later Balun was enjoying nippers at Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club (WSLSC).

He had a decision to make two years ago.

Continue juggling WSLSC commitments and surfing with footy or just focus on one?

The former North Warrnambool Eagles junior footballer choose to give water sports his full attention.

The Emmanuel College year 11 student mainly competes in individual board and team events with the surf club.

He was disappointed to miss out on representing WSLSC at this year's major events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Balun explained the Victorian titles and Australian titles were cancelled.

"It was pretty disappointing, we trained all year and it came to an end pretty abruptly," he said.

But on the upside he secured a sponsorship deal with Balin Surfers Hardware earlier this year.

A couple of south-west photographers take photos of him displaying the brand while he's surfing. The photos are then posted to social media.

Balun said he had valued from feedback from coaches Paul White, Adam Robertson, Marcus Eldridge and Nic Kaiser in his first year with SWAS.

"They'll video us and give us feedback on our surfing," he said.

"There are multiple aspects they've helped out with and it's gone a long way."

The youngster, who wants to surf on beaches all around the world, is also grateful to mentors Keith Curtain and Chris Taylor.

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