Young Guns: With Harvey Moncrieff

It seems like everywhere you look these days there are young (and old) surfers trying to get noticed. Whether they’re putting in the reps to master air manoeuvres, dedicating their time to chasing big heavy slabs, or trying their luck on the competition circuit, one thing remains the same, they all just want their opportunity to shine.

In a world where good surfers are a dime a dozen, getting noticed can be a tough gig. You just have to open Instagram or YouTube and you’ll be bombarded with images and clips of young surfers showcasing their skills in the off chance that someone with connections will see how good they are and change their life.

But, every now and then we come across young guns that do it for the love of surfing and the feeling that they get when they drop into a heavy slab. Groms that looked up to the local chargers and respected the wisdom that they passed on. Surfers that evolve and grow before your eyes into talented but also humble wave riders. And with dedication, respect and a little luck, they do get noticed and things fall into place.

I spoke t0 one of those young guns, Harvey Moncrieff, about his evolution from fresh faced grom to big wave surfer, the physical and mental challenges of big wave surfing and the importance of having a good crew around you while you do it.

Harvey at a remote wave during a tow session with one of his mentors. Image by: Steve Arklay (@aframephotos)

Harvey tell us about your surfing journey from south-west Vicco grom to chasing some of the gnarliest slabs in Victoria:

I started surfing around 8 years old with my old man down at the bay. It was a bit on and off, especially with footy in the mix, but by the time I was 14, surfing really took hold. Having older mates like Marcus and Baz helped push me into bigger waves early on.

A few solid winters at Logans Beach sharpened my skills, and soon I was heading down the coast with some of the older crew. Sam Logan (@mindfulocean) was a massive influence—he introduced me to slab surfing and taught me the ropes with the ski. That experience opened up a whole new world for me, and I've been hooked on heavy slabs ever since.

Lately, it's been extra special sharing tow sessions with my cousin and best mate, Balun. There's nothing like getting whipped into a bomb and knowing your mate's got your back.

Your skills and dedication have not gone unnoticed by the broader surfing community of late.  What are some of the best surfing moments you've had in the last 12 months?

Honestly, the past year has been all about sharing epic sessions with an incredible crew. Discovering new waves and pushing each other to go harder has been unreal. There's nothing like the feeling of being out there, trading waves, and just frothing together. Those moments, where everyone's stoked and the energy's high—that's what it's all about for me.

Harvey is sponsored by: The Slab Lab, Balin Surf Hardware & Dragon

Harvey bottoms out with the lip. Image by: Johnte Lange (@johntelange)

What was the driver behind chasing slab waves and what does it take from a physical and mental perspective to take on these waves of consequence?

The main drive behind chasing slabs was just the feeling you get, it feels like your weightless and your gliding over the water with the realisation that your below a lip that weighs a couple ton, which can do some serious damage if it catches you out. It’s also just the strait up adrenaline rush.

The physical and mental side of things is a big one, and most of it is a mental game. You know your body is ready because you train as much as you can when its onshore to get yourself fit, strong and ready for most situations. When your about to take on big surf, it definitely plays on your mind and you have to settle your nerves down and try to relax.     

Take us through the craziest wipe-out or situation you've been in chasing big waves:

To be honest, just getting worked out at Lunas, as it's fairly remote and would be a mission to try get out of there if you are seriously injured.

(Lunas can only be accessed by air/chopper for emergency situations)

You're still very young, do you have aspirations to make free surfing a career or are you happy to just chase in your spare time?

It's always been the dream to make a living from free surfing. But to be honest, I reckon it's a tough gig to sustain long-term. Plus, I genuinely enjoy working with my hands—being a carpenter and doing surfboard repairs on the side. It keeps things balanced.

That said, if the opportunity arose to turn free surfing into a full-time career, I'd be all in. For now, though, I'm stoked to chase waves whenever I can and keep the passion alive alongside my day job.

Do you have any advice for up and coming groms that want to transition into slab/big wave surfing?

Yeah, for sure. I’d say the biggest thing is just putting in the time — spend a few solid winters out at big Logan’s (for the locals) or somewhere heavy, getting absolutely smoked. Like, fully thrown over the falls, proper hold-downs, just getting rinsed. That’s how you learn.

But also, know where you’re at. Don’t throw yourself into something you’re not ready for — it’s not worth getting seriously hurt or putting your crew in danger. Push yourself, yeah, but keep it smart.

Focused and relaxed in maxxing conditions. Image by: Steve Arklay (@aframephotos)

Where is your bucket list wave and why?

Bucket list wave? Probably Shipsterns or The Right over in WA. They’re both just full-on, heavy front side slabs — proper beasts. The kind of waves that demand everything from you, and that’s what makes ‘em so appealing

Interview by: Kylie Palmer

Co-Owner: @the.slablab.store

Writer & Editor: @slab.magazine