"GIS"

There would be no one in this country who knows the surf conditions better than John Gisby. When the NZ surf report is compiled each day, Gisborne is the last phone call and "Gis" not only gives the local conditions, but catches up with the waves elsewhere. Much as he would love to jump on a plane and follow the surf, this YMCA custodian still finds Makarori Point a great place to be. Married to Gail, with two sons Jake & Shaun, "Gis" has been surfing since he was 12. His first board was a Peter Byers 10 footer and he won his first National Senior title in 1984 using a 5'8" Twin Fin. He secured a couple of seconds over the next couple of years then began winning off and on culminating in 1994 with 5 titles. These were from all round the country, 1 in Raglan, 2 in Dunedin, 2 in Gisborne at the Jesus Classic over Easter and 3 Gisborne Boardriders. He has 1 title so far in 1995, the Veterans (over 40s) won in Taranaki. He has 8 titles to his name, the record of 10 being held by a woman, Jenny Shanks.John Gisby is a real enigma. He doesn't look old enough to be a Veteran, yet he was a surveyor with the Ministry of Works for 16 years. His favourite meal is seafood and he's partial to a beer and a surf magazine to read. Lennox Heads, Australia, is his top surfing spot and if "Gis" has a dream, it's to visit France. He is sponsored by New Wave Surfboards and Gotcha Clothing.