OLLIE ATKEY

Nationality: Canadian
Age: 21
Hometown: Tofino, B.C.
Sponsors: Xcel Wetsuits, Ocean & Earth, Legend Eyewear, Storm Surf Shop

“I was born and brought up in Tofino. I was raised by a French mother who feel in love with Native carving, and one of Canada’s first pioneer surfers, Bruce Atkey.

It seemed at an early age that my brother and I were spending a lot of time at the beach watching my dad surf, and when I was 5 my dad bought us some used wetsuits and a few beater boards.

We figured it was better to be out there having fun than waiting on the beach for him to come in. To sum everything up, I grew up in a beach environment; my dad loved surfing, and my mom loved working at the beach.

So they raised us to love the beach life, and from there my passion for surfing has brought me to where I am today. I love surfing – but not for getting glory in a comp or being the next local wonder kid, but just because I love the feeling of riding waves.

And as I get older and my surfing progresses, I’m finding myself fading from the competitive side even more. I’m finding my direction has changed, and the direction I’ve taken is just personal satisfaction from the sport I grew up loving.

Don’t get caught up in being the best and forget what surfing is about. It’s about having fun.”

A Few Highlights…

“I don’t know…I’ve had a lot of great waves in my lifetime. My best waves were probably in Indonesia, and I’ve always loved when the boil is working in front of the Wick.”

Contest Results

2005 Volcom Beaverfish, Fifth in Men’s Pro-Am

2004 Quiksilver Surf Jam, 1 st in Men’s Pro Longboard

2004 QuiksilverSurf Jam, 8th in Open Men’s Shortboard

2002 Quiksilver Surf Jam, 7 th Open Men’s Shortboard

2001 Quiksilver Surf Jam, 2nd in Men’s Pro Longboard

2000 Quiksilver Surf Jam, 3rd in Men’s Pro Longboard

2000 ISA World Surfing Championships (Brazil)