Nickname: jimmy SURFS

Born and raised: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Stance: Regular

Sponsor: Vissla and A&H Vessels

Where are you based now?

San Clemente, California and Oahu, Hawaii

What do you like about where you live now?

I get to enjoy the ocean every day of the year and be surrounded by people that inspire me.

When and how did you start surfing?

I started skateboarding really young and because I lived on an island, surfing seemed like a perfect way to enjoy the beach. I think I was around 11 when I got a used surfboard with no fins in it and attempted to learn to surf. It took a while before I really figured it out, haha.

Where is your go-to surf spot?

Trestles

Please tell us about the surfboard you usually ride. Brand, shaper, dimensions, fin setup, etc.

I mostly ride asymmetrical twin fins shaped by my friend Ashton (A&H Vessels). That's what I've been able to do my best surfing on but I enjoy riding everything I can get my hands on from longboards to just bodysurfing. I also really enjoy riding my buddy Corey Colapinto's surfboards. He has some really unique designs that allow me to surf differently than I ever have before and have a blast in mushy soft waves.

Where are your favorite surf spots that you've been to?

All over! I don't have any favorites. I try and really appreciate everywhere I've been fortunate enough to surf.

Where are the surf spots you want to visit in the future that you've never been to?

I would really love to try and get to Jeffreys Bay and surf there as well as all over Australia.

Which do you like more, Air or Tube?

Tube

Which do you like more, Noseride or Maneuver?

Both on the same wave!

Which one video would you highlight in this playlist and why?

ALL SMILES, probably because it's the first video I've ever put together on my own and I'm pretty proud of the surfing, too haha. Any of the Kookapinto videos are beautiful to watch too.

Who are the surfers that inspire you?

Too many to name!!! All three Gudauskas brothers, Corey Colapinto, Bryce Young, Ryan Burch, Tommy Witt, Mark Occhilupo, Rob Machado, Andy Irons, Larry Bertlemann, Derek Hynd, Owl Chapman, Gerry Lopez, Mason Ho, John John Florence, Taro Watanabe, Ian Gottron, Noa Mizuno, Cliff Kapono, Derrick Disney, Stephanie Gilmore, Reno Abellira, Dane Kealoha, Greg Long, Parker Coffin. I've got too many to name.

What are the surf films/videos that inspire you?

Blue Intensity, View From A Blue Moon, Crystal Voyager, DIGITAL SURF, DIGITAL WORLD, Five Summer Stories

Other than surfing, what are you passionate about?

Getting outside, staying active, painting, and lifeguarding.

Who are your favorite bands and musicians?

Grateful Dead, Fela Kuti, Otis Redding, Leon Bridges, Allen Brothers, Jimmy Cliff, Jack Johnson, Pink Floyd

Track you love

Spotify Playlist: This Is Jimmy Thompson

1. "Se Ba Ho" by Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou
2. "Albatross" by Fleetwood Mac
3. "Franklin's Tower" by Grateful Dead
4. "Black Man's Cry" by Afrika 70Fela KutiGinger Baker
5. "Columbine" by Townes Van Zandt
6. "Fearless" Pink Floyd
7. "Whipping Post" by Allman Brothers Band
8. "Since I've Been Loving You" by Led Zeppelin
9. "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath
10. "Greatest Story Ever Told" by Bob Weir