Joining the Rusty Rat Pack at 16, now 21 year old Team Rider Letty Mortensen is taking on the world. Hailing from Avalon, NSW he has the biggest grin in surfing to date. He can charm the pants off anyone and always ready to offer up any tips – “Keeping the mane intact is vital, no doubt. My secret is some of that raw organic cold pressed coconut oil. Smells amazing too.” 

2017 saw him flying between Australia, Spain, France, Barbados, Japan, Portugal and Hawaii. Not one to hesitate, Letty jumped at the chance to feature in the ALL IN campaign, despite being half way round the world at the time for the The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii. Getting on a 15 hour flight to Perth for 4 nights and back again for a comp the next day.

When it comes down to it Letty’s vibe is about meeting new crew, having fun and surfing his brains out.

It’s a cold, rainy day, can you describe the urge that makes you get off the couch, out of your ugg boots to put on a cold wet suit and get out into the water?

Well I try not to, I stay in bed, scroll Netflix for an hour to try find a movie, then realise that Netflix is actually shit and doesn’t have any good shows. Then I go surf. Honestly though, I love surfing in the rain, it’s therapeutic.

What’s the furthest you’ve pushed yourself to chase that feeling?

Paying the Canggu man at the road to let me surf his beach.

Surf is a very individualistic pursuit but with a lot of camaraderie. How would you describe the difference between being out there on your own vs. being out there with your mates? Do you have a preference?

It’s funny, I’ll go on a mission to pick up my mate or something for them to come and surf with me, then I won’t see them the whole session. It’s all about the pre and post psych ups and talks. You find yourself getting deep. I’ll choose surfing with my buddies any day.

I’ve been lucky enough to hang and surf with some of my idols growing up as a kid, surfing with guys that you look up-to and aspire to be pushes you to go bigger or to charge harder. Plus it’s great having someone to have a yarn with in-between waves! 

Can you remember a time (not necessarily surf) when you’ve really pushed yourself, totally failed but you’ll never regret or forget?

I asked a girl for her number. She said no. She ended up knowing a bunch of people I was with, they end up having a bro down on the ferry home, then we end up giving her a lift home. But hey, you never know if you don’t try. 
I will try and push myself in any opportunity that comes my way, it’s the only way to get better, at anything. Moving down to the South Coast I’ve been pushing myself to start surfing bigger, more powerful waves. I’ve copped a few floggings in the years, but that’s what keeps me motivated to get better and improve. 

Follow him on instagram: @letty_mortensen

You can view his latest clip TROPICAL NEST below.