Don’t have time to read? Listen to the Podcast of Shane’s interview here
Join us for a one-on-one interview with Shane Ackerman, the ‘Astronaut in the Ocean,’ as he shares his passion for bodyboarding, balances the demands of a nine-to-five job, debunks myths about the sport, and recounts one of the strangest experiences he’s ever had in the water.
How did the opportunity to make a film about your journey come about?
The opportunity to make this film came completely out of the blue. Photographer Ray Collins called me one evening—randomly, I might add, as I hadn’t seen or spoken to him in quite some time. He asked if I knew of the brand “Yeti.” I’d heard of it but wasn’t too familiar. Long story short, he set up a Zoom meeting with the team at Bimarian Films, and here we are now with the finished product.
What was it like having your story and passion captured on film?
Honestly, it was quite strange! I’ve always seen myself as just a regular guy who goes to work and enjoys spending time outdoors—nothing out of the ordinary. What I do in my spare time doesn’t feel “crazy” to me, so I couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to make a film about some average joe! That said, I’m incredibly grateful to everyone involved in making this happen. It’s been such a surreal experience.
What’s the hardest part about bodyboarding that people might not realise?
Most people don’t really know what high-performance bodyboarding is. The sport has always been overshadowed by surfing, especially in Australia. One of the hardest parts about bodyboarding is balancing a 9-to-5 job while trying to find time to surf. Unlike surfing, there’s very little money in bodyboarding, so it’s not a viable career path for most. Also, it takes a lot more skill than just kicking onto a wave and holding on—hopefully, the film helps show that!
What’s your process for mentally and physically preparing to take on massive waves?
I don’t really have a set process, but I spend a lot of time in and around the ocean. The experience and knowledge you gain from just being in the water are invaluable. I surf as much as I can, and when there’s no swell, I go spearfishing, which keeps me fit and helps me improve my breath-holding ability (plus, I love the sport). From time to time, I also play underwater hockey—it’s another great way to work on breath control.
How tall are the biggest waves you’ve surfed?
Everyone measures waves differently—whether it’s the thickness, height, or if they’re breaking below sea level. I don’t really like to put a number on it, though.
How do you deal with wipeouts, both physically and mentally?
Honestly, it’s more mental than physical. Growing up, people always joked that I never made waves (and they still do, haha). I turned that into a bit of a joke with myself, which really helped with the mental side of things.
When people surf a new wave for the first time, they’re often so worried about failing or not making it. For me, it became a running joke that I’d wipe out anyway, so I stopped worrying about expectations. If the worst-case scenario is wiping out and you’re okay with that, then once you hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up! At the end of the day, I’m out there to have fun and push myself—that’s what it’s all about.
Are there any myths about bodyboarding that you’d like to debunk?
Absolutely! No, we don’t go down to the local beach, kick onto whitewash, and call ourselves “bodyboarders,” hahaha!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Just be yourself and don’t let others hold you back. Everyone has their own goals and aspirations—keep chipping away at those and stay true to yourself. Never say no to an opportunity because you never know where it might lead!
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you out on the water?
Sometimes, I go diving with mates at night for crayfish, and on a few occasions, we’ve encountered bioluminescence in the water. It’s such a surreal and incredible thing to witness! Wherever you make a splash or when the whitewash rolls up the rocks, you see these vibrant, iridescent blues glowing in the dark. It’s so weird but so cool!
We love a funny story or mishap—surely you’ve got a few of those! Please share!
Once, my mate and I went on a spearfishing trip up the coast. On the way, the alternator in his car blew up. We got it to the mechanic the next day and went for a dive while it was being fixed. We picked the car up just before closing and then headed back out on the boat because the conditions were perfect.
What we didn’t realise was that, as we crossed the bar, the car keys fell overboard. When we got back, we realised we were locked out! We called the NRMA to unlock the car so we could grab our camping gear and ended up camping at the boat ramp. His dad had to fly up the next day with the spare key because express post wouldn’t arrive in time for him to get back to work.
We spent a few more days diving, but on the way home, the turbo in his car blew up. We had to call the NRMA again and got towed the final six hours home.
If you could only bodyboard in one location for the rest of your life, where would it be?
Australia, hands down. We have some of the best slabs (short, shallow, heavy waves) in the world. People travel far and wide—or just dream of—what we have right here on our doorstep.
Where in Australia would be your favourite place to bodyboard?
For me it’s always about the adventure, hanging with mates & having a laugh. The waves are just a bonus. Home on the south coast is pretty hard to beat though, we’ve got so many world class waves in such close proximity to each other.
Do you have any pre-surf rituals?
Not really. I just listen to catchy music with mates on the drive to the surf, share some tall tales, and get stoked about the session we’re about to have.
Don’t miss out on seeing Shane Ackerman in his film ‘Astronaut in the Ocean’ at the Ocean Film Festival coming this March! Tickets on sale now – oceanfilmfestival.com.au
