Callum Robson

Callum’s journey has always been grounded in hard work and self-direction. Growing up in Evans Head, a small coastal town on the north coast of NSW, his days were filled with sport, saltwater, and long commutes - and it’s clear none of that was wasted.

“I used to skate, ride scooters, and play a bunch of different sports. Rugby league and rugby union were pretty big passions of mine, but I’ve always been around the ocean. My parents were heavily involved in surf clubs, so I was constantly doing patrols or going to different events around Australia.”

It wasn’t until a trip to Indonesia with his dad that things really clicked.

“But what really flicked the switch for me was a trip to Indo with my dad when I was maybe 13. After I came back, all I wanted to do was surf. I kind of fell in love with the freedom and pure enjoyment of it all.”

That passion grew quietly while he continued life as usual. “I went to school in Woodburn and then eventually in Lismore, spending an hour and 45 minutes on the bus each day. A lot of the time I couldn’t surf through the week, so I left school in year 11 to have more freedom and pursue a carpentry apprenticeship with my old man. I was able to surf in the mornings, since Dad let me rock up a bit later.”

He worked full time as a tradie, fitting surfing in when he could. “My apprenticeship was pretty short-lived, but it was one of the best things I ever did. While I was very lucky that my dad was my boss, I obviously didn’t have the luxury of being able to surf every day – there would be times when I’d have to work all week or out of town.”

Eventually, his commitment to surfing earned him a place on the World Surf League’s Challenger Series and then a breakthrough moment - qualifying as the youngest surfer on the 2022 Championship Tour.

“When I was younger and started to get filmed for the first time, it was definitely a little intimidating. But now, I don’t really think too much of it. I usually set my intentions so I don’t get too caught up in trying to get clips. That way, I’m more focused on my goal for the session.”

Alongside his competitive career, Callum discovered another passion - helping others progress in the surf.

“It allowed me to understand myself on such a deeper level. I realised I had a lot of value to give in that space, because something I’m really enthusiastic about is giving back. I also think I’ve got quite a unique take on it, because I felt like I probably wasn’t the most talented kid when I was younger – I had to work a lot of things out for myself.”

That outlook is what shaped Project 6 - his personal coaching and development initiative.

“Helping aspiring pro surfers holds a massive place in my heart, but Project 6 is so much more than that. It’s about creating different types of enjoyable experiences for surfers of all ages and levels. It’s for them to come play and experience surfing at its core – pure fun and a challenge to push yourself mentally and improve in different and uncomfortable environments.”

“Putting this together for these groms has now allowed me to build a bit of community, which is really exciting.”

He’s also clear that time in the water doesn’t always have to be about pushing limits - sometimes, it’s just about finding calm.

“Surfing has obviously played a massive part in my life. I love being able to do something where I can get outside of my own head and connect with myself and Mother Nature. Getting in the salt water is such a great way to cleanse your whole being and feel really, really good about yourself.

“If I’m ever a bit overwhelmed or stressed, I just go for a swim. I think it’s so beneficial. I feel like my family really helps with my wellbeing too – spending time with them always makes me feel better.”

From helping others grow to staying connected with his roots, Callum hasn’t strayed far from where it all started. “I’ve recently finished renovating a place with my old man. I haven’t had the opportunity to go back and work with him since being on tour, but it’s such a different experience when I don’t have to do it for work. I really like learning about building, and feel like it’s such a good skillset to have.”

It’s this mindset - grounded, practical, and driven - that makes Callum such a natural fit for VIZ Tradies Insurance.

“I’m from a small country town, so working-class, blue-collar kind of work is deeply ingrained in me. I think that resonates a lot with their community and the Aussie tradies that surf. I relate to them quite easily.”

“I think they’re exactly the kind of people that a surfing tradie wants to deal with. They want to work all day, surf in the afternoon, down tools, and know they’re protected.”

“To have the support of a company that backs you for being you really means the world to me and allows me to work on what matters. I can focus on surfing and doing my best knowing I have their support.”