stay salty

Ryan
Leopold

Based in North Carolina, Ryan is all about chasing barrels and keeping it real, literally. A core member of the REAL Watersports crew, Ryan is the go-to guy when it comes to testing surfboards, creating content and sharing his feedback with the community, often logging waves on a new shape before the sun sets. When he’s not in the lineup, he’s spearfishing, hunting, or tending to his organic garden, staying connected to nature. Rooted in the tight-knit East Coast surf scene, Ryan likes to stay grounded with his love for cold-water tubes, good friends, and spontaneous adventures.

STAY REAL.

Nationality AMERICAIN Age 1989

HOMESPOT
Buxton, North Carolina, USA

FAVORITE MOVE
Getting barreled

DREAM WAVE
Cold water tubes

3 REASONS TO GO SURFING
It makes me a better person all-around, I’m happier and healthier, and it bleeds through into other facets of my life, teaching me patience and valuable lessons.

INSPIRATION
My dad, who showed me surfing and sent me down the path I’m on, I owe him for that big time.

FAVORITE MEAL
Fruits and veggies all day (especially on surf days), and steak at night.

“It makes me a better person all-around”

Ryan Interview

Can you tell us a bit more about your passion for surfing?

I really enjoy the community of awesome people that make up the surf culture here on the East Coast. I can travel anywhere to any state and have a friend who will take us in and let all the homies crash at any time. It’s a special group of people here.

What’s the most amazing thing you’ve experienced?

I think it has to be winter storm Gail in 2020. Surfing NY in a blizzard is a crazy thing to experience. And the journey it took to get there was gnarly, making the score that much sweeter.

“Surfing NY in a blizzard is a crazy thing to experience”

Ryan Interview

What do you do with your day when there are no waves?

I like spearfishing a lot. Most of the lessons learned while surfing can be applied to that as well. Also, duck hunting, bass fishing, growing an organic garden and anything that keeps me outside.