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Josh Rudd – Founder Ghanda surf wear

Josh Rudd - Inside Stories

Don't ask Josh Rudd what Ghanda's supposed to mean; it is a name he invented. However, for an increasing number of young people, Ghanda has acquired its own meaning: as the name of a fashionable surf wear label.

Josh operates Ghanda from beachside Torquay, the town where he has spent all his life.

'Growing up, I was always outdoors. We would kick the footy, ride a motorbike, always getting up to adventures.'

After a semester at university Josh decided to start his own business, and Ghanda began in 2003. He began doing designs and illustrations for bands and music festivals before focusing on clothing. As well as a Ghanda shop in Torquay, there is an online outlet and a mobile shop that sets up in regional centres. The product range has expanded to include thongs, board shorts, towels and wallets. Josh has decided to cease wholesaling to other retailers in favour of opening more of his own outlets.

Josh relaxes by exploiting the ample recreational opportunities on his doorstep. 'I love jogging, and there are some beautiful tracks along our coast. Growing up we were always in the water. I am at Jan Juc beach all the time. There is so much you can do – if there are waves you can surf; if there are no waves, have a dip; if its freezing, go for a walk. It doesn't matter what the conditions are.

'We've got the Otways in our back yard, this stunning place that everyone should see at least once in their life.'

Bells Beach

Surfing
'I'm a goofy footer, meaning I surf with my left foot back and right foot forward. Almost all of the waves around here are right-handed, except for Jan Juc, which is also my closest beach. That means I can face the wave, which makes a big difference.'

Mountain biking, Victoria

Mountain bike riding
'Around Angelsea and Aireys Inlet there are mountain bike tracks everywhere. I like to take my bike and start on the coast then ride inland. There are nice mountains you can ride up into, you can easily spend a whole day riding, and you are bound to have a good time.'

Rip Curl Pro

Away from it all
'The first thing visitors to our Ghanda shop are looking for is the famous Bells Beach. It has a vibe, a special charisma - like meeting a famous person. Part of this is because of the movie Point Break. Bells Beach wasn't even used in the film, but that's what made it even more famous around the world!'

Falls Festival, Victoria

The Falls Festival
'Falls is held in the Otways, an amazing landscape, and it is really well run. In 2002 Xav (brother Xavier Rudd) was playing in the Big Top tent and people who had never seen him before were sucked away from the main stage to watch him creating this rocking noise. It was the gig that sent him on his way.'