A fearless Big Wave surfer, Jamie has also been honored by invitations to some of the world’s elite big wave riding events, including the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (ten x invitee) WSL Peahi (Jaws) Big Wave Challenge and WSL Nazare Tow In Challenge. Nominated for Billabong’s XXL Big Wave Awards, for a huge wave ridden at Maverick’s in Northern California and won the Biggest Paddle In Wave of the Year.
In 2014 he made international media headlines thanks to his courage during the storm Hercules, the Biggest Swell in 20 years to hit Europe in Belharra France.
Never one to limit his opportunities to experience everything the ocean has to offer Jamie has adapted to almost every form of wave-riding craft, from Tow-in Surfing to Stand Up Paddleboards, Foilboards, Canoe surfing, and shortboards. A qualified and experienced lifeguard, Mitchell’s exploits have also earned him membership of the informal but esteemed 30/20 Club, of elite watermen who have paddled 30 miles or more through open ocean and ridden 20-foot plus waves by the traditional paddle-in method.
World surfing champions like Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning, Ironmen like Trevor Hendy, and Hawaiian surfing greats like Brian Keaulana are united in their respect and admiration for Mitchell’s skills and achievements.
A relentless adventurer, Jamie continues to chase big waves and search to uncover new surf spots around the world, equipped and ready to do what it takes to meet the next epic swell head-on.
Giving back and using his profile to do good is part of Jamie’s core character; in 2013 he relocated to Monaco to help create The Princess Charlene De Monaco Foundation, which he is still involved in today.
In 2019 Jamie created the Seven Crossings project. Paddling 170 miles (273 kilometres) over five days, throughout the Channel Islands located off the California Coastline to raise awareness around the research and work being undertaken by the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability. Jamie is currently working on a second series of the Seven Crossings Project that will premiere in 2024.
For Jamie, the ocean is many things; best friend, challenger, teacher and home. Through his love of the ocean and by simply following his passion, he has inadvertently carved out a unique and exciting position in today’s global surfing culture. A position that he intends to maintain for many years to come.
