South African model and surfer Steven Friedman is the face for Mr Price Red Surf clothing range, and at only 22, is one of South Africa's top 10 surfers. We spoke to him to find out what makes him tick…

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I'm 22 years old and I have the best job in the world. I get paid to do what I love — surf, and to travel around the world competing and meeting new people.

I was born in Joburg but grew up on my family farm in Bethel. I moved to the coast when I was eight and fell in love with the ocean. I live between Durban and Cape Town, but I'd say Durban is my home.

You started surfing at age 11, and since then have come a long way. What drew you to surfing and why do you enjoy it?

My Grandmother made me fall in love with the ocean, we lived right on the beach on the north coast, so every day I would go down and play in my playground. When we moved to Umhlanga, I used to bunk primary school when my mom went to work in the mornings...

Surfing for me is like an artist with a blank canvas, the waves are my canvas. I get to do whatever I want without rules. I get to push myself in the sport and see how far I can go — surfing is the most amazing thing in the world… nothing tops it!

You were featured in a movie. Tell us about the experience. Do you want to pursue acting?

We shot a surfing movie for Mr Price last year, called Oura. It was really fun, mostly just surfing, but I've done other random stuff in the past… acting is fun I guess, you get to laugh at yourself. Who knows, watch this space…

What other hobbies do you have?

I live a healthy lifestyle, so I train a lot, read a few books, love my IPod (I'm lost without it), and also enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories, as well as just hanging with my mates…

So then, your favourite music?

Some of my favourites include: Kings of Leon, System of the down, UB40, Saint German, 2pac, The Hives, The Veins, Jimmi Hendrix, Goldfish and the Shines.

Where do you see yourself in future — what are your goals?

I have a few goals… hopefully still competing full-time on the surfing world tour, and perhaps even a travel show, but as I say tomorrow is always a mystery!

What's your motto in life/philosophy?

"No rain, no rainbow"

Lastly, what's your best surf spot ever?

Raglen (New Zealand). I love left-handers.