In Episode 23 of Still Noise, the first episode of 2026, I catch up with John 'Bucket' McGroder.
John is the owner and captain of The Barrenjoey, a surf charter boat operating in the Mentawai Islands. With decades of experience navigating one of the world’s most iconic and demanding surf regions, Bucket is trusted by surfers from all over the globe. He’s built a reputation around safety, respect for the environment, and delivering unforgettable surf experiences. In this episode, Bucket shares stories from his early years working on boats before purchasing his own, starting a charter business from the ground up, family life and raising two boys aboard The Barrenjoey, building a dream home on a remote island and plenty of other wild stories from more than 30 years spent weaving through one of the most wave rich destinations on the planet.
Step aboard and get familiar with the man, who's life has been shaped by the sea, John ‘Bucket’ McGroder.
Disclaimer: explicit language, alcohol and drugs
