Gumbies Ambassador Series: Antony 'GuMbY' Gumbley
Antony 'GuMbY' Gumbley
Snowboarder | Surfer | Kitesurfer | Old-School Adventurer
Every now and then, the universe just gets it right.
An Aussie snowboarder nicknamed GuMbY, shaped by the ocean, forged in the mountains, and now part of the Gumbies family — this one felt written in the stars.
Born in Sydney and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Antony “GuMbY” Gumbley’s life has always revolved around movement, nature, and chasing the next horizon. Surfing and windsurfing came first, before a snowboard changed everything — swapping waves for winter seasons and setting him on a path that would take him far beyond home.
What started as a passion quickly became a professional journey, with GuMbY travelling the world and riding some of the best terrain on the planet — from Alaska to the US and across Europe. Along the way, his connection to the mountains deepened, ultimately leading him to Val d’Isère, which he’s now called home for nearly three decades.
With a lifetime of adventure, craftsmanship, and après-ski energy behind him, GuMbY brings the kind of experience and authenticity that fits naturally with Gumbies. We’re stoked to welcome him to the family.
Find out what makes him tick and how Gumbies fit comfortably into his lifestyle.
Where did it all begin for you?
I was born in Sydney, Australia, and we moved to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland when I was 12. That’s where I started surfing and windsurfing and eventually became a semi-professional wave rider. One of the local shops began exporting snowboards to Australia, gave me a board, and that was it.
At 18, I packed up and moved to Thredbo Ski Resort for my first winter season — swapped the ocean for the mountains and never looked back. I moved to Europe when I was 20, did a season in Kitzbühel, Austria, and in 1995 landed in Val d’Isère, France. Thirty years later, it’s still my home resort.
Where are you usually riding?
I was lucky enough to join Quiksilver International as a paid snowboarder in 1997 and travelled the world with them until 2013. That took me everywhere — Alaska three times, loads of trips across the US, and countless European resorts.
Seeing so much really put things into perspective. Val d’Isère is easily a top-five resort in the world. No regrets — I guess I made the right choices in my early twenties, and they set me up nicely.
What does a perfect day on the mountain look like for you?
Powder. Lots of powder.
Avalanches are a daily part of my risk management, but freeriding is what it’s all about for this old dog. I stopped riding parks and freestyle years ago — soft snow lets me keep riding hard while listening to my body. That’s the goal now: longevity and flow.
How do you like to recover after a big day on snow?
Snowboarders are notoriously wild — and I’m no exception.
Beer.
Back in the day we ran riot day and night. These days, I actually own a beer brand called Man & Wolf Beer, which I started brewing ten years ago in our bar in Val d’Isère town centre. Après-ski is always fun in resort towns, so we end up drinking my beers in friends’ bars and with clients who stock them.
I’ve also got a workshop where I make very basic homemade snowboards — and of course, there’s a bar in the garage. That’s a pretty solid spot to hang after riding.
When do Gumbies come into the picture?
For the past few years, friends have been buying Gumbies flip flops and sending me photos from all over the world — mostly because of my nickname, GUMBY.
Gumbies had already been popping up in my world for a while, so when the chance came to hook up and become part of the family, it just felt right. I love the fit, and leaving my name stamped in the snow with every step I take.
What do you look for in footwear off the mountain?
It’s the first time I’ve had slippers I can wear outdoors and even in the snow. They’re perfect for driving up to the resort and slipping straight into snowboard boots.
After a day in stiff snowboard boots, the comfort is unreal — total relief.
Why do Gumbies fit your lifestyle?
I’m a mountains-in-winter, beaches-and-ocean-in-summer kind of guy. The flip flops are super strong and durable — way tougher than anything else I’ve worn. The grip is great too, especially for hiking through jungles on surf trips in Indonesia.
I’m heading back to Fiji this summer to visit family — it’s been seven years since I’ve been back. I can’t wait to put the Gumbies to the test in a tough environment. I know they’ll pass.
Follow GuMbY’s journey as he continues to chase winters, craft boards by hand, and brew beer in the heart of the Alps.
From mountain lines to après-ski moments, there’s always something brewing.
→ Instagram: @wannabeagumby
