'Don't take everyone too seriously': Jason Boon on setting price records and why he owns 56 surfboards

Jason Boon’s life sounds like a song by The Beach Boys. He’s surfed everywhere from Hawaii’s Pipeline to Australia’s Bells Beach and was an under-15 Australian junior champion.

As a child, Jason’s sun-kissed mug was in advertising campaigns for everything from Coca Cola to KFC. 

Today, when not catching waves, Jason is one of Australia’s most successful real estate agents, with Richardson & Wrench Elizabeth Bay-Potts Point. He is married with two sons, a chocolate labrador and 56 surfboards.

When did you start surfing?

I grew up in Bronte and caught my first wave when I was five, at Bronte Reef. I was hooked straight away, and from six years old I’d be going for an early morning surf before school. I was right into the whole surf scene and, in 1986, I became the under-15s Australian surfing champion.

Boon says he became hooked on surfing after his first wave. Photo: Jessica Hromas

What was your first job?

Between the age of eight and 16, I did more than 50 commercials ranging from Milky Bars to Kentucky Fried Chicken. I just wanted to play football and go surfing, but my mother wanted me to do it. I was teased for years at school, with kids coming up to me saying, “It’s finger-lickin’ good”, or “The Milky Bars are on me”.

So, you chose real estate?

I went into real estate at 20 as a property manager at Laing & Simmons, Paddington. I liked it straight away. I then went to work with John McGrath when he had only a handful of staff. He sacked me twice, because I was a bit naughty, and then I left because I thought he was going to sack me a third time.

Real estate has taught Boon “not to take everyone too seriously.” Photo: Brook Mitchell

What has this job taught you about people?

Not to take everyone too seriously. Everyone has their own pattern of behaviour and it’s nothing personal.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Looking after my dad for the past 12 months is something that’s been hard, but I’m pretty proud of. He has a terminal illness. It’s been tough. I’ve had to change who I am, to give back and cuddle and kiss, and be selfless, which is difficult.

Boon grew up in Bronte, a community to which he still feels connected. Photo: Jessica Hromas

Tell me about home?

I love it here in Bronte. It’s where I grew up, I love the surfing, the community, the beach, the cafes, being part of the Bronte Board-Riders Club, and my parents still live here. It’s just a place that I feel connected to.

What do you love about surfing?

Being in nature; it’s a great escape. Every wave is different and every surf is different. You’re out in the ocean. It’s a feeling of total freedom.

Boon says the most he has ever paid for a surfboard is $2800. Photo: Getty Images / iStock

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

I started collecting surfboards in my mid-30s and I now have 56 boards; the most I’ve ever paid for one is $2800. My wife is pretty good about it, so long as I’m happy.

Most memorable sale and why?

I sold the highest-priced terrace in Australia, a five-bedder at Challis Avenue, Potts Point for $13.5 million. That identified Potts Point as becoming the SOHO of Sydney.

What changes have you seen in the area where you work?

I’ve been here more than 25 years and, in that time, it has completely transformed. The Cross doesn’t exist any more. There are kids, dogs, couples. I loved the Cross in my 20s, but now I love the fact that it’s gone and has become something everyone can enjoy.