Insights from the Surf World

What inspires you? What brings you so much excitement and pure joy and yet calms your mind and heart completely at the same time? For me, it is the ocean and the beautiful sport of surfing! In January 2019, I decided that I would interview as many surfers and surf photographers from around the world as possible to learn from them and gain their diverse perspectives.

I knew that each interview would diversify me and help me to grow as a person. More importantly, this work would allow me an opportunity to bring value to people around the world who are passionate about the ocean and about this beautiful sport!

I began by messaging through Instagram (@jrp7surf) surfers and surf photographers around the world every day. To start, the three questions that I asked to begin with were: 1) What makes you passionate about surfing? 2) What are your goals? 3) What’s your favorite surf spot? The responses that I received from each person was so diverse! Each surfer and photographer had different answers based on their experience, their goals, and where they’re from. Therefore, I aimed to make my outreach as diverse as possible.

Surfers and photographers from as far as Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Tahiti have responded. My over 170 interviewees are from 32 beautiful countries. These interviewees come from every contingent on earth, excluding Antarctica of course. Among them have been surfers on the World Surf League Qualifying Series. For example, I interviewed Isabella Nichols, who was at the time ranked #1 in the world on the women’s QS. When I asked Isabella about her favorite surf spot, she responded: “I have so many favorite surf spots! But I’d have to say that I’ve had so much fun over in Lakey Peak, Indonesia.” Hearing about unique locations has made this project very special.

Evan Geiselman, who was ranked #16 on the men’s QS at the time of our interview last year, was actually my very first interview! This made me so stoked because I remember reading about him in surf magazines years ago when I was a teen! When I asked Evan about what makes him passionate about surfing, I really appreciated his response. Evan said: “My passion for surfing comes purely from just being in the ocean. Of course I love surfing but being in the ocean is my favorite thing and when you score good waves and everything comes together it’s just a bonus.” That comment allowed me to learn about Evan and how his favorite thing is to just be in the ocean! I feel that I gain a lot of valuable insight from these interviews!

Another surfer that many people know is Nat Young from Santa Cruz, California. Nat was ranked 6th in the world at the time on the men’s QS. In response to the three questions Nat said: “I’m passionate about surfing because it’s what I’ve spent my whole life doing. The amount of hours I’ve dedicated to surfing are countless. My goals are to compete for a world title. My favorite surf spot is the wharf.” Reading about how Nat dedicated countless hours to surfing helps me to appreciate his great passion and love of our sport.

In conclusion, being able to communicate with surfers and surf photographers all around the world is very special to me. Surfing is such a unifying sport. I appreciate how Waikiki surfer Nique Miller phrased it in my live interview with her. She said: “The ocean doesn’t care what you look like.” The ocean embraces anyone who spends time embracing the majestic waves. I currently have done 174 interviews with surfers and photographers from 32 different countries! I will continue to reach out to interview as many people as possible in the surf world. Why? It is because I am truly inspired by the beautiful people that make up our sport of surfing around the world!