Want to earn a living from surfing, but not so keen on the whole competition vibe? Perhaps free surfing is for you...
Whilst free surfing as a job is a somewhat oxymoronic concept (aren't we all free surfers since we don't get paid?), it is much more possible now with the ease of accessing your audience via the internet to provide exposure for sponsors and/or your projects. However, the surfers below aren't only known for throwing out edits each week of crazy barrels, or huge airs. No sir.
As with most individuals, there is much more complexity to these 6 surfers and their work and accomplishments outside the water prove there is always more than meets the eye. They are worthy of a click and a like.
Read on, and check out some of the links to learn for yourself and if you're looking to learning more about surf culture, check out our blog for more content like this.
The well known free surfer - Dave Rastovich
Who?
One time Billabong pro, now Patagonia ambassador, and environmental activist
Why?
Rasta is well known for a number of good reasons. Firstly, his surfing is a prime example of style and how to ride a wave with flow. Indeed, he has the ability to cut it with the best of them after a very promising junior competitive effort, but latterly decided it wasn't for him. Secondly, he is dedicating his time to helping raise awareness about problems the environment faces, primarily in the ocean with Surfers for Cetaceans - including an epic 350km paddle down new Zealand’s coast in 2012 and a 700km sail down Australia’s coast. Bravo.
Where?
The long boarder - Mr Toots
Who?
A long boarder and shaper with an effortless & infections style.
Why?
Any list of free surfers wouldn’t be complete without someone based in the home of surfing, Hawaii. Mr Toots has to be one of the most original, yet authentic longboarders you will come across whose style is reminiscent of many years ago. His style is playful whilst also being impressively technical and impossibly difficult. Watch some for yourself here
Where?
Instagram @mr._t00ts
The Pioneer - Easkey Britton
Who?
Five times Irish surf champ, WSL big wave nomineee and PhD in Environment and Society.
Why?
Easkey is a ripping surfer, but as the sentence above suggests, but that isn’t the only reason she is on this list. Easkey works to raise awareness about the scary situation which our environment is in, and the big, tough challenges society faces. She is co-founder of the non-profit Waves of Freedom which uses the power of surfing as a creative medium for social change and spear-headed the world’s first global Surf for Social Good Summit in Bali, Indonesia. Well played.
Where?
Check out Easkey’s website
The Quiet Achiever - Dion Agius
Who?
Tasmanian ripper and unsuspecting entrepreneur
Why?
You have probably heard of Dion Agius before - he is a staple on the Globe surf team alongside guys like Taj Burrow and a fine surfer in his own right. What you may not know is that he is also involved with some of the newer brands in the surf industry; Epohke eyewear and Octopus is Real traction.
Where?
Instagram @dionagius
The Intrepid Traveler - Kepa Acero
Who?
Spanish free surfer and explorer.
Why?
Kepa Acero makes it his mission to travel to far flung corners of the globe, often to place rarely visited by tourists, let alone ones with surfboards. Ever looked on Google maps for remote nooks & crannies of Africa and wondered about the surf potential? Well, Kepa seeks out the answers to those questions which most of us dream about, and documents his experiences along the way. Recently he had a heavy wipeout which nearly cost him his life, and his reflections provide a reminder to never take what we have for granted.
Where?
Instagram @kepaacero
The mainstream to free surfer - Asher Pacey
Who?
Once a world tour and air game competitor, now often a twin fin riding nomad
Why?
Monster Children describe it best ‘And here lies the secret to AP’s success: he makes surfing look fun as balls. You know what two minutes of air-reverses on these rights would’ve made you feel? Pure tedium. AP on an ironing board sized twin? Fireworks.’
Where?
Vimeo - lots of edits like this one.
So, what do you think? Who is missing from this list? Tell us about it in the comments.
Thanks – Talk soon,
James
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