Soo this is lame?
Now, I’m not one to hate on people for showing a bit of creativity, even if it’s really average. However, the trend of pointing a GoPro back at yourself off the front of your surfboard is worse than average. It’s pointless.
Why, oh why, are people doing it? Even when Kelly, the all-time master, does it at pumping Pipeline, the footage is lame. When you see a fifty-year-old fat bloke paddling around on a SUP surfing waist-high waves, the resulting footage is cringe-worthy at best. Is it vanity that leads people to this? Surfing’s version of selfies? Maybe the point is to prove to people that you can actually surf and you simply can’t find anyone to film you from the beach. I can sympathize if this is the reason.
After trying for five years to convince my wife that there’s nothing more enjoyable than capturing me surfing, I have given up. And my mates? Way too selfish to give up waves to film me. I can’t blame them, though. I couldn’t think of anything worse than capturing their special moments whilst I stand on the beach. I guess there’s always a case for taking turns and missing out, but I think the majority of surfers just can’t handle this. I certainly know I can’t.
Anyway, here’s a suggestion for people who insist on surfing with a GoPro attached to their board. At least point it forward when surfing two-foot slop. At least then it’s capturing some of the stoke of surfing. Maybe even capture a few people on your way back out. Or better yet, just don’t bother with it at all unless you’re surfing some sick barrels holding the thing behind you like Luke Cederman.
While I’m venting, I might as well get it all out. Another thing that I still can’t believe occurs is average surfers choosing boards that are way too small for themselves. Or rather, choosing boards that have less than ideal buoyancy. I guess the pro models are partly to blame for this. An average surfer shouldn’t be riding the same board as Kelly Slater. Why they pump out boards that they know aren’t going to be suitable for 95% of surfers is beyond me. How about produce the same boards but supply a little more width, thickness and even length? Just because you ride a board two inches longer than Kelly Slater doesn’t make you a kook.
I used to be too scared to upsize my boards even a little. But since I have, I’m surfing better than ever and having way more fun. I feel I need to add here that I’m not talking mini-mal status. I’m talking riding a 6’4″ board with more thickness and width than you’d often find. A bit more fishy. Something that, thankfully, a lot shapers are starting to provide. Do yourself a big favor and buy one next time.
