Barrel envy is the worst. Undoubtedly the worst parts about it are the many forms it comes in and that it never discriminates. Whether you’re sitting on the shoulder, watching from the inside, from shore, or at home on a computer screen, it can strike at any time, unprovoked.
Sure, most of the time we’re hooting on our friends and strangers as they get visioned as we’d like them to do for us. However, there will always be moments when you could’ve snagged the one that got away. Alas, you didn’t. You might be left muttering something about how you should’ve picked a bigger board, skipped class to paddle out or some other lame excuse. Don’t. Enjoy the view, and get the next one.
1. Namibia: Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough
Namibia? A surf destination, you say? I wouldn’t have known before now, but you can’t argue with barrels like these. Benji Brand’s face at 2:45 says it all. If you feel a bit exasperated after watching the first barrel (slo-mo), try it the second time around (sped up). Panting yet?
2. Shane Dorian Has the World’s Strongest Toes
I want to know what kind of toe exercises he does because making that drop means having muscular feet. It has to. If there’s one part of this video that stands out, it’s his drop at 1:05. If there are two parts, they are Dorian’s toe-tapping drop-in and the GoPro over-the-falls experience as the clip opens. Both give you a sense for how fast the water is moving out at Mavericks and the imminent danger of California’s most notorious big wave spot.
3. Best of a North Shore Winter
If you watched any event from this past winter in Hawaii, you knew how incredible the waves were. It seemed every spot had its day (or days) and these are some of the best clips captured from those swells. The lineups were jammed and boards were mounted with GoPros in addition to a steady stream of handheld devices, helmet mounts and other fancy accoutrements. These GoPro-ers have no qualms about hucking themselves into some of the best waves of the year. And here we are with a ripe case of barrel envy…or just happy we’re not getting thrashed.
4. Mexico: All Upside, No Downside
You can’t go wrong in this place! Rugged, jaw-dropping terrain, bath water (in parts), yawning barrels, delectable food, satisfying national beer, beautiful people, a welcoming culture and the beauty of golden barrels at sunrise, to give a small sampling. Now, when does the next flight leave?
5. Alex Gray: One Look, One Perfect P-Pass Barrel
What isn’t Alex Gray charging these days? Seriously, the guy’s everywhere and he’s making everything look easy. From winning Oregon’s BWWT event to charging pretty much every skyscraper-sized wave you’ve heard of, his abilities aren’t too limited. This barrel and the casual look back say it all.
6. Mikala Jones and Sheet Glass Barrels
Just skip to 1:05. Enough said.
7. Kelly Slater Goes Left at Sunset
You read that right. Left at Sunset. Not the typical route, Kelly Slater isn’t one for following the herd. Pulling off this barrel isn’t exactly like spotting a unicorn, but given how frequently shots and clips of the north shore are publicized, it may as well be. Not convinced? The little hoot at the end of the clip lets you know how Kelly feels about this rare make.
8. Up Close and Personal at Mavericks
From this past Mavericks Invitational, this puts you in the driver’s seat as the world’s best big wave hellions take on this deadly spot. If the opening clip doesn’t clarify the visceral danger of the place for you, keep watching. I swear, you’ll be humbled just watching it.
9. North Carolina: Sweet as Tea
Believe it or not, there are surfers who have never used a GoPro before. Before this clip was made, North Carolina local Brett Barley was part of that group. Then, he strapped one to himself and pig-dogged his way into a few glistening barrels. Needless to say, he’s since vowed to use it again. Duh, Brett, everyone wants to see themselves in the sweet spot.
10. Mikala Jones Fits in Right at Home
He calls both Rocky Point and Bali “home.” That’s license enough to be a master in the barrel, but Mikala would rather show you. The few barrels where the foam ball catches up and he punches through the other side are the picture of experience. Think that was luck? Negative. That’s years of practice.
Didn’t see anything you liked? Share your favorite with us in the comments below.
