Every year, as you’re likely well aware, the surf world descends on the North Shore of Oahu for its annual pilgrimage. Surfers of all stripes flock to the beautiful beaches that pepper the Seven Mile Miracle. As do photographers, videographers, industry heavies, and media. And for the free surfers in the mix, the prospect of getting clips and photos is completely transactional – a dredging tube or a crazy air means more eyeballs on your board’s stickers. More eyeballs makes sponsors happy. Happy sponsors means contract renewals and bringing home more bacon. And so it goes.
From the outside, it may appear that the surf world is on vacay, but as Brett Barley alludes in his recent vlog, that ain’t the case.
“My goal while I’m out here isn’t to have fun,” he says. “Although I do have fun while doing it, my goal while I’m out here is to get video clips. Get photos. Trying to make sure that every session I have is executed in front of guys that are shooting that way I can make the most out of it… I’m working.”
And while there are undoubtedly much worse ways to make a living, you have to appreciate Brett’s candor.
