The Lazy Surfer app is a digital surf log that helps you use your surfing data to make better decisions on where and when to surf. Download for free today.
What is Free Surfing?
Free surfing is the act of surfing outside of a contest. Free surfing is a phenomenon in the surf industry led by some of the best surfers. Free surfing has become a rebellion against the pro circuit and it is being led by some truly talented individuals.
How do these free surfers benefit? Freedom to surf and not getting judged for it. These insane free surfers make their coin by being paid to put content together for sponsors and other brands in the surf and travel industry.
5. Eithan Osborne
Eithan Osborne is a Ventura-raised badass! His skill emulates that of the great Dane Reynolds. Both of these boys dominate the coast of Ventura with agro surf style. Eithan’s aggressive snaps and airs have our jaws dropping constantly. He’s been known to be a bit of punk and it shows. In his own short with stab, he said “if I wasn’t surfing I would be up to no good”. You’ve got to love it.
This rider has gone from being Dane’s pupil to an absolute animal. The amount of sponsors and hype he has collected in the past year will blow your mind… Billabong, Monster, Prolite, Sexwax, CI surfboards, Futures (Ya kidding?!). However, his mention of joining the Olympics may change his status of free surfer to competitive.
4. Dion Agius
Dion Agius is one tasmanian devil! This core legend comes from a small island off of Australia. This man loves to stay lowkey, surf hidden spots, and barely maintain contact with the media but when the media finds him it’s magical. This gets addressed in “We haven’t seen Dion in Agius” published by Monster Children.
Dion’s sponsors may know where he’s hiding – these sponsors include Globe, Epohke Eyewear, and Octopus Is Real
3. Kepa Acero
Kepa is well known for its surf exploring adventures! Everyone who is well-versed in surf culture is aware of Kepa’s accident way back in 2017! He didn’t even know it until he became conscious in the hospital. He hit the bottom so hard on a HUGE day and broke his neck. A free surfing legend’s life nearly ended that day, but that wasn’t the last swell he would see!
Kepa’s sponsors include REEF and that’s all! Kepa is well-known for finding the emptiest places in the world and surfing there without a trace. You can find him all along the coast of Africa and Spain.
2. Dave Rastovich
The corest of the core! Even SURFER magazine wrote, “he loves to be in an altered state”. Dave Rastovich is known for pushing himself to his limits, he’s been known to sleep on the beach, get up to surf, swim and go back to sleep on the Australian coast. SURFER magazine quoted him saying “I love the idea of marathon surfs, skipping sleep, skipping food. It changes your perception. The world around you is the same as it’s been your whole life, but you’re not. You see it in a whole new way.”. Could you ever do the same?
Let’s take a look at what we can see of Dave Rastovich… he was sponsored by Billabong for 20 years and transitioned into a lower maintenance ambassadorship with Patagonia. Dave is one trippy dude! Read about him more and you will be more than intrigued!
1. Dane Reynolds
Coming in at #1 free surfer is THE DANE REYNOLDS! This Ventura-local has been leading the free surfer movement. You won’t hear much from Dane Reynolds but when you do, it is some insane surfing, sick trips, amazing content, and raunchy commentary!
Dane’s sponsors include Vans, Homegrown surf shop, Channel Islands Surfboards, Drag board co, and of course his own company Former! The style Former has been pushing is changing the free surfer game and lifestyle. Keep a lookout for this brand and future Dane Reynolds videos to come. Oh yeah and his airs ARE FREAKING MENTAL.