A Guide To Working In The Surf Industry

No doubt there are a whole lot of groms out there who are dying to know how they can get a foot in the door to the surf industry. Whether it’s shaping boards, writing articles, taking photos, making videos, doing PR or running your own brand, it’s a fairly desirable trade. This article is for all the young frothers who are surfing most mornings before school and wondering how they’ll be able to build a lifestyle around salt water and barrels.

To get the lowdown on the industry, we spoke to Mimi LaMontagne, the media and communications manager at Rip Curl; Shyama Buttonshaw, a surfboard shaper who runs his own business–Shyama Designs; and Wade ‘Gravy’ Davis, the former editor of Surfing Life magazine. Here’s some of the most interesting stuff they had to say. We hope it helps.

How do you get a job?

Gravy started as a freelance contributor to Surfing Life mag and was then encouraged to take a job as editor of the magazine. He basically read a lot and then had a go at writing some articles, which snowballed into a career.

To become a surfboard shaper, Shyama started by doing DIY repairs to his mates’ boards for a bit of pocket money. From there he did an “unofficial apprenticeship” in a factory under a surfboard shaper named Maurice Cole. Eventually, Shyama gained the skills to build a good rep and start his own business.

Hailing from Southern California, Mimi started her career with an internship at a magazine called TransWorld SURF, which led to another internship at STAB mag in Australia. Since then she’s written for a whole bunch of publications and now gone into PR for Rip Curl, which means she disseminates content, manages surfers’ with the press and deals with print advertising.

The possibilities and pathways into the industry are unlimited but they all start with going out there and doing it. Surf photography starts with taking photos of your mates, surf journalism starts with reading (and eventually writing) articles and board shaping starts with learning how to fix your own.

Are there many jobs around?

Shyama and Mimi agree that surfing is an industry that a lot of people want to be involved in, but for a number of reasons, not a whole of people make it. Those who become successful tend to be really dedicated and able to network. Shyama explains that, “there’s not a whole lot of work to go around like in other industries” but building a good rep over time can set you up for a comfortable living.

Mimi says, “A lot of it is about who you know and who you make friends with,” adding, “personally, I have found it to be an industry with tonnes of opportunity if you’re willing to work hard.”

Gravy says surf journalism isn’t actually as competitive as people seem to think, explaining, “During my time at the magazine I was surprised at how difficult it was to find new talent, especially with the pen. If you want to watch a bunch of grown men and women float about in the ocean while peeing their pants, then submit something. I guarantee you’ll get a response if you’re half good.”

Pros and cons of the industry 

Mimi and Gravy agree that the biggest pros are getting to travel to new places, get free stuff and meet interesting people. For them, the wage was the biggest drawback. As Mimi puts it, “You love the industry for the lifestyle it lets you live, not for the huge wads of cash it throws your way.”

For Shyama, the cons are the stresses and complications of running his own business, which, he admits, exist across every industry. On the other hand, “The pros are pretty clear: getting to make surfboards, having completely flexible hours and justifying surfing a bunch.”

Parting advice

Mimi: “Don’t be afraid to look like an idiot. At least that way, people will remember you. Work really hard, and even if it doesn’t pay off in the short-term, it most likely will in the long run. Surf as much as you can and travel as much as you can. The more you experience, the better your work will become. People want to help you. Just remember that, and use it when it’s fitting.”

Shyama: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, that is where some of the best lessons are learnt.”

Gravy: “Have a go, submit some stuff, and take the criticism on the chin. It’s never going to pay you well, but you can have a lot of fun with it–and it might be a springboard into a more prosperous, more diverse and/or fulfilling career. Or you might end up with a bedside table full of complimentary wax. Either way, you’re ripping.”