Surf's 2025 Unforgettable Trio
Hey Surf Snaps crew! As the year winds down, we're riding the stoke of three stories that perfectly capture the soul of surfing. From chasing monster pipes to daily devotion, to preserving history through the lens—these tales remind us why we paddle out. Let's dive in!
Nathan Florence: The Rebel's Renaissance
Remember John John Florence? Three-time world champ? His brother Nathan took a wildly different path. While John John dominated tour events, Nathan walked away from competition and built something massive—think Pipeline Master titles, back-to-back Big Wave Surfer of the Year awards, and a YouTube channel with 514K followers that doubles his bro's reach. This dude slept in bunk beds, broke his back at Jaws, married a Playboy Playmate who films his sessions, and paddled what many call the perfect wave at Teahupo'o. His secret sauce? Brutal honesty about wipeouts and fear that built trust with fans when traditional media struggled. As Surf News Network puts it, he proved you don't need a world title to change the game.
365 Days of Dewey: Dad's Daily Ritual
Across the pond in California, one dad proved consistency is king. He surfed every single day in 2025—365 straight sessions, from ankle-biters to head-high bombs. Yep, rain or shine, he was out there. This isn't about fame; it's about the quiet magic of daily communion with the ocean. His journey shows surfing's simple truth: the best days start with a sunrise paddle. You can catch the full story right here, and maybe steal a page from his book for 2026.
Doug Hood: Lens on Legacy
Now for our photographer fam. Asbury Park Press's Doug Hood just dropped his 2025 video masterpiece: a deep dive into New Jersey's 50-year surf history. With 40 years behind the lens, Hood knows the Garden State's waves like his own backyard. He hunted down legends like Randy Rarick (who brought the World Tour to Casino Pier in the '70s) and wove decades of footage into a love letter to the lineup. 'Once you leave the land, all bets are off,' Hood says. 'No matter your background, you're in nature's hands.' It's more than waves—it's the doctors, judges, and everyday shredders sharing a common horizon. Watch the full tribute over at Asbury Park Press.
From Nathan's rebel energy to Dad's quiet dedication to Doug's lens on legacy—these stories are the threads of our community. They remind us surfing isn't just about tubes; it's about the people, the places, and the persistence to keep chasing dawn patrols. What's your 2025 surf highlight? Share it below! 🤙