In Pursuit Of The Almighty Like

Surfing has many great equalizers. 

Wax melting in the side of your door, the occasional gust of wind turning a basic towel change into public indecency, and perpetually damp wetsuits are some. (Un)fortunately we can now add vlogs to that list.

The diversity amongst surfing’s successful vloggers is immense. Sky Brown, Koa Rothman, and Ben Gravy couldn’t be more different, yet all three are holding over 100k subscribers captive to their content. Outside of immeasurable boredom, what does this mean for us? Well, as brands begin to realize that the barriers to entry for this endeavor (once reserved for ‘entertainers’) are getting lower and lower, we’ll be seeing a lot more vlogs in the coming 6-12 months.

Personally, I’d rather put on a wet wetsuit every day than peacock in front of a camera. But hey, that’s the price of it.

Daddy’s On!

Stats 

Channel Subs: 26.9k 

Video Views: 33,949 (6,789.8 views/day)

Like/Dislike Ratio: 2,310/14 or 165 likes for every 1 dislike

You may question our world champ launching a vlog, but in his case it actually makes sense. Italo’s a natural entertainer. So much charisma, so little self-doubt. He’s a walking clip factory, so at a minimum, this gives him a place to put all of his ridiculous airs and boundless energy (deus knows they can’t all fit on IG). Italo’s credited himself as the ‘Creative Director’ on many of his edits, so look for him to add his unique flair to this (albeit troubled) medium.

Is Griffin Surfing’s Next ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Candidate?

Stats:

Channel Subs: 5.91k

Video Views: 18,573 (3,714.6 views/day)

Like/Dislike Ratio: 574/5 or 114.8 likes for every 1 dislike

On one hand, I can’t be that mad at a clip containing surfing like that at 5:09. On the other, I need an explanation for the below photo. I understand that Griffin is getting older and will likely take a role in nurturing San Clemente’s next generation of surf stars, but I’m worried he’s taken this a bit too literally. Regardless, with a 2.8k subscriber boost in just the past three weeks, someone’s watching… maybe because of Griffin’s dancing? I have yet to back his vlog, but an episode of D.W.T.S featuring Griffin Colapinto attempting to Waltz? Now that I’d watch. 

Stand Up Barrels In Waist High Waves

Stats: 

Channel Subs: 201k

Video Views: 19,760 (9,880 views/day)

Like/Dislike Ratio: 1,628/12 or 135.6 likes for every 1 dislike

Ever wonder why Sky Brown is the only surfer with a Nike sticker still firmly placed firmly on her nose? Olympic qualifications, accolades in multiple sports, and 201k subscribers is a good place to start. In this episode, our previous Ladybird takes a trip to the Palm Springs Surf Club, which she makes look incredibly fun given the waist-high wedge is overhead on her 4-foot-6-inch frame. 

“We Aren’t In Kansas Anymore, Benny”- Will Skudin

Stats:

Channel Subs: 124k 

Video Views: 84,097 (28,032.3 views/day)

Like/Dislike Ratio: 3,395/50 or 69.9 likes for every 1 dislike

I have yet to feature Ben Gravy here. Being an east-coast-based surf video creator is likely much more difficult than expected. Quite simply, it’s hard to make watchable surf content with diminished wave quality. Although Ben brings his highly affable brand of enthusiasm to every video, you can only watch him surf two-foot shorebreak so many times. Here he links up with New York big wave psychopath Will Skudin as they head to one of Will’s favorite Pacific Northwest watering holes for some proper waves. (Ironically, Ben missed the biggest New Jersey swell in recent memory for this trip).

Koa + Makua Tow Hawaii’s Outer Reefs

Stats 

Channel Subs: 11k 

Video Views: 37,786 (28,032.3 views/day)

Like/Dislike Ratio: 1,865/11 or 169.5 likes for every 1 dislike

Despite a recent neck injury, Koa Rothman simply could not resist this past swell in Hawaii, where he and brother Makua towed some Outer Reefs with fellow members of the Rothman clan members. Like Tiger on Sunday, when you see Koa in that Quik red vest you know it’s on.