“Board + Looks = Marketability”

What does it take to become a world-class freesurfer? According to Luke Cederman, dubbed by Stace Galbraith, “the world’s greatest surf coach — the first step is “less chalance.”  

The eloquent sasquatch from New Zealand will be shifting his focus on to the free-surf contingent after his emerging success at the recent Snapper CS. 

The common folk might assume Mckenzie Bowden fits the mold of a top-tier free surfer. He’s got the mullet, an aversion for societal constructs, and punts pretty damn well. 

Luke exploits this naive way of thinking, as he explains, “Every time I see you out there, you’ve got way too much chalance.” Luke shared with McKenzie, after a session where he surfing looked “try-hard”. 

The secret to less chalance? Knock-knees and a healthy smattering of jazz hands.

Luke elaborates, “One of my main jobs with the athletes is helping to create an aesthetically pleasing style that looks uncontrived. It just looks way more marketable than someone who actually looks like they’re trying.” 

In a moment of vulnerability, Luke opens up about his own trials as a (previously not bald) freesurfer.

Watch this three minute video for certain enlightenment. It’s not everyday we get surf advice from one of the greatest minds of our generation.