Here’s What Dion Agius’ New WSL Ad Would Look Like

Rebellion’s dizzy but not dead. Yet. Even though Dion Agius didn’t like the new WSL ad with its 198 pounds of boom, wizardry and superimposed #smokingkills text, I enjoyed it. It was a good attempt generating excitement around the world tour and the next contest. It followed the pattern of modern day sports commercials and attempted to create some sort of emotion from the viewer. It spells out what’s happening and creates a sense of dread for John John and a feeling of desire from everyone else.

I think it’s ridiculous for someone like Dion to criticise any attempt at doing something new, given he is someone that is so often criticised for what he does. I’m a huge fan of Dion. He’s hands on in everything he’s a part of. It’s hard to not admire someone that takes wants to take that approach with anything their name is connected to. From his clothing line with Globe to the invention of the surf blog, in his own way, he’s built the mould of what free surfing is today. But, after reading his criticism of the WSL’s NBA halftime show, aka the “These Guys Want It” commercial, the opinion of believing his view of surfing is the same as everyone else’s is kinda pretentious.  

The WSL is simply using prominent faces on tour to sell the tour. The same way a bunch of free surfers smoking cigarettes, playing guitar and occasionally looking strung out are used to sell an idyllic yet irreverent lifestyle. 

The beauty of surfing is it’s not an exact thing. Meaning every person who participates can have their own definition of what surfing is. To get on the internet and decide that something is wrong because it’s not how you see surfing is not understanding that the world and the perceptions in it are changing. That’s fine; it does not mean yours’ have to.  

So, I spent ten minutes imagining and crudely editing the World Tour through Dion’s eyes and put together the WSL’s new ad. It’s a parody posted on the internet. But remember, it’s only surfing. You are floating on foam in the ocean.