Let’s be completely honest here, we love it aye! We shamelessly adore our own surf photos and here in Malta we are absolutely blessed. We’ve got more cameras on us than when we walk into a bank. All our insta’s are loaded with surf pics, our Tinder bios have at least two in the can, and they’re the ones bringing in the dates. It’s amazing and surf photography in Malta has become a bit of a phenomenon in itself…
Surfers are a peculiar breed. While some people might scroll through their phone to see selfies or pictures of their lunch, surfers have a distinct and peculiar addiction: their own surf photos. Ever wonder why your buddy can’t stop showing you that one shot of him “totally shredding” a two-foot wave? Buckle up, bro, because we’re diving deep into the gnarly psychology of surf photo addiction.
The Ultimate Wave of Ego
Let’s start with the obvious: ego. Everyone loves a good pat on the back, and nothing says “I’m awesome” like a perfectly timed photo of you conquering a wave. Surfers often claim it’s about the “pure stoke” of the moment, but let’s be real. It’s a lot more about the “stoke” of showing everyone at the bar how you became one with the ocean, even if you actually became one with the ocean floor moments later.
Every surfer has that one picture where they look like Poseidon, ruler of the seas, despite what actually happened before or after that split second. And if the photo’s good enough, the myth grows. By the 20th retelling, that gentle ripple transforms into a towering tsunami. “Dude, you wouldn’t believe the size of this wave,” they’ll say, ignoring the fact that their so-called “tsunami” was actually a friendly ripple suitable for a rubber ducky.
The Social Media Surfboard
Surf photos are the social currency of the surf community. Instagram isn’t just a platform; it’s a digital ocean where surfers cast their nets wide, hoping to catch likes, comments, and followers. That carefully curated feed of wave-riding shots isn’t just a portfolio; it’s a declaration: “I am one with the ocean, and my hair looks great wet.”
For many, the addiction starts small. One photo gets a lot of likes, and suddenly they’re hooked. It’s not enough to catch waves; they need to catch the perfect wave on camera. And then another. And another. Before long, they’re spending more time with their GoPro than their significant other. And why not? The GoPro doesn’t mind if they leave wet towels everywhere.
The scary part, and this is perhaps the most serious, is the dopamine addiction. How many times to you refresh IG to see how many likes and shares you managed from that one shot? It’s additive, and it’s good to take stock and realize this issue.
The Quest for the Perfect Wave Photo
Surfing is a quest for the perfect wave, but for many, it’s also a quest for the perfect photo of that perfect wave. It’s not enough to just experience it; it needs to be documented, preferably from multiple angles, with a drone, in HD, slow motion, and maybe with some dramatic background music.
There’s a reason surf photographers can charge as much as a month’s rent for a photo session. Surfers will do anything to get that golden shot. They’ll surf the same break day after day, pulling the same maneuvers, all for the chance that the photographer caught them at just the right moment. They might not even care if they actually caught the wave, as long as the photo suggests they did.
We wanna be on Kook of the Day (Or BOMBA)
Ah, Kook of the Day. For those unfamiliar, it’s an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing the hilarious misadventures and wipeouts of surfers. For some, ending up on Kook of the Day is a nightmare. For others, it’s a badge of honor. After all, in the surf world, it’s better to be seen wiping out than not seen at all.
Many a surfer has sent in their own photos, proudly displaying their epic failures. Why? Because even when they’re looking like a total kook, they’re still part of the surf community. It’s all about the shared experience. Plus, there’s something delightfully liberating about embracing your inner kook. After all, everyone wipes out; only the brave immortalize it on Instagram.
The Eternal Stoke
Ultimately, surfers are addicted to their own photos because they capture the essence of why they surf: the stoke. It’s that feeling of pure joy, freedom, and connection with the ocean. Whether it’s a perfect ride or a spectacular wipeout, each photo tells a story. And in a world where every wave is different, those stories are endlessly fascinating.
Gratitude to the humans behind the lenses
Surfing is a our artform and the canvas it provides is truly eternal and gorgeous. Beautiful humans standing on curling lines of water on crystal clear days. What’s not to like? We’re absolutely grateful to the photographers that are part of the community. It elevates the sport locally, highlights just how rad we are and well, we’ll always have something to show our dates grandkids. Thank you to those who in that exact moment, have their finger on the pulse, and snap us. You’re telling our story, you’re spreading the stoke and you deserve a beer on us.
So, the next time your surf buddy insists on showing you their latest photo album, just smile and nod. Appreciate the stoke, laugh at the wipeouts, and remember: today’s kook is tomorrow’s legend. Plus, let’s be honest, you secretly wish you had a photo of that one time you totally nailed a three-foot wave, right? It’s okay. We all do. Surf’s up, cameras out, and may the best photo win.
