Ben Gravy is an anomaly. It’s not often a surfer in their 30s goes pro. Especially when it’s not achieved through competition or getting put on by somebody in the industry. Ben’s paved his own way through the social media era and is considered a pioneer in the world of surf vlogging.
Most content put out by pro surfers often highlights exotic locations and pristine tropical waves over volcanic reefs. Yet many of Ben’s videos take place in his own town of New Jersey. He is truly the “every man’s” surfer. Finding as much stoke on a 2 foot day as a glassy overhead one, he is a reminder that we can still have fun in our own backyard.
He started chasing the dream after quitting drinking and pursuing life with a clean mind. I don’t attempt to parallel anyone’s battles with my own, but watching his videos was a big source of inspiration for me when I decided to quit smoking. His positive mindset on less than stellar conditions and his success in the video world has been impactful on me in and out of the water.
When I heard he was making my local break his last stop on the hyper flex tour, I made sure I got my shift covered at work. Before the scheduled meet and greet event, I arrived an hour early in hopes of scoring a session with him. He pulled up in his iconic white van and the two of us paddled out in a funky mid tide, wind blown afternoon session. Classic Ben Gravy conditions. Unfortunately, I left my GoPro at home while getting ready.
Down to earth, humble and stoked that there was even something rideable, Ben is exactly what you’d expect. Hooting you into a small wave, while he manages to throw a few hacks on his famous pineapple print soft top. We mainly spoke about the conditions and his current issue with a passport lost in the mail.
As somebody striving for a similar career path, I had so many questions I wanted to ask. At the same time, I didn’t want to come off as obnoxious or opportunistic of him being there. The one thing I did ask was if he ever felt like giving up in the early stages of his vlog. Surprisingly, he told me it had happened a lot. He got hated on by a lot of friends and others for what he was doing, but inside he knew it was something that he had to do for himself. “At the end of the day, everyone goes back to their own home. Those are the people who matter.”
After his scheduled meet and greet, he invited everyone to come for a sunset session with him at our local break. It was awesome to see how stoked the groms were when they noticed him out in the water. “For the dream” is the rally call Ben’s become most known for and it was the phrase of the day as the community dropped into 2 foot Florida mush.
The world of surfing has become polarized with the encroachment of social media and technology into the line up. Drones, go-pros and even cellular smart watches have become a regular part of the surf scene. Some are very against this paradigm shift and believe surfing should be a more private affair. Did the session even happen if you don’t have footy for the gram? The sport of surfing has been a business for some time now. There are those who are in it for profit and exploitation and others who simply wish to turn their passions into an honest way of supporting their lifestyle.
To me, Ben is very much in it for the passion and stoke. His personal goal of surfing all 50 states was finally achieved last year when he surfed Alaska. It takes a lot to do a daily vlog. You can hide who you are for a little bit of time but eventually the real you will show. Ben openly talks about his internal fights and struggles. He’s as open about the bad things as he is his excitement. Nobody is perfect, but Ben’s transparency and daily life has become a much appreciated breath of fresh air in a polished world of perfect waves and high performance maneuvers. Making the most out of the small things is his view on life and his surf style.
I didn’t record as much footage as I would have liked for his visit, but it’s something I will always remember the same. Thank you for visiting our small beach town Ben. You’re always welcome to join us for a session. For the dream!!!!
