The Unfiltered Truth from a Huntington Beach Legend: Love and Hate in the World of Surfing
In the realm of surfing, there's a unique breed known as the 'Core Lord,' a guardian of the waves, often seen as the ultimate authority on all things surf. On the eve of Valentine's Day, we delve into the mind of one such legend, John West, a Huntington Beach native, to uncover his unique perspective on the sport he loves.
John West, or 'That Surf Guy' as he's known online, is more than just a content creator. He's a modern-day surfpreneur, a visionary who has carved his own path in the surf industry. With a tongue-in-cheek approach, he straddles the line between the angry local and the non-core surf influencer, offering a fresh take on surf culture.
But here's where it gets interesting... West's journey began with a quest for authenticity. He tried real estate, but it didn't resonate. He considered a surf lesson business, but it wasn't quite right either. It was then that he got creative and birthed CityPro, a mobile application connecting surfers with videographers and photographers along the California coast.
CityPro was born out of West's own experience. After an injury sidelined him from surfing, he realized a gap in the market. "I felt that all the hype and attention were focused on pro surfers, while the everyday surfer, the true heart of the sport, was overlooked," he explains. And thus, CityPro was created to bridge that gap, offering surfers a way to capture their best moments on the waves and receive valuable feedback to improve their skills.
And this is the part most people miss... West's application isn't just about capturing the perfect wave. It's about accessibility and progress. "Surfers can easily film important moments on their phones, but being in the water limits that accessibility," West points out. With CityPro, surfers can finally have their own personal videographer, a tool to accelerate their progress and a way to immortalize their best surfing moments.
So, is John West really a Core Lord? Not quite. He's more of a relatable everyman, a shredder with a unique vision. But his impact on the surf community is undeniable.
What do you think? Is CityPro a game-changer for surfers? Or is it just another app? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Let's spark a conversation and celebrate the unique perspectives of the surfing community.