GETTING BARRELED IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT. Or at least that’s what it feels like when you emerge victorious from that oceanic cannon of transcendental bliss. As they say, only a surfer knows the feeling…
But that feeling is rare because, unless you live in one of the world’s most blessed surf zones, the ol’ green room is typically an elusive place. Head dips, shampoos, and close outs aside, getting properly pitted is something that only happens at our local on the best of days. For skilled surfers, pilgrimages to barrel-heavy spots is what we dream about and work towards.
Watching people get barrelled makes it seem easy, like all you have to do is pull in and go straight. Which, is true, to an extent. What you don’t see is the crazy blend of physics happening that involves fast-moving waves, shifty peaks, and crazy shallow set ups. Looks like fun and games on your phone yet it reads like a freight train in real life, especially if it’s overhead. That’s why we’re stoked to share this edit from this barrel fest of an edit Dark Seas. Check it out and the read on below to hear it straight from the team.
Some clips are made only to disappear into the hard drive—this one nearly did.
While filming The Dark Side (a new surf flick from Dark Seas, dropping this summer), this Mexico section was almost left on the cutting room floor. But it was too good to let die.
It marked Kai Barger’s first team trip in years. He flew out to California—boardbag nowhere in sight—for one of our premieres. With a baby on the way, we figured this might be the last shot to get him into some foreign tubes before dad duty took over. We scrambled a quiver together, linked up with Nils Schweizer, Dylan Hord, Schuyler Allen, and Duran Barr and booked our tickets.
Despite the borrowed boards and zero prep, Barger locked in immediately—no hesitation, no rust. His laid-back style and full-send approach fired the boys up from the first session and we spent the week getting coned of our heads.
Check out Filthy Animals, and stay tuned for more from Kai and the crew in The Dark Side, dropping this summer.
Related: “Behind The Eddie” (And A Heavy Waimea Wipeout) With Tyler Larronde