Big smiles and unconventional adventures, Ben Gravy brings beach vibes to any and every body of water. With a unique knack for surfing the world’s weirdest waves, Ben is always plotting his next mission to ride something new. Don’t dismiss his abilities to go big, though. As long as he’s having fun in the process, Ben can be found in landlocked ankle-deep drainers or a casually dropping into bombs at Waimea and beyond.
What’s more interesting; surfing in the ocean or on a lake? How about behind a boat versus a lineup of angry locals? For Ben Gravy the answer is simple, keep it weird.
It’s hard to not have fun while surfing something abstract or out of the ordinary. Take it from Ben, he is literally making a living out of having a great time and documenting the journey with his friends. So far in the process he has filmed a documentary surfing all 50 states, traveled the world in search of the unconventional and grown his personal passion for filmmaking and surfing into a creative outlet and career.
How did he do it? By following his own interests and not listening to the haters along the way.
“Only you determine how far you can truly go,” says Ben, and we believe him!
We caught up with Ben to get the insider info on where he developed his unique interests and how he has transformed them into his very own dream job.
Q & A
-
Yeah Ben, let’s start with the fact that you are a total legend for approaching the sport of surfing in a unique way and for surfing weird waves. In your opinion, what has been the weirdest? AND where did your interest in weird waves come from?
I’ve always had an interest in novelty waves. I used to create miniature standing river waves in French Creek while growing up in Pennsylvania & ever since I started surfing I always wanted to be near rocks & finding something new. -
Where did you grow up, where do you live now, and how did you pickup surfing?
I grew up almost 3 hours from the beach in Pennsylvania, but my mom is originally from the Jersey Shore so we always visited. I started surfing in 1st grade & eventually my family became so obsessed with it that we ended up moving back down to New Jersey to be near the ocean. -
Who are your surf idols, old and new.. Who inspired/inspires you?
My biggest idols in surfing are Gerry Lopez & Kelly Slater. Not only have they accomplished many amazing things, but they are showing that riding waves is a lifelong journey. - You have carved out a unique place for yourself on YouTube. From becoming a vlogger, to doing various reviews, creating a podcast and content of other types, as well… Can you tell us about how that all started and what it has turned into?
Filmmaking has been a passion for me even before I started surfing. I grew up thinking I was going to be a Hollywood movie director. My surfing vlog started after I decided to go completely sober in 2015. I was making videos everyday to hold myself accountable for the day that I was living. Since then it’s blossomed into my career, my lifestyle, my entire existence. -
Looking back on your documentary “For The Dream” and the mission to surf all 50 states, which wave made for the greatest adventure?
Surfing Lake Erie in Pennsylvania was very special. Growing up landlocked in PA I never knew we had waves, but experiencing a proper windstorm in Erie connected me back to my roots & opened my eyes to how amazing lake surfing really is. -
For someone who has already surfed a lifetime of dream surf trips, where do you want to surf next and why?
The bucket list wave I haven’t made it to yet is JBay in South Africa. Hoping to get there in 2024! -
What are a few of your hobbies outside of surfing (and vlogging)?
I love to play guitar & write folk punk songs -
How about music; what sort of genres do you listen to and what was the last live concert you went to?
I listen to almost every type of music, sometimes for enjoyment & sometimes just to see whats going on, but my favorite genre by far is 90’s alternative rock, because it reminds me of being a kid when life was more carefree. Last live concert was Atlantic CIty’s very own Gutter Drunk! -
What would you say are the best and worst trends in surfing today?
The best trend ever is people who surf for their mental health & enjoyment and aren’t paying attention to anything thats going on in the industry. Worst trend in surfing by far is the self centered mentality around waves. -
Let’s talk toes for a second… What’s your favorite Sanuk Shoe for before and after surfing?
My favorite Sanuk shoe is the PUFFY CHILLER for sure! NJ isn’t that warm this time of year!
-
Do you have another favorite for traveling or kicking back at home?
Another favorite pair are the DONOVAN’S…guys a ledge -
For you, what’s the best part of squadding up and joining the Team at Sanuk?
I’m stoked to hang out & surf with Hunter Jones! -
Thinking of the next generation; do you have any advice to young surfers looking to hone their skills and have fun?
Focus on your own trip. Outside distractions & opinions mean nothing, because only you determine how far you can truly go.
Keep up with Ben Gravy and all of his unconventional adventures. Tap that follow button on HIS INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT for regular updates, subscribe to HIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL for more of the good stuff and peep HIS SANUK AMBASSADOR PAGE to see what else he is into.