Dave Parmenter on surfing “then” versus “now,” and how to keep riding waves interesting

Season 01: Episode 06 of Soundings With Jamie Brisick
Surfing magazine once described Dave Parmenter as “the most interesting surfer in the world.” In a 1988 Surfer interview, he railed poetic against the loss of surfing’s purity, saying that young surfers were concerned only with “stickers and freebies [and] their first sponsorship deal is put right up there with losing their virginity. In the meantime, they’re missing out on surfing. Competing is just a tiny sliver of what the sport has to offer.” From 2005 to 2008, Dave wrote a monthly fiction-humor column for Surfer called “Everybody Surfs.“ He’s written several pieces for TSJ.
Dave’s formative years were spent riding cold, empty, heavy waves on California’s Central Coast. Later, he would move to Hawaii. I knew him on the road. He traveled with many books, was something of a loner, and exuded a Clint Eastwood sangfroid. I was fascinated and a little intimidated by him. Once, he lent me a board after I broke mine. When I went to return it he said, “Keep it.” I reached for my wallet. “No, definitely not,” he said.
Dave and I ran the gamut of topics, starting with his most current wave-riding interest: outrigger canoes across open-ocean swells. We also discussed his relationship with the surf world, surfing “then” versus “now,” and how to keep riding waves interesting in mid-life and beyond. -Jamie Brisick
Become a TSJ member at www.surfersjournal.com
Find more of Dave at nowtro.com.
Produced by Jonathan Shifflett.
Music by Little Wings.
Feature image by Andrew Kidman.

[@jaybullo4743]

Two intellectuals having an insightful conversation? 'Off to Room 101 for the both of you! '
Thank you for the entertaining interview, Mr B, and thank you for your no BS honesty Mr P.

[@ericjorgensen8028]

That was very interesting and a bit nostalgic for me.
Remember reading iconoclast now in the (other) mag and finding Parmenter an interesting sort. Also remember hearing about the longboard in the short board contest and laughing a lot about that one. A nice move and clear statement, with humor. At least in my opinion.
There was a subject or two obviously not included here, I imagine that was by intent and respect that but someday I'd like to hear more.
Thanks for putting this up. These interviews should be required listening for young surfers.
I liked Mr Finnegan's A surfing life. Would love to hear a chat with him.
Please keep on with more of these. And thanks again for your efforts

[@daleeversstudio]

Super Interesting. Great interview.

[@joeblow1942]

Really enjoying these. Thank you. Last one was with Mick Fanning on 3-12-23. Any chance you will start up the podcasts again?

[@Joe-pc1ju]

dave your in the theater playing the hermit worm faking it the whole way .