Hi there, barn!! Thanks for visiting my site and taking the time to click “About.” I think I know why you’re here, but we will get to that in just a sec. My name is Nick M, aka Barney Beadette (pronounced: beed-ett, or perhaps beat-it; is that corny?). I’ve heard that one too many times out in the water and decided to own it — plus, I like the European (perhaps French) ring to it.
But enough with the small talk, let’s get down to business (just kidding, it’s not that serious). However, if you’re like me, you’re here because something caught your mind’s eye; love at first sight it seems; an ancient art has crept up through your veins and you’re starting to feel an unscratchable itch — more like a rash, actually. So what is this phenomenon that’s making you helplessly daydream at work, or elude your pre-planned weekend engagements (that is just NOT like you)? Surfing, huh? Yep, I knew it—SURFING! And oh boy, is it a sweet endeavor.
It happens quickly and sometimes out of the blue: one day you are a clean-cut, nicely dressed, 9 to 5 workhorse with a bright future in the corporate world, and the next day your hair is turning blond, your sheets are sandy, and you’ve traded that comfortable sedan for something with just a little more space to store your first shred stick, aka surfboard. The ocean attracts us all differently; if you have some time, follow this link and see what it was like for me in the beginning.
Embarrassing, I know (if you didn’t read the above link, disregard, por favor). I’ve been surfing for almost seven years now — since I was twenty — and it’s been rough and tumble, exhausting, shameful, and demoralizing, but very rewarding as well. However, if we work together, your experience will be ONLY rewarding, and we can leave the stink-eyes and noogies for the uninformed kooks and barns that wax the bottom of their feet (I commend their creativity). Learning unwritten surf etiquettes and en vogue surf terminology shouldn’t be reserved exclusively for rad shred-monsters (us barns contribute to the surf industry and have feelings too). With us, here, on this extraordinarily cringey beginner surf-world blog, here’s what you can expect: tales of a colorful surf journey, as well as interviews, helpful tricks, tips, opinions, thoughts, insights, and surf news told by a self-deprecating barney who’s been there and done that. Be prepared to get so stoked that you wear your wetsuit to bed, to laugh so hard that you spit your hot coffee out onto your significant other and fall off your chair, and to maybe cry (tears of pity we’ll say). So, regardless of how you got here, and I don’t mean this site or this spiraling digression, I mean here, on this ceaseless pursuit for the perfect wave — we are going to figure this thing out together. We got you. Like I said, I was once in your shoes (more likely, barefoot) and I know what it means to be a beginner in a surf world so complex, intimidatingly cool, hush, exhilarating, and most of all, mesmerizing. Learn from my mistakes and you will be just fine out there!
To help keep us stoked and to help us glide by your side on your way from barn-brain to barrel-hound, please subscribe to our site and join our emailing list so that you can stay on top of our need-to-see content, learn from shapers and other industry professionals, enter to win various giveaways, and more!! -Barney Beadette
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway” – John Wayne
For those getting into the ocean wanting to know how NOT to be socially accepted by surfing peers. Click “Barney Tales” and enjoy a laugh at my expense. SHAKA!!