One of the most pivotal moments in my career was partnering with Barebones Surf Retreats and connecting with Jose “Bamba” Diaz in Surf City, El Salvador. Surf City, El Salvador, is renowned for hosting some of the top surf events in the world, including the 2024 ISA World Longboard Championship, ISA World Championship, WSL Pro Tour, and more. Bamba, the president of the Salvadorian Surf Federation and a certified surf judge, is a legendary figure in the surf community of El Tunco, Surf City. When he started reposting my reels and collaborating on social media, my audience began to grow rapidly. His team of world-class surf instructors provided invaluable guidance as we rode the iconic Sunzal wave, known globally as one of the best point breaks.
Building Connections Through the El Salvador Surf Industry
El Salvador’s surf industry is a lifeline for the local community, which has limited exports beyond this vibrant surf culture. I began selling some of my surf photography as cards in Bamba’s surf shop, Bambaords, and at a local coffee shop called Mr. Coffee. Additionally, I shot promotional videos for Mr. Coffee to help boost their social media presence. I also collaborated with Casa Makoi, the hostel where Barebones Surf Retreats are based, to capture their new pool and other material for their social channels.
Barebones Surf Retreats offer all-inclusive, no-frills surf trips that make travel accessible by providing safe and affordable experiences. They work closely with local partners like Bamba and Pedro from Casa Makoi to create authentic trips that genuinely support and serve the El Salvador surf community. Beyond the incredible surfing, the local food and culture are among my favorite aspects of these trips. The iconic Sunzal wave, just a 10-minute paddle out, was a new challenge for me, especially as I wasn’t accustomed to point breaks. Barebones also offers a monthly training bootcamp before the trip, helping surfers get in shape for the paddle out and other physically demanding aspects of the journey. They even provide a nutrition consultation to ensure you’re well-prepared for the intense week of early morning and sunset surf sessions.
Capturing the Magic of El Salvador Surf with Barebones
Some of my favorite images come from this trip. Upon arrival, I was amazed to discover that we were nestled in the mountains. I began droning my friends as they attempted to paddle out before our surf coaches taught us about the channel that pulls you out easily to the point break. Although my friends’ egos were slightly bruised, I showed them the footage highlighting the stunning mountains surrounding us. The aerial shots not only captured their efforts but also showcased the breathtaking landscape that defines El Salvador surf.
The collaboration with Barebones was a dream come true, merging my passions for travel, surfing, and culture. I was able to surf and capture incredible footage simultaneously. Barebones emphasizes being present and unplugged, so they had limited content for their social media. My drone photography and videography were perfect for showing potential clients what they could expect when arriving in El Salvador. In one video, we toured the small town of El Tunco, giving future guests a glimpse of where they would be staying and what to anticipate. I even created a slideshow for friends attending a future retreat, explaining the challenge of carrying surfboards half a mile over rocks before reaching the paddle out. Having experienced it myself while carrying my equipment, I knew how exhausting it could be, but it was exciting to prepare them for the adventure.
El Salvador will always hold a special place in my heart. El Tunco is a close-knit community where you’ll see the same faces at the beach and later at the local restaurants, celebrating the waves you caught or simply the experience of being out there. I cherished this experience so much that I got a tattoo of the Barebones logo—a skeleton walking with a longboard—on my ankle. It’s a constant reminder of this special place. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have joined two of their trips as a photographer/videographer and hope to continue working with them in the future.