Nathan Adams

Nathan Adams is a Cal­i­for­nia surfer/musician whose unique wave approach stands out even in the crowded line-ups of San Onofre, Tres­tles, and Doheny. Nathan is also known for his casual demeanor, musi­cal tal­ent, and noseride take-offs.  We caught up with Nathan to learn more.

What was life like grow­ing up?

I grew up in Irvine, Cal­i­for­nia until the sum­mer before 6th grade. It was a good place to grow up. There weren’t too many hills there so it was easy to get around on a skate­board or a bike. My street had a bunch of kids my age so I always had some­one to play with. I moved to Dana Point when I was 12. I started surf­ing because we lived so close to the beach.

When did you get your first surf­board?
I think I was 12 when I got my first surfboard.

What was the feel­ing you had when you first stood up on a surf­board?
I felt more legit­i­mate, because I rode boo­gie boards before.

Who did you look up to and admire when you were a young man?
I looked up to my older brother Justin. I pretty much did every­thing he did.

Who/what inspires you?
Peo­ple who are con­tent with them­selves and appre­ci­ate the beauty in life. Inno­va­tors. As far as what – design, music, surf­ing, and beau­ti­ful places.

What is the great­est thing you have learned in your life?
To not take life too seriously.

What are you most proud of?
My pro­gres­sion in surfing.

Of all the places you have trav­eled to, what place in par­tic­u­lar stands out and why?
I just vis­ited Santa Cruz and Mon­terey for the first time and I really like it up there. There’s a few good right point breaks, and the scenery is beautiful.

What mean­ing does surf­ing hold for you and how has it changed your life?
Surf­ing is what I’m most pas­sion­ate about in life. It’s given me some­thing to look for­ward to and keeps me motivated.

What brings you the most hap­pi­ness in the world?
Being a part of life and hav­ing good friends to share it with.

Who are some of the peo­ple you feel are shap­ing the path for surf­ing today?
All the peo­ple who surf because they love to do it.

What is your cur­rent favorite board? Your favorite surfspot?
My cur­rent favorite board is my sig­na­ture model with Almond. It suits the waves per­fectly at my favorite spot San Onofre. And also a 10 foot fin­less Doyle.

What’s your favorite meal?
I like to mix it up a lot but it seems that In ‘N Out always hits the spot.

What are you cur­rently lis­ten­ing to on your iPod?
Break­ing Away, El Pico by Ratatat, Pulp Fiction, Warm San Fran­cisco Knights by Peo­ple Under The Stairs, and Magic Spells by Crys­tal Castles.

What are you most grate­ful for?
Friends, fam­ily, and peo­ple I can depend on.

What’s next for Nathan Adams?
To live and to learn.

Find out more about Nathan Adams and his Almond board here. Pho­tog­ra­phy by Cam Oden.