Frame Your Freedom with Beau Cram
Beau Cram looks at a lineup differently than almost anyone else in the water. An absolute core lord, this Australian surfer has built a quiet reputation for disappearing up the North WA coast to hunt heavy, hollow slabs far from the nearest phone tower. While most surfers reach for standard step-ups when the swell jacks, Beau is usually pulling out a twin fin or a long fish, paddling deeper than the pack, and drawing lines that shouldn't technically work in waves of consequence. He’s a carpenter by trade, a barrel hound by nature, and someone who completely ignores the rulebook on what equipment belongs in deadly waves. We tracked Beau down between Northwest strike missions to talk about surfboard design, being a desert rat, and carving out his own identity in the water.
Your dad, Richard Cram, is an icon of ’80s power surfing. How much does having a pro surfer dad shape your own approach to life, and what did it take to step out of that shadow to make your own mark?
As I’ve gotten older and watched a lot of surfing dads push their kids into it, I’ve realised how little my dad cared whether me or my brothers surfed. He really just left it up to us, which I guess was the perfect approach because we’ve all been keen surfers since the start!
You seem to look at surfboards completely differently than the average surfer. Where did that love of experimenting come from?
My outlook on boards changed pretty radically not long after my grom and junior contest days were over. There were plenty of stints where I’d opt for the boog over the board, and I think I’ve just always been entertained by finding different feelings in the water.
When did you realise you didn't need three fins to charge heavy surf, and what does a twin fin give you inside a critical barrel that a standard thruster can't?
Travelling over to West Oz years ago, I’d ordered a few step-up guns expecting that was what I’d need to ride the slabs and bombies over here. But I was so surprised by how well my big twins went in the shape of the waves here. That was when I really started leaning into it.
You’ve worked closely with Chris Christenson dialing in boards like the Long Phish 2.0. When you’re testing shapes, what specific feeling or response are you chasing under your feet?
Yeah, it’s been great working with Chris. I’ve been riding his boards for nearly 10 years now, and it’s been amazing to see the constant progression in his craft. I could imagine for him, seeing his boards being ridden in solid WA waves is pretty entertaining too.
You spend a chunk of your year camping up in remote Northwest WA. When you’re packing the rig for a long stint off-grid in the desert,what is the non-negotiable gear you have to take to survive the elements?
West Oz camping non-negotiables: a decent swag, cold beers and mates who love fishing. I haven’t got the fishing bug yet, but I love fish, hahaha.
With the glare, red dust and salt up North, how important is a solid pair of sunglasses?
Man, they make the whole experience way better. That’s definitely another non-negotiable for me.
Are you still swinging the hammer as a carpenter between trips? How does that balance out the surf side of things?
The hammer is swinging on a far too regular basis these days, haha. But I’ve definitely found a good balance between the two. I find surfs are far more enjoyable and rewarding after work. It’s really just about looking after myself so I can cater for both.
What frames are you currently thrashing on the road and on the job site?
Concrete Waves all day these days. Comfiest sunnies for working, chilling and being out and about.
You have a grom now too? Has that changed your approach? And have you got him on a surfboard yet?
Yeah, little Leeuwin! I reckon he’ll take to the board pretty damn quick. I think having him has changed my approach to work more than my approach to surfing. I still love wrangling tubes more than ever, and I can’t see that changing!
We talk a lot about ‘Framing Your Freedom’ at OTIS. When do you feel most free?
Definitely in the water. It always feels great finding new lines within my surfing, and it’s always the greatest reset for me.
What’s on the radar for the end of the year and 2027? Any new shapes in the board bag or remote zones you’re itching to get back to?
Damn, a little too much work right now! But I’m definitely tuning some new boards in with Chris and plotting some fun adventures.
Big pits, laughs and good times would be just fine!