Introducing Cam Richards...
You grew up surfing the small stuff in South Carolina, but you’ve made a serious name for yourself charging heavy waves like Pipeline. How did you make that transition from East Coast beachies to death defying bombs?
Yeah, South Carolina and barrels don’t really go hand in hand haha. But I grew up surfing outer banks a lot and by no means is it easy there. A lot of finding diamonds in the rough. But I believe that helped me a lot with wave knowledge and sometimes seeing something in waves that others that are used to reef breaks don’t!
There was a ‘wave of the winter’ at Pipeline in 2018 that spat you into the social media feeds of every surfer on the planet. How much of an impact did that single wave have on your career?
Funny story about that wave briefly. I actually missed out by qualifying by a few heats and then was negotiating my new contract at the time. And when I paddled out on my dad’s board, it was more because I thought it was maybe gonna be one of my last times to be able to do it. So I wanted to at least get a photo of me riding his board at pipe. Well I got the photo, and also signed a 3 year deal a week after the wave. So yes that wave is the reason im still able to do what I do. So thank you Pipeline and Vissla.
Watching that clip back, you don’t even claim the wave at the end. Was that intentional? Do people claim too much these days?
When I was 15 or 16, I claimed my first wave ever at the US champs at lowers. I needed a 9.5 to win, got a lowers right did 8 turns, gave myself a round of applause (my claim) scores came in…. 9.3. I have not claimed a wave since haha. I understand the feeling sometimes it just happens. I think if you are stoked and want to claim waves go ahead! I love it. I just don’t do it haha.
Your dad has been shaping boards and running the Village Surf Shop since 1969. How much did growing up quite literally inside a surf shop shape your respect for surfboard craftsmanship and the culture of surfing?
Correction, Shop has been there since 1969. My father took it over in the 80s. But he was very much around the shop since he was about 13. But yes that surf shop has been my life since I was born. Our now partner Brian used to hate when I would come in there, because I would ride skateboards, try on clothes, steal wax, and just make a mess and then just leave it haha. But yes, the shop has made me understand the industry a lot and as much as I want to say my dad being a shaper makes me super knowledgable, well it didn’t haha. Kinda like the quote “the preachers daughter” the shapers son isn’t really into shaping haha. But now that I am older I really appreciate my dad’s craftsmanship. He makes every board by hand, no computer. So hopefully in the next few years I can learn a thing or 2!
Who were the East Coast or global legends you looked up to when you were a grom, and how has that influenced how you approach the ocean?
First person that comes to my mind is Ben Bourgeois. My dad took him on his first surf trip and was his first sponsor. So I’ve known him since I was born. Not only is he insane at surfing just the way he looks at life and how cool he is, is really inspiring. But also the hobgood bros, the Geiselman bros, Balaram, Brett barley, those are kinda the guys I tried to take notes from.
Beyond big waves, you also ride twin fins, do wild airs and even do a bunch of fishing. Are you more about being a 'surfer' or a 'waterman' and what's the difference?
I would like to say I'm both. Honestly I just like to try everything because I enjoy getting better at something. So the twin fin and alternative shapes came after I took a break from competing, but honestly it helped me fall back in love with surfing.
How important are having good-quality sunglasses in the life you lead?
Extremely, when I am home and not surfing, I'm fishing. So having good shades are essential. And if you’re really bad at taking care of things like I am its super nice to have a pair that can handle some shit!
What's the best thing about travelling and hunting for surf/fish? Any places you want to go but haven't been yet?
My opinion on the best thing about it is meeting new people. Over the years of traveling I’ve made such amazing friends and now I can pretty much go anywhere and have a local show me around which is amazing. That is what ill always be grateful for in surfing is the people I’ve met along the way.
We talk about 'Framing Your Freedom' a bit at OTIS. When do you feel most free?
Probably if I am surfing a fun wave by myself. I don’t think anything beats that. But a good fishing day with a good mate is hard to beat!
Finally, what's plans for 2026? Any big goals or trips? What's next for you?
Well I got engaged, so me and the boys are doing a ments boat trip. So that should be a good time. But just keep surfing, looking for newer waves, and fishing when I got the time!