WHAT A TRIP
Interview with Bing Ambassador Trip Chandler
Interview by: Grey Lockwood
Photos + Video: @will_is_dakine
At just 22 years old and hailing from a place not known for its surf quality, new Bing ambassador Trip Chandler has put together quite an impressive visual resume riding longboards. In between finishing up college courses you can either find this kid holding a single fin log or a fishing pole, but never without a big grin on his face. True to his East Coast roots, Trip is a good ‘ol boy who loves the outdoors, holds his friends and family close, and spends more time in the ocean than most. From everyone here at Bing headquarters we want to welcome this talented dude to a roster of surfers who represent traditional surfing and our core values around the world. We had the chance to sit down with Trip to see what makes him tick and here’s what he had to say…
Name, age, and where are you from?
My name is Trip Chandler, I am 22 years old, and I grew up in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Tell us a little about your life in South Carolina. What does an average day look like?
I love to surf, hunt, fish and play music. I prefer to spend my time on the water doing something fun with friends. I am currently finishing a degree in Marine Biology, from Coastal Carolina University.
When/How/Why did you start surfing?
My Dad started me surfing the beaches of South Carolina when I was 2 or 3 years old. My Dad grew up surfing in Newport Beach, CA, and passed his love of surfing on to me.
Tell us about the waves in South Carolina. What type of boards do you normally ride?
The waves in South Carolina are few and far between, but its mostly uncrowded and we definitely get some really fun days. At home, I am usually riding a longboard with plenty of foam. I just got a new Bing Continental, so I’m pretty stoked to get her in the water.
What is your favorite time of year for surfing on the East Coast?
My favorite time of year for surfing in South Carolina is during the hurricane season when we can get some legitimate waves. Chasing swell through the Carolinas can be rewarding when you score.
Do you ever do any contests or do you mostly just like to free surf?
I love to free surf, but also enjoy competing when I can. I’ve grown up doing all kinds of contests with the ESA, NSSA, WSL and various others all over the country.
Do you have any other sponsors that you are working with?
I also ride for Seager Hat Co. and Village Surf Shop in Folly Beach, SC.
Who inspires you when it comes to surfing? Any favorite guys/girls locally or around the world?
My biggest inspiration is my Dad. As far as professionals go, people like Joel Tudor, Justin Quintal and all the classics have inspired me most. The movie, “One California Day” is what made me obsessed with riding longboards. It will always be one of my favorite surf films.
It looks like you and photographer Will Walling spend quite a bit of time shooting together. What’s it like working with him on photo and video projects?
Will is a good dude and takes phenomenal shots. He blares heavy metal music before every surf session and it gets me really amped to go shoot. I have been up and down the East Coast chasing swell with him and he is always pumped to get out there and get the shots.
Describe your dream surf trip.
A dream surf trip for me would be somewhere in the Caribbean with a few buddies. I have grown up going down there when I can and I have always admired the people there, the beautiful water and overall feel of the islands.
It seems like fishing plays a huge role in East Coast surfers’ lives. True or false?
I’d say that’s pretty true. If there are no waves, but good conditions, my focus typically shifts towards fishing. Fishing is another great way to connect with the ocean and I think that a lot of surfers can relate.
How much time do you spend on social media and do you use it for good or evil?
I try to stay off of social media as much as possible. I’m not very tech savvy and would rather spend time outside.
Any other hobbies or skills that the world needs to know about?
I also love to listen and play music. Lately, I’ve enjoyed playing slide guitar with various local musicians here in my hometown.
What is Trip Chandler going to be doing in 25 years from now?
In 25 years I‘d love to be living near the beach and still riding Bing Surfboards. Most likely somewhere on the East Coast since this is my home.
Also in Bing Surfboards Blog
THE DESTINATION IS THE DESTINATION
THE BOARDROOM 2023 COMPETITOR INTERVIEWS
Name, hometown, and surfboard brand.
Josh Peterson, hometown Virginia Beach (born) Haleiwa (currently living), and my brand is Peterson Surfcraft.
When and where did you start surfing? Describe your first surfboard.
I started surfing when I was about 15 in Virginia Beach, and my first board was an old funboard from WRV that was about 7’6” and had glass on thrusters and an insane airbrush.
