Aprés-Surf: Timmy Toes

For the first installment of ‘Aprés Surf,’ a series of interviews exploring the other side of surfing life, we spent the day with Californian Timothy Ridenour (aka Timmy Toes).

Timmy is currently working on a film project with local talent Miguel Blanco, so we met him at his office—the beach. He graciously invited us to join him at his improvised filming den, nestled between the rocks, providing a direct view of one of the best waves in the area. Amidst the backdrop of Miguel’s waves, we delved into discussions covering food, surfing, and photography.

FN: You have been in Portugal for a couple of weeks now. Any special meal or dish that stayed in your memory?

TT: We had an amazing fish soup in the Nazaré harbor. So tasty.

FN: For a surf filmmaker, “Aprés surf” doesn’t necessarily mean no surfing as it usually involves more of it, either filming or editing. Don’t you get tired of surf-related activities?

TT: Surfing has given me so much in life that it is hard to get sick of it. Occasionally, I take a break but end up being pulled back into it.

FN: Apart from shooting surf, you also do documentary-style and fashion-related jobs. What challenges do you face in balancing the spontaneity of surfing with the meticulous planning often required in other kinds of assignments? Does one type of job inform the other (or vice versa)?

TT: I find that all my best work comes in moments of spontaneous creativity – even on the most thought-out projects with weeks of planning involved. I look for the moments in between as some of the best.

FN: From what we’ve gathered, surf filmmakers usually have their surf on the wrong tides or when the wind turns onshore, leaving the best for the pros. How do you feel about that? Do you manage to score during your trips?

TT:  I usually don’t get to surf on shoots… But this was a special occasion. Don’t tell anyone.