STUCK BETWEEN A RIP CURRENT AND A SET WAVE EXPLAINED, BEN GRAVY NEAR DEATH SITUATION ANALYSIS 

haha thanks for the kind words dude! stoked I made it through that one, pretty heavy scenario

Nathan, these are really, really cool. Thanks for putting them out.

I was saved by a surfer at the New Jersey shore. I went in the water early in the morning before the guards were on duty. Caught in a rip and panicked. I could swim and was taught how to get out of the rip but it took me a few minutes to calm down. The surfers came as soon as they saw me struggling. I wasn’t taking a beat down I was just drifting to Europe.So much respect for surfers.Your content is going to save lives. Thank you

21:43 - 22:40 Maybe the most important minute of surf advice you can ever hear, thanks for sharing your hard earned wisdom Nate, we all appreciate it

Bro. Nobody does this type of breakdown. Serious dedication. Now a major fan. Cheers !

So great to hear pros like you teach respect for the ocean and your humbleness to talk about terrible situations like this and how to escape. Not a chance I’ll ever paddle out here, but I can apply this to my NE Florida 3-5 beach breaks 🤣

Love the breakdown of these situations. Keep them coming mate.

Love the cross-posting here Nathan Florence, really cool to see you interact with other guy's content. Also - guaranteed these types of videos you make will help people take the ocean more seriously and will save lives!

Wow. Great insight. I had the "leash break" experience in 10+ ft Table Tops (Cardiff CA). I found out face down, starfish float position into the wall of white-water helped launch me up and over the undertow and pushed me to the shore. Cheated drowning that day. 👍

Nate, bless you for your humility and honesty. It's so important to remove ego from this environment and you are giving such wonderful wisdom to this sport!

Awesome video Nathan. These sort of videos have the ingredients to literally safe some lives, not just in Hawaii but in other heavy, rippy waves in the world. That trick of putting yourself / board in the high energy white wash ball on the surface and avoid that under tow that drops you right back in the impact zone... definitely going to use that one. Thanks man 👊🏼

These are actually genius nobody’s done these breakdowns before, you gotta make it a series!!!

You could be saving life's with this content!! Good on you Nate.

These types of videos are very interesting. Yes, panicking kills.

When my leash breaks I always try to swim in backstroke. It feels like lying on my back helps keep my heart rate down and makes it easier to keep my head above water, and I also don't have to turn to see if a set is coming behind me. Not sure if it's slower than freestyle, but it makes swimming in less stressful for me.

That's the nuts and bolts, brother! Thanks for great stuff I haven't seen or heard before! I remember watching this video and thinking how heavy it was for you, and how freaking toasted most others would be in that situation. The Ben content was timely, and really drove home that point!

The day you posted the original video I had woken up after a nightmare of you drowning in this very scenario, although i hadn't realised it was a dream, as i woke up in the dream and started seeing all the tributes online and i couldn't believe it, it was like inception, then i ACTUALLY woke up absolutely devastated, and somehow convinced myself it must be real as i was so shaken. Logged online and was so happy when i realised it was a damn nightmare. Stay safe brother, we need you doing this for many more years to come!

Exactly. I know I’m old but we surfed backdoor without leashes. The only chance you had in that situation was to stay on top, just take the beating and let the white water wash you in. Ducking the whitewater just kept you in the same spot with your breath running shorter on every duck. Great info.

This happened to me at pinballs one time in '09. Outside set came in and first wave broke my leash, 6 wave set. It was horrendous. Just complete washing machine you can't get out of. Your explanation of where it's not even an impact, it's just the struggle to escape that gets you is spot on. I thought for sure I was either done for or wake up being resuscitated on the sand if I was lucky. That one messed me up good. I didn't want to get in the water for a little while after that.

I watched this video in 3 parts. Internalizing the scenario and how Nathan tells it, relating it to a hairy situation I had on a 6ft day at my local, was just too exhausting to get through it in one sitting. I was verging on panicking imagining what you and Ben went through. Excellent material Nathan

My friend was out surfing chuns on a relatively big day and got caught in the rip after he lost his board. He said he got all disoriented and lo and behold Coco Ho paddles aup and casually offers her board and help. He gladly took it...how often do surfers rescue other folks and it goes undocumented? Self awareness and awareness of your surroundings cannot be overstated enough

Great PSA video Nathan. Same thing happened to me in Jersey at Jenks 13 years ago. And yes, we do get super heavy, cold surf in Jersey, with no reef channels to paddle out in.

Learned a ton. Thank you.

Best surfing channel out there by far! You keep putting out exactly the content we wanna see.

Great explanations. I often take hard beatings because of my low surf level but still I think your advice can also be aplied for less experienced people who are learning to read the ocean and also struggle when waves aren’t huge. Thank you!

Frickin sick break down!! Had me holding my breath. I remember watching Ben's eppie and scetched for him. Much respect brother. Hopefully these insights keep people smart and safe in the water.

Thanks for the insight on how scary backdoor can get by just falling or kicking out of a wave! It would be awesome to see you do the same breakdown at other big waves like Puerto, Jaws, or Mavs.

This episode is pure GOLD, thank you so much for sharing

Dude, thanks heaps for these vids. Guarantee you have saved lives with this video. Cheers man

Definitely make more of these, the way you articulate your thoughts in these stressful situations is very insightful.

Good explanations and necessary for others seemingly ready for Pipeline. I've told numerous surfers it's usually best to just go in and paddle around at backdoor because it's iffy paddling back out on a larger day. Being pulled in by the whitewater and lying flat is great technique. No one wants to get sucked through that rip on the left. It can kill you. Keep the stoke going.

Hey Nathan, super thankful for these videos man. You are doing a great service to wave riding humans around the world. Your paddling and general surf knowledge is pure gold (the tip about the second impact for duck diving was interesting). I was wondering if you ever plan on covering some of the fundamentals of board riding for the novice surfer? I think there is allot of people like myself that get stuck in the do a few pumps and maybe a good turn on a good day stage and remain there for many years.

Most don’t realize the juice in Hawaii’s waves. Seen ankle slappers rolling tourists walking on west maui beaches. So much energy. Thanks for sharing this. Great advice on how to try and use the whitewater to escape rips

Man you were born to do this brah. Not only are you a naturally gifted surfer, but using your experience & knowledge & gifting it to the surf community, this stuff really helps. 💯😎✊🏼🤙🏼

This guy is a natural teacher. Awesome video!

Loving these in depth break downs. Awesome to see a pro break down some ocean safety for the masses as well. I spend quite a bit of time on Oahu- almost drown when I was a kid there-luckily I have used it as training myself..... so many tourists doing dangerous stuff just not realizing the gravity of the sitch. Glad Ben made it out of that...that was wild!

Thanks for being a kind surfer and this deep analysis and info. I just recently went surfing on a rough day in Florida on family vacay. I am an out of shape beginner/intermediate from St. Louis, MO. Took me a long time to get out there with long board and had to continue to paddle to battle the current. I tried to catch a wave just to get in since exhausted. Pulled back last minute but wave ripped my board away. Way out there with no board so I turned to the only other surfer nearby and let him know I lost my board just in case I was unable to get in. He ignored me! Luckily I was able to calmly make it in by letting the waves push me in. My kids saw me and followed me down the coast. Luckily current just pushed me down the coast and not a rip current back into waves! Looking back on it and having had a near death experience like this about 20 years ago with rip current really made me upset at the other surfer, who ignored me. Thanks for looking out for others!

Thanks for sharing this, I know my limits and would never go out there probably even in just a ripple, but you guys--Jon Jon, JOB, Kai, Ridge, and the other vloggers who surf all over Hawaii (and the world) make it look so fun and easy and it's very likely that someone not familiar with water and waves and currents could decide oh Pipe is only 4', that's nothing, I can handle that. I know you guys talk about how dangerous Pipe is, but showing this, gives a very REAL perspective on how easily you could die out there. Ben didn't wipe out and get rolled along the reef or held down, he had a great ride, he kicked out the back, and then it all went bad, so it's good to give some context and talk about just how scary Pipe is, how scary the Ocean can be, and how quickly you can drown. Glad you and Ben are OK, scary stuff...

You do a great job of explaining what's happening step by step brother. No greater skill than experience. Guys who are in the water their whole lives really have an advantage in tough situations bc of those instincts you speak about. Super happy Ben made it home.

What an amazingly well explained, educational video. I've grown up in the water too but i feel like, after watching this video, in stead of knowing the ocean I probably just know my local breaks really well. Big eye opener, thanks. Also ever since I started surfing I have always done the exact same thing as you were describing, the whole keeping an eye out of everyone in the line-up. When it's big, I sometimes don't care if I get a wave, I just stay out there and make sure everyone else is ok(especially the intermediates). Great vid.

Bro your vids now compared to 4 years ago are night and day. So much maturity now enjoying these breakdowns and how you articulate technique and strategy.

Lessons in all of life. Never ever give up.Always go until you pass out or physically fail. You're way tougher than you know.

These breakdown videos are great. I’m 32 and just moved to Long Beach, NY last year and only started surfing last summer. So all of these pointers and tips really help. Your videos + Koas and Jamie’s make me want to move to Hawaii lol

Nathan, you just explained me how to go out of a situation that i've been through last year here in Florianópolis - BR. This kind of tips are really nice for us amateurs! Really apreciate!! Peace broo

Nathan, I hope you understand how important is all the tips and orientations you give to people like me (just a guy enjoying surfing), as well to surfers who are professionals. Thanks for taking so much time to show with so many details in all your videos. I am sure you have helped many surfers to enjoy more their surfing, as well saving lives. Tks and keep up the good work. Marcio from Brazil

This is so helpful. As a surfer who works and juggles family, I’m not as strong as I’d like to be and I have been struggling a bit when the days get a little bigger than I’m used to here in west oz. These are great tips especially the one about riding the whitewater in that specific way. Thanks Nate!

These are my favorite, thanks for the insight dude you're a legend so is Ben gravy!!! 🏆

Mahalo brother for the awesome analysis. Staying calm and not panicking is the hardest thing to do. Doesn't have to be big to get your ass kicked.

Love these POV recap videos, dude. Even as a super noob, who's never going to get to try Pipe... this is awesome!! Learning tons. And inspired!

everyone who surfs gets in a bad situation at some time , either form not knowing a spot or just bad decisions , to much aggression , not enough respect, etc. , but it happens , so its great to see these kind of helpful videos . they can save someone's life.

Nate man your videos are great. Super authentic guy and willing to give good tips. Have a good day

A plethora of knowledge. Unbelievably valuable. Thank you it’s a privilege to hear your perspective.

Nathans a treasure for being so honest

Very good video! You have a unique ability to put the viewer in the moment and show them your thought process. You have a great channel.

Nathan...these type of vids really help! Even less experienced surfers in smaller waves get into these type of situations. Just talking about it and sharing tips helps. Regards from Curacao!

thank you! water awareness is the first thing that needs to be on any surfer's mind:) this is so helpful mane!

This is super legit. Sound communication skills, authentic advice.

I had a very similar experience my last session in Hawaii. I went out early at Rockies on a 6-8ft day. Was by myself and was stoked cuz I was getting a bunch of waves. Caught my last wave and on the paddle back out a big double up came in. I tried to duck dive it but it picked me up and slammed me so hard I was dizzy when I popped up. My board was snapped in two and I was really tired from the beat down. I figured I could quickly paddle past the break and float down to gums and try to get to the sand bar instead of getting pounded on the reef. Bad idea. The current Pulled me to between chambers and rocky rights where I was stuck. It was too gnarly to body surf but I couldn’t make any progress down the beach because of the broken board. Then a 10ft+ set came in and I got demolished. Was able to swim under the first two but the third picked me up and slammed me. Took a few more on the head and somehow got pushed on to the reef away from the break. I managed to grab my board and body surf the rest of the way picking up some cuts on the way. Definitely the scariest moment I had on the north shore considering the size and that no one was out there to save me or call for help. Always have respect for the ocean. She’ll win every time.

Love these analyses videos man. As a 39year old learning how to surf up in the arctic circle Norway these types of tips Are so precious, like laughing when gettin caught inside with -10 C air temp and watertemps of 3-4C it helps a lot relaxing and keeping panic in check Even though your suit gets flushed with icewater a little laugh does the trick when catching big sets to the head😄 Keep it up, much apreciated🙏🤙

It’s amazing how grounded and kind you are. Appreciate the videos and the information.

These commentaries are the best surfing vids on RU-vid right now. Thanks Nathan!!

Great video Nathan. Maybe one of the greatest lessons yet from you. So very much appreciated. Huge thanks ! I got destroyed hammered there in 1986. Still kicking. Love your stuff.

Surfing, looks so simple but so much hidden complexity. Thanks

Intelligent conversation for those of us who need to know the specifics of the rips, topography actual comments of someone like you who lives on these brakes therefore have a more broad perspective of how it's going down kudos to you Nate

Awesome sharing video. Got that at Blacks 25yrs ago. A wind swell, big for Blacks but nothing like the North Shore, 9~11 secs intervals very consistent, wave after wave was breaking in a half circle centered on the rip that kept me there...

You give the best tips for intermediate to advanced surfers on the internet hands down - for free. Thank you for sharing!

This is the best surfing instruction video ever made. This video highlights the greatness of Nathan's experience

priceless knowledge from a world renowned waterman, and top shelf surfer. keep on, keepin’ on… and thanks for sharing.

Thanks for this new type of content and this new approach on how to share surfing experience with others. It reminds me that often, when I get caught inside or having a very bad session, I am thinking to myself "I am looking out for the days I will be good enough to not be caught inside or have bad session anymore". Seeing this kind of video is reassuring in a way that getting caught inside and having bad session is a whole part of a surfer's life no matter their level and that knowing how to handle yourself in those situation is as important as knowing how to turn on a wave. Surf being a sport you can access easily, people tend to forget how strong the ocean is and how dangerous a situation can become. Thanks again

Nathan, thank you for your calm, considered insight into this life threatening situation. Definitely gives a lot of pointers that will help save lives . Keep up the great work. Much Appreciated

This is awesome content. It's also very important knowledge for those who haven't been in gnarly situations. Nothing worse than all those rips and undercurrents that won't let you go. Shows how badass those older watermen really were without vests, skis, etc...

Man, I learned so much from this. If you did not grow up surfing these conditions as a kid, like me and so many others, this is super good (and possibly life-saving) to know. Please keep making these video’s. Thanks!!

Great video! Even the small waves can get scary but these are nuts! Keep up the good work

Very cool to hear your breakdown and giving respect to Ben Gravy and NJ in general.

This is actually giving me a lot of validation in some of the heavier situations I was in this winter doing that half duck dive white wash board ride trick and just how much that helped me get away from bad currents and back to the beach to reset. The other thing I noticed people need to do more is to rarely ever ditch your board unless it’s a life and death type of wave. You’d be surprised how long you can hold onto your surfboard for even doing flips and twists under water as long as you hold onto the thing eventually you will cork up without a broken leash and a way to stay mobile and afloat.

Love the analysis! Super useful tips and awareness, you’re the man - will be recommending this channel to the boys!

Your summary comments about instincts teaching us is great and invaluable, thank you sooo much nathan, really awesome of you to take the time to do this. Literally the first vlog i have watched of yours! Best and first! LOL

Good stuff Nathan! Thank you. I believe your videos like this could actually be saving lives through awareness, prevention, knowledge and techniques.

thanks for kicking down the knowledge guys. Ive been lucky enough to have the presence of mind in some heavy situations here in santa cruz and helped out some folks in trouble...such a good and positive reminder that we have to all watch out for each other...never know when it could be you needing that extra hand...peace boys

Great video and breakdown. Pipeline is the test. Ben did a great job and has widened his margins of experience.

Man......I'm in my fifties but thanks to your hard work in documenting surfing and life in general from a "stoked" point of view is truly inspirational to make an old disabled surfer make another run at getting healthy enough to get wet again ! Thanks brother ........may our Creator bless you and your family !

Great explanation of what goes through a surfers mind as they decide how to get out the back with minimal effort or drams.

Great insight on a break that requires so much respect and preparation to take on. Hope people learned from this video. You got Ben who has surfed huge waves and taken many beating. We have all found ourselves in this situation but maybe not this sever but the story remains that same, we got beat! Surf within your means and if it's too big, don't go out just because you drove X miles to surf.

This is a great video. huge eye opener to us guys that just watch for entertainment. we don't feel the power of the water on our monitor. You north shore guys have alot of info due to your normal surf sessions that guys around the world could really benefit from. Your teachings today could very well save someone's life one day because they are now aware. GREAT JOB GIVING BACK.

Glad Ben made it out, thanks for the informative video.

Your level of psychology is outstanding. Your concepts in dangerous situations, are the same we use as trained airline pilots. Focus on how to get out of the situation without panicking until the point where the game is really over. You help us part time surfers getting mentally prepared and that will keep us calm if we get into something uncomfortable put there. Thank you

Nathan! This video got maybe the strongest emotional response! Great content! Good to hear you explaining stuff like that! Great that you put Bens video in yours and the seriousness of his experience!! Its like you are a surf professor explaining all the surfers, what happens, so they can be aware of it! Keep the great content up!

I got reccomended this after snapping my leggy out the back at a local beach today. Luckily I was with some mates and they helped me get my board back after hanging for a few sets. You filled in a lot of the "what if's" that I was left sitting with. Thanks so much!

This is really great video. I saw that video when Ben got held in that position, it looks like such a heavy spot. You rightly said, there is noting like learning some skills as a grom!

I’m hooked on this . Great articulate description of the situation. I’m not a surfer by any means at all but I truly appreciate you spending the time to teach us 👍

This video should be highly recommended to anyone who is not only a beginner, but also especially for experienced surfers.

Love these videos, been surfing all my life, though there are lots of little insights you provide that I just haven't thought about. Eg paddling out, I always paddle out in the lull and most of the time will struggle and call it bad luck, I've done this out of habit my whole life, though completely wrong strategy.

Nate! These are sooo good. Super informative and helpful especially for those of us who aren’t in the water as much as you all. Epic vid. Many thanks!

Thanks for posting these informational videos. I'll watch the second half as soon as my panic attack subsides. As you said, the GoPro downplays the immensity of the whole situation but still, the urgency is there.

Came here from the gravy vlog. Staying for the amazing content of Nate.

Every surfer should be more like Nathan. Such a cool kind dude. Thx man, great videos. Really appreciated it.

This is absolutely riveting. Outstanding. 👍

Wow, what amazing insight here! Absolutely blown away with your perspectives and breakdowns Nathan. Your analysis makes it very relatable that many of us can take to our home breaks. These vlogs are gold, there is no content out there providing this type of detail. Keep them coming bro!

Best in depth explainers videos on the Chuub… I was embarrassed thinking it was just me who ended up in these situations and wondering why it took so long to get it 🤙

Man, you are so talented to express your self. It what distinguish your vlogs from the other hawaian boys. Talk all about we, the weekend worriors, the regular joes want to know