In todayโs Surf Podcast show Dave Nelson reflects on the gift that was skating while growing up in the epicenter of tech, how one early gift from mom would dictate his lifeโs passion, the magic of living on Reunion Island in the early 90's, and how surf photography led him from darkness and allowed him to service something far greater than his own pursuits. Enjoy!
Surf Splendor - #SurfingPodcast - Dave "Nelly" Nelson | Episode 525
https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/525-d... (audio only)
๐ Timestamps:
00:07 Golf mirrors life with good and bad days
06:59 Nelly Nelson's family connection to technology industry
09:30 Dave Nelson's humble beginnings
16:46 Memorable year of surfing with influential figures
20:56 Tony Roberts' impact on surf media and culture
27:16 Transition from skateboarding to photography career
29:35 Transition from shooting print film to professional slide film
34:03 Cover shot to career success
36:11 Friendship leading to life changes
40:37 Reunion Island rich history and diverse culture.
47:03 Nelly had to leave - camera equipment got damaged
55:50 Recognizing the need to stop addictive behaviors
59:58 Doing something kind for someone else is important for the world
1:06:24 Santa Cruz surfing talent nurtured by TR
1:08:35 Nelly bought land in Costa Rica for surfing and photography
1:12:50 Nelly gained international recognition through media coverage
1:19:24 Print photography revival requires proper investment
1:28:09 John John Florence put on an amazing display of surfing during a swell
1:32:43 Nathan Florence is arguably the gnarliest surfer in the world
1:34:55 Nelly Nelson's unique barrel riding method
1:41:06 Surfing brings energy and joy in life
๐โโ๏ธ๐ธ Guest Info: Dave "Nelly" Nelson: ย ย /ย nellysmagicmomentsย ย
https://davenelson-photography.com/
Dave "Nelly" Nelson is a celebrated surf and skate photographer, known for his work with major brands like Vans, OโNeill, Fox, and Reef. Formerly a senior photographer at TransWorld Surf Magazine, Dave now freelances for top publications around the world. Renowned for his action water photography, his strong relationships with elite athletes give him unparalleled access to exclusive sports moments. A dedicated family man, Dave is also a key figure in his Santa Cruz community, mentoring young talent and supporting the next generation of action sports athletes.
๐ Presented by: FlorenceMarineX.com/surf - https://FlorenceMarineX.com/surf
๐ Presented by: Surfrider.org - https://Surfrider.org
๐โโ๏ธ Presented by: REALWatersports.com - https://REALWatersports.com
โ Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor - https://VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor
๐ฅค Partner: DrinkAG1.com/surf - https://DrinkAG1.com/surf
๐ฉณ Partner: Driftline.co - https://Driftline.co) promo code SPIT
๐ Sponsor: RocketMoney.com/surf - https://RocketMoney.com/surf
๐ช Sponsor: BetterHelp.com/surf - https://BetterHelp.com/surf
About this Surf Podcast: In this episode of Surf Splendor, David sits down with Dave "Nelly" Nelson, a renowned surf and skate photographer who has recently taken up golf. Nelly shares his journey from surfing the waves to navigating the golf course, highlighting the life lessons both sports have taught him. He discusses the importance of resilience, adaptability, and enjoying the ride, whether it's catching the perfect wave or sinking a difficult putt. Through personal stories and reflections, Nelly reveals how his passion for photography, surfing, and now golf, has shaped his outlook on life, making him a beloved figure in the action sports community.
๐๏ธ Host & ๐ฌ Producer: David Scales
๐ Follow David on Instagram: ย ย /ย david_lee_scalesย ย
๐ท Follow SurfSplendor Surf Podcast: https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/
Instagram: ย ย /ย surfsplendorย ย
TikTok: ย ย /ย surfsplendorpodcastย ย
Twitter: ย ย /ย surfsplendorย ย
Facebook: ย ย /ย surfsplendorย ย
Shop: https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/shop/
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
๐ Unlock Premium Benefits: https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/plans...
๐ Explore the full archive of past episodes for your beachside binge:
Archive Link: https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/categ...
๐ง Got something to share? Email David at [email protected].
๐ Call in to the Listener Line (760) 237-0150. Leave a message, and your thoughts might make a splash on air! ๐
Intro Music: Rostam, Wood
Outro Music: Ofege, Itโs Not Easy
#NellyNelson #SurfPhotography #surfingcommunity #surfingworld