Charlie Smith spent a quality two hours with Dane at his home in Ventura, California. Once the story was complete, we sent it to Dane for his comment and discussion.

If you’re in LA, stop by Ventura. Good waves, good vibes, good tofu. Just watch out Timmy Curran don’t break your kneecaps.

On this day, August 1, 2008, the surfing world universally acknowledges that DANE REYNOLDS is the best fucking surfer in the world.

In the eternal search for gimmickry, we’re now reduced to…wakeboarding! At least the talent pool is deep, Julian Wilson, CJ Hobgood and Stab stalwart Taj Burrow.

(Not necessarily in order of importance)

Pro surfers live and travel in a bubble of 45 people. Most didn’t finish school. And the only thing they read are the numbers on sponsor cheques. Who better to turn to for life advice?