It’s no big secret that there’s still a scythe-toting grim reaper hovering over the formerly fun and care-free surfing industry. And it’s pretty easy to get caught up in that, as it does impact us all in some form or another (how we get our gear, watch our vids etc). But it isn’t as dire as it may seem. Because the reality is: we don’t need much. Mostly just each other. Sure, plane tickets, cameras and houses in foreign lands add up, but when you divide it up amongst the homies, we can make it happen and we’ve always made it happen.

Last week my nostalgia was drummed up by an articifical chlorine machine. This week it was a visit from Mitch Coleborn. He came by and we’d been listening to the soundtrack on these Cluster Behind the Scenes vids that Blake Myers edited and scored together from the Cluster cutting room floor. It got us to thinking of the walls that have been put up throughout the industry. Surfers traveling with entourages and sticking exclusively to brands they ride for. Which I understand, that’s why they get paid, but I think it’s time we get this band of outsiders back together, toss a few new faces in and start creating this energy again. That’s the last thing the grim reaper wants to see.

While we rally the calvary, have a gander at these vids and reminisce on better times behind, and the great times ahead. The tears turned to psych and we’re ready to run again. —Travis