Dane Reynolds Tips The Cap to a Hard-Charging Lifeguard and Surf Instructor

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 5:28 PM ET

Somewhere at the base of the Cliffs of Moher is a chilling right slab that has lured many to take the long and winding trek into its maw. But the journey isn’t as publicized as the wave. After sticking a memorable backhand drop, Andrew Jacobson found himself trekking up a brutal part of the steep dirt trail.

“It’s a really scary goat trail,” Andrew said. “And the wind picked up so strong, it was insane. It was just Aritz Aranburu and me. There’s one part of the trail that’s really critical. I don’t want to over exaggerate, but if you fall, you’re done. I basically got stuck walking back up, and Artiz helped me get out.”

Though that escape happened seven months ago, the Ireland experience resonated. Over the course of his travels in the last year, each spot was memorable in its own way. Teahupo’o for obvious reasons. Andrew returned to Cloudbreak for the first time since shattering his knee in 2018. But a month of waves on the Emerald Isle left a lasting impact. “It was eye-opening for me,” Andrew said. “That trip fully gave me more love for surfing and more drive to keep exploring new places.”

Andrew’s ethos is a reminder that it is still possible to get world-class waves and hold down a day job. It's the reality for the everyday surfer. You don’t have to be on a tour or have a deep travel budget to score the wave of your life. Yes, Andrew gets boards from Channel Islands and checks from Vissla, but he’s paying the bills as a Los Angeles County lifeguard and private surf lessons in Malibu.

From their perch in Ventura, Dane Reynolds and the team at Chapter 11 TV couldn’t help but notice Andrew’s blue-collar story, his down-to-earth personality, and his steadfast obsession to find open left barrels. As the description on the video reads, “He's definitely weird, overly strategic and will paddle himself over the ledge into some really heavy waves around the globe.”

In addition to featuring standout sessions in California, Ireland, Tahiti, and Fiji, this edit captures Andrew's quirks and traits in Chapter 11’s signature deadpan and self-deprecating humor. Hats off to filmer/director Hunter Martinez for once again nailing the tone.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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