Mind Surfing: The Conner Coffin Story

There are 110 miles of coastline on the Central Coast of California between Jalama and Rincon. It offers a bounty of setups: pointbreaks, the occasional reef, and plenty of kelpy, glassy conditions. It's here that we find Conner Coffin, one of the world's preeminent surfers.
While charmed, Santa Barbara isn't the easiest place to become a professional surfer. Tight swell windows, coastlines shadowed by the Channel Islands, and, of course, crowds see to that. The waves in the fall are sporadic, spring’s fickle, and the summer is downright heartbreaking.
But like Tom Curren and Bobby Martinez before him, Conner's a Rincon fixture whose undeniable talent can't be denied. And his success isn't drawn from some internalized desire to wear a jersey. “Being in Santa Barbara, you had to be humble, or you weren’t going to get to surf the good spots,” Conner says about his home. “There are so many good surfers and older guys that were gnarly. You can’t be this arrogant, little dick, because you aren't going to get any waves or respect. I always had this goal to be a pro surfer but then I always wanted to get along with everyone and respect the hierarchy here.”
Mind Surfing is the latest original film from 805 Beer. The film highlights the people and waves that made Conner the surfer he is today. It also spotlights who Conner really is, beyond just a surfer with opportunities, success, and a breathtaking style that rests on a shelf labeled, “Iconic.”
Directed by Keith Malloy (Fishpeople, Come Hell or High Water), it features interviews with Conner’s family and surfing legends like Shane Dorian, Lakey Peterson, Rosy Hodge, and more.
-----
805 Beer is proudly brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, California. Must be over 21 to drink. Learn more about 805 Beer: fal.cn/3pZxj
Find 805 Beer near you: fal.cn/3pZxo
Click subscribe to stay up-to-date on our latest films.
Follow 805 Beer on social
Instagram: / 805beer #805beer #properlychill
Facebook: / 805beer
Twitter: / 805beer

[@deanevans5642]

this young mans outlook and attitude are as impressive as his surfing; and his surfing is world class. i think you can credit a huge portion of his demeanor and integrity to his parents. i knew his father well, as i did business w/ him. do business w/ anyone for a prolonged period of time and you will get to know a great deal about what makes that person tick and how they handle themselves in many different scenarios. i can attest that conners dad, rich, is a very hard working, honest and humble human being. that apple (conner) fell right at the base of the tree.

[@wilcurran3377]

Watching clips of the best air guys in the world is like bubble gum, I chew it, it tastes real good for 5 and then I spit it out. Connors clips often sit in my browser for months getting re-watched over and over again. I think I've had Highline in a tab for 2yrs, mesmerized by Connor shredding J-bay on a Black Beauty.. perfection.

[@pbat5899]

An excellent film! Well done to Conner and everyone involved!

[@mellow_yeti]

I can’t wait to see him back on tour. Could watch his surfing all day.

[@adamsime4019]

That was a brilliant film. Really got a sense of who Conner is. A good human. Thank you. And he totally rips. Beautiful surfing.

[@Eagles1990]

Connor is the man! Powerful, classic, and stylish surfing in the midst of "progression". Humbly holding true to what good surfing is.

[@michaelltnv6741]

Finally a 805 Comercial I'm not tired of. Conner you have broad shoulders to carry us Native California's on. You carry them well. Go fo the gold,and you're happy the top 5. You are a Native Cali Boy. Santa Cruzen keeping my finger and toes crossed.

[@BiggyF16]

He always reminds me so much of Brad Gerlach, so much style,raw power and just that Californian approach.

[@Alexander_W]

Gerr was his coach for years

[@erik4775]

The Coffin brothers are absolute great surfers. Both of them surf with power, flow and most of all style. I can watch this film over and over. Their parents did a great job raising those boys.

[@kbkesq]

Nice video. Spent the day w Connor and my son surfed with him right after he qualified for tour. Great young man and proud to have him represent Santa Barbara.

[@Bsalty1975]

I must say, this has been awesome to watch! Not only are you amazing sufer but, a phenomenal human being. You inspire me to be my best and keep charging. Thank you, Connor 🤙

[@patricknoveski6409]

Keep on that freedom train Conner. We're stoked to call you our friend. P.j & Casey Carp,tarpitz.

[@gidi3555]

Amazing man one of the best surf vids I've seen

[@allthingswavy6420]

I do miss his energy on tour this year, but have mad respect for him as a surfer and as a human so I'm glad he's taking some time to breathe and think about next steps.

[@etburkentine455]

I love watching this kid surf and he seems like a solid dude. All the best to that guy.

[@catherineaiello3315]

I so remember that four-year-old little boy… you should be so very proud of all of your accomplishments!!

[@AndrewCooperr]

Ya Connor! One of the coolest dudes I’ve ever met, and he’s from my county. 805 represent 🤙🏼

[@dennistait-jamieson1702]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us Connor. So epic to see . I love that theirs little glimpse of Keith Malloy , he is a wizard. Great production all round.

[@GuyRips]

So many surfing to watch,,only a few are worth watching,,keep carving

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Brought back memories of the Surfing Magazine trip to Simelue. Conner getting up early to share glassy little barrels with me while the rest of the crew slept in and waited for the on-shore wind so they could go do airs at the beach break.

[@robertpalmer3166]

I live on the Gulf Coast Texas. I had the opportunity to visit the Cental Coast on a work trip. I would move there in a heartbeat if I could.

[@jimsmith1550]

Sick. Always know he was a good dude. Wish him the best. I love his surfing style. I am so burned out on airs

[@frederikdecoene8860]

Humble guy, all my respect

[@m0urit0]

Amazing! Conner, really hoping for you to be back at the CT really soon 🤞🏽

[@kylewattssurfing3266]

Awesomeness yeaaahhh!!!!!!!

[@jbond1991]

Authentic, classy hunble beauriful being.

[@gsdubs]

So sick!

[@paulsmith5167]

Inspiring

[@kevinlukasiewicz8548]

Sexiest part of this video is when the Gibson comes out. That thing is beautiful

[@squid_fish]

Almost all my favorite surfers are from SB - Curran, Martinez, Coffin

[@Lotus-Son]

Actually looked up this older video from Surfer (RIP that mag/site/crew) with Conner and Parker called “Coaching the Coffins.” It was filmed 9 years ago from the date of this comment I’m writing and Gerlach was coaching them at the time. Watch it and you’ll see Conner still working on and developing his perfect lines and carves Parker and Conner keep talking about in this video. Conner has always had natural raw power surfing talent and flow, but you’ll see what they’re talking about how long it took even them (master prodigy talents with crazy comp experience and alway surfin best waves) to draw perfect lines with perfect power/flow on command, and with consistency. Now every hear Conner just wills perfect lines whenever he needs it. That took a loooong time for even him to get down. Also never sleep on Parker, that guy has and still is one of the most underrated, reckless abandon surfing styles. I wish him and Dane had an edit together.

[@pyzelphantom4355]

lets go conner

[@santiagoleon7257]

Hi im Santiago I really sure you do your best job I want to be oportunity to surf I tray the next year i buddy but is my dream thanks

[@shimo_2]

🔥🔥🔥

[@IMAXXHEW]

(805) Locals rule.

[@wbjxfkwsklejfde34d]

Who cares about airs. solid railwork is timeless surfing.