Crafting Your Perfect Surf Edit: Elevating Your Core Score

Maui Surfer Defies Crippling Arthritis to drop Stunning New Surf Film

Maui, Hawaii – braiden Maither, 29, isn’t a professional surfer, but surfing *is* his life. And that life was threatened by a rare and debilitating condition. Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at 18 – a form of arthritis that progressively stiffens the spine,potentially leading to paralysis – doctors predicted a future far removed from the waves. But Maither, a resolute goofyfoot from Maui, refused to accept that prognosis.

Against the odds, and battling ongoing injuries, Maither has continued to pursue his passion. He recently released a self-produced surf film showcasing footage captured over the past year in Maui and Fiji, a testament to his resilience and unwavering love for the sport.

braiden maither/YouTube

“Over the Hill” – A Reflection on Passion and Perseverance

The film, titled “Over the Hill,” isn’t about giving up; it’s about confronting the realities of pursuing a passion while navigating the responsibilities of adulthood. “It’s funny how you hit a crossroads from your mid to late 20s, where you’re still trying hard, making parts, trying to get clips, but you’re not making money on surfing,” Maither explained. “You’ve stacked up injuries, got businesses at home, relationships to manage, and all the responsibilities of living a normal life. And you’re still stuck in your head thinking about the next clip you’re going to get. Even though it feels like you’re over the hill.”

The film features powerful footage of Maither tackling challenging waves, from the punchy wedges of Maui to the iconic tubes of Cloudbreak in Fiji. much of the Maui footage was filmed by his sister,whose steady hand and dedication proved invaluable. “I pay her pennies on the dollar for how good her work is,” Maither said.

Balancing Passion with Reality

To support his surfing lifestyle, Maither balances his passion with practical pursuits. He co-owns and operates a food truck with his fiancée and runs a surf school during the summer months. The entire film project was a labor of love, self-funded and meticulously edited by Maither himself.

“It’s not hi-fi cinema, but it’s damn fun, just the way he likes it,” he stated, emphasizing the pure joy and personal fulfillment that drove the project.

The Enduring Power of Passion

Braiden Maither’s story is a powerful reminder that pursuing one’s passions isn’t always about fame or fortune. It’s about finding joy in the process,overcoming obstacles,and refusing to let limitations define your potential.His film serves as an inspiration to anyone facing challenges, demonstrating that with determination and a love for what you do, anything is possible.

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What factors contribute to a higher “core score” on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube?

Understanding the Core Score & Why It Matters

The “core score” – a metric used by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube – isn’t a publicly defined algorithm, but it fundamentally represents how engaging your surf content is. It’s a blend of watch time, completion rate, likes, comments, shares, and saves. A higher core score means wider reach, more visibility, and ultimately, a bigger audience for your surf videos and surf edits.Improving your core score isn’t about chasing vanity metrics; it’s about creating compelling content that resonates with the surfing community.

Pre-Production: Planning for Impact

Before you even wax your board, thoughtful planning is crucial. This stage sets the foundation for a high-scoring edit.

Storyboarding: Don’t just film random clips. Sketch out a narrative. What story are you trying to tell? Is it a progression session, a day exploring new surf spots, or showcasing a specific surf maneuver?

Shot List: detail the specific shots you need. Include variety: wide angles establishing the location,close-ups of board control,POV shots,and drone footage.

Music selection: Music is huge. Choose tracks that complement the mood and energy of your surfing. Ensure you have the rights to use the music – copyright strikes kill reach. Consider royalty-free music libraries specifically for content creators. Popular genres for surf filmmaking include indie, electronic, and reggae.

Location Scouting: The backdrop matters. A stunning location instantly elevates your edit. Think beyond the crowded lineups.Explore hidden gems and unique wave conditions.

Filming Techniques for Maximum Engagement

How you capture the footage directly impacts viewer retention.

Variety is Key: Mix up your angles. Don’t just rely on beach shots. Utilize:

Water Housing: Get amazing underwater footage of barrels and board control.

Drone Shots: Provide breathtaking aerial perspectives of the wave and coastline.

follow Cam: A dedicated filmer on a boat or jet ski provides dynamic, close-up action.

Land-Based Shots: Capture the surfer’s approach, take-off, and exit from the wave.

Focus on Clean Action: Ensure your shots are in focus and well-framed.Avoid shaky footage – use a gimbal or stabilize in post-production.

Highlight Key Moments: Anticipate the best parts of the ride and be ready to capture them. Focus on powerful turns, aerials, and tube rides.

Consider Slow Motion: Strategic use of slow motion emphasizes critical moments and adds dramatic flair. Don’t overuse it, though.

Post-Production: Editing for Retention & Shareability

This is where the magic happens. Editing transforms raw footage into a captivating story.

Software Choices: Popular options include Adobe Premiere pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. For mobile editing, consider apps like CapCut or InShot.

Pacing & Rhythm: Keep the edit moving. Cut out needless footage and maintain a consistent rhythm that matches the music. Faster cuts for high-energy sections, slower cuts for more mellow moments.

Color Grading: Enhance the visual appeal of your footage with color grading. A consistent color palette creates a professional look.

Sound Design: Layer in sound effects (wave sounds, board spray) to create a more immersive experience. Ensure the music is properly mixed with the natural sounds.

Text & graphics: Use text overlays to identify locations,surfers,or maneuvers. keep graphics clean and minimal.

Transitions: Use transitions sparingly. Simple cuts are often the most effective.

Optimizing for Platforms: Instagram, TikTok & YouTube

Each platform has its own nuances.

Instagram Reels: Short-form, high-energy edits perform best. Focus on quick cuts, trending audio, and captivating visuals. Utilize relevant surf hashtags like #surfing, #surf, #waves, #surflife, #surfedit.

TikTok: Similar to reels, TikTok favors short, engaging content. Embrace trends and challenges. use popular sounds and add text overlays.

* YouTube: Longer-form edits allow for more storytelling. Focus on high-quality footage, detailed editing, and informative commentary. Optimize your video title, description, and tags with relevant surf keywords. Create a compelling thumbnail.

real-World Example: The Impact of Storytelling

In 2023, a local surfer, Kai, from the North Shore of Hawaii, released a surf edit focusing not just on remarkable maneuvers, but on his journey learning to surf Pipeline. He included interviews with local legends and footage