Dave Rastovich is arguably the most soulfully unique surfer of his era. In a time in which ocean takes a back seat to surfing as we “shred” or “rip,” Rastovich, or “Rasta,” as we have come to know him, has always had a more sensitive approach to the symbiotic relationship surfers and the ocean share. ~Click Read More for photos and the full interview.
Dave Rastovich is arguably the most soulfully unique surfer of his era. In a time in which ocean takes a back seat to surfing as we “shred” or “rip,” Rastovich, or “Rasta,” as we have come to know him, has always had a more sensitive approach to the symbiotic relationship surfers and the ocean share.
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Rastovich is a prolific free surfer, a determined activists, a talented musician, and a engagingly philosophical human being. All of which he would humbly argue, making the man just these things. Rastovich’s profound portrayal of ease and style on a wave is a testament to the reverence and sensitivity he shows for a wave. Besides surfing, Rastovich also shows a profound understanding of the intrinsic nature of music, art, surfing and the natural world. Life Like Liquid, Rastovich’s debut video, in the mode of his own and others’ creative exploration, also shows the nature of energy and energy’s synchronized patterns. In other words, their creative fluidity in musical exploration and fluidity as surfers parallel the natural world and natural patterns of the ocean and otherwise. It is not a surf video or music documentary, but honestly a venture into cosmology.
Line Up caught up with him after his trip with Sea Shepard to the Galopogas Islands. Above and beyond his founding of Surfers for Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) with Howie Cook, Rastovich has become increasingly involved with Sea Shepard’s Conservation Society. Honestly, I’m not trying to be “uncool” or anything, but as a 24 year old kid, I was pretty stoked about asking this guy a few questions.
LineUp - You’ve said before that when you surf, if you think about what you’re doing, then you miss the moment you’re in. What is different about those unmissed moments?
Dave Rastovich - Well, the difference is that “we,” the notion of who we are is not there. When I am surfing, “I” am not really surfing. The “I” that I talk about, you see in pictures etc… is not the focus, is not commanding all the attention, and so therefore, it dissolves to a degree, and everything else in that moment is receiving attention. It’s like in Japan, the language there works in a way that I can relate to. When someone says to another person “I” love “you” in our culture, we perceive two entities, two individuals… “I” and “you”. In Japanese language when two people are feeling intense love they say “loving,” no idea that there are two people there, just love. That is what surfing feels like for me, no wave and surfer. Just surfing. When I perceive the wave as separate to me, and my thinking mind enters the picture, I generally experience a less exhilarating, less divine, less synchronized ride. That’s my take on it at this point in time….
LineUp - Do you feel it brings you closer to something?
DR - Closer to nothing. There is nothing to get closer to, it is just a different life experience at that point. And everything in the universe that has ever happened has led to that precise moment in time. For that reason alone, the moment commands our full attention and gratitude…..
LineUp - You’re an artist and a surfer. Obviously in videos like your LifeLlike Liquid, it shows the intrinsic nature of these art forms. How do you think they connect?
DR - Like man and woman!!
LineUp - Life Like Liquid shows the fluidity of creating. Is that something that people could take as a good way to live, without trying to control but to flow?
DR - I am weary of telling anyone what to do. Being married helps me let people be. My wife might not like farting in public, but I do. It’s usually pretty funny. But I am not going to tell her what to do, and what not to do. …..maybe not the best analogy….. whatever.
LineUp - I know you are really pushing, or riding twin fin fishes. Where are the shapes of surf boards going, or where should they be going?
DR - They go where each individual wants them to go. Surfing is FUN. Do what the fuck you want on a wave. Any fool who tells you how to enjoy the ride is only doing so because they are not fulfilled with their own surfing experience, and should not be listened to.
LineUp - Was making the film a rewarding experience?
DR - Exhausting. Hilariously funny. Educational. A maturing process for sure. Most of all, a sharing of joy.
LineUp - Let’s talk a little about Surfers for Cetaceans. Can you tell me about the IWC (International Whaling Commission) and how the latest IWC meeting went?
DR - The IWC meeting was bizarre. It does not have much power, though it still affects whales. So it has to be acknowledged. Basically, it comes down to this. Whale populations are on the verge of disappearing. Japan wants to still kill them. They do so in sanctuary zones, and anywhere they find whales. They are breaking laws, and are also ignoring the majority of all populations that do NOT support whale killing. We have laws in place to stop them, though all of our governments do nothing to enforce them. That is why I have aligned myself with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. They enforce the laws that our cowardly politicians avoid enforcing. My involvement with this issue was re-enforced a few years ago when a dolphin stepped in and stopped me from being hit by a shark. Pretty amazing. That redirected the course of my life, for sure.
LineUp - I firmly believe in a synchronized world, as long as the heart and mind are clear enough to notice. Has there been anything that is so synchronized you’ve been like…shit? Really?
DR - That saved from a shark by a dolphin thing happened two days after deciding to make a pro Whale and Dolphin website that would help get the word out about their disappearing populations. Synchronization happens to me pretty much everyday. The crew I am working with at the moment trip out on how my life works. I will decide that I need something to happen and usually within a few days I have it. I don’t know how it happens, but it has always been that way for me. I wish I knew how it happens…. But I guess by not knowing how it happens, I keep petty ego desires away from that flow. Life synchronizes when my focus and passion is strong.
LineUp - Do you think it would do any good to teach the politicians of the world to surf?
DR - It seems like ego is responsible for a lot of the problems they aren’t fixing. It would be great! We see the beauty of the ocean when it is left to do its thing, and it would be very healthy for anyone who’s life is all about human issues, and is always amongst human inventions to get away from that and rebalance their life…..
LineUp - What instruments do you play? Melodic percussion instruments.
DR - Weird things from all over the world.
LineUp - At Line Up we focus a lot on art and music; do you have favorite artists or musicians?
DR - Too many to note.
LineUp - Do you find a relation between playing music and surfing?
DR - Man and woman.
LineUp - Is there anything you want to try but haven’t yet?
DR - Surfing naked at Teahupoo…..
LineUp - What’s next for you
DR - Surfing naked at Teahupoo
LineUp - Last one, thanks Dave, a wise man took a map of the world and placed it vertical with the West on top and said this is the progression of the world, the Eastern sensibility as core with the pro-activeness of the West…opinion?
DR - No idea……
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