Little surfer little one
Made my heart come all undone
Do you love me, do you surfer girl
Surfer girl my little surfer girl …

Ah yes, how easy it is to harken back to those fun-filled days when the Beach Boys entertained us with the latest songs about surfing and the beach.

It all came back for me recently when I photographed Niko and his friend under a pier. Were they waiting for the next big wave? 

Or mayhaps discussing future plans that have to do with the sea and the beach – two of my favorite topics.

Maybe they were talking about the freedom surfing offers most everyone who tries it.

Once a surfer always a surfer seems to be the motto. 

Whatever. I took the photograph for a local travel guide magazine.

And it offers a glimpse, albeit ever so slight, into a world we once all inhabited. A world of dreams, of youth, of surfing, of unrestrained freedom and the allure of the sea.

The photograph is a glimpse into time. And like many of my photos, I hope it captures something special. Something perhaps a Daytona Beach photographer appreciates the most.

A hint of what that something is: It has to do with the Beach Boys and a little surfer girl and a way of life that still appeals to us all.  

Under the Sunglow pier, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida