WSJ #032: Phillip Hernandez

The Wave Sliders journal

ENTRY # 032

Featuring: Phil Hernandez

We decided to give our readers a fresh take on our monthly Wave Sliders Journal.

At FARO, we're committed to Evolution. The Wave Sliders Journal? It started as a place to reflect on the intersection of surf and everyday life without any fancy BS. We wanted raw, unfiltered stories from the heart.

But here's the deal: sometimes that wide-open format missed the mark. We weren't always getting the gritty details we craved. So, we're switching gears.

For the next few months (or until we get the itch to shake things up again), we're hitting our participants with the same 7 questions. How they answer? That's on them…

This format is Inspired by the Indoek book "On Surfing" by Michael Ando and Matt Titone - Respect where it's due.

This month, we hear from Phil Hernandez, San Diego-based surfer and surf photographer.

Read on to enjoy this interview-style entry with Phil...

Who are you?

I'm Phil Hernandez, San Diego-based surfer and surf photographer. Hailing from the east coast, where I was a former “suit” in Washington, D.C., my creative temperament got the best of me so I traded my suit and tie for a wet suit.

Nature always wins, and it’s made me passionate about documenting our collective experiences in and/or around the ocean.

What was your first job?

I was a lifeguard! I worked at the George Mason University Aquatic Center for two summers in high school. We didn’t live near the beach or belong to a country club, but being a strong swimmer, I knew for some reason that I just needed to be in the water. I didn’t know at the time/even think about surf photography, but it definitely helped set some foundations.

Cherry on top was actually acquiring new skills — first responder skills. Even to this day, I focus heavily on safety and risk assessment before any session.

What have you learned through surfing that translates to every day life?

Patience and balance.

I used to rush out at every opportunity, often putting myself in danger. Surfing alone might seem romantic and enticing, but it's not safe. Sometimes the smart choice out of sight and out of mind...

In my mid-20s, my closest break was almost a 2.5-hour drive from Northern VA/DC, so once I reached the beach, I felt compelled to go out regardless of the conditions. Being self-taught, I had many bad habits that I've corrected over the years. I've made countless mistakes that could have led to injuries or worse--I've never broken a bone or needed stitches...

As I've grown older and my skills in the water have improved, I've learned to surf more conservatively--again, the focus is ensuring not only my own safety but the people around me--a lesson that is rarely provided to new surfers.. This increased awareness has not only enhanced my surfing but also enriched my photography.

What is something you'd like to accomplish over the next decade?

Over the next decade, my goal is to elevate my photography to new heights by capturing the essence of surf culture around the world. Surfing has profoundly influenced this aspiration, teaching me the importance of patience, resilience, and the beauty of being in the moment.

The lessons learned from the ocean—respect for nature, adaptability, and the pursuit of perfection—have shaped my vision as a photographer. I aim to travel extensively, collaborating with top surf brands and athletes, while continuing to hone my craft and share the captivating stories of surfers through my lens.

People. Places. Phrases.

Who is someone in surfing that you are stoked on?

Whenever I see the statue of Duke Kahanamoku — whether it’s the one out front of the restaurants or the iconic one in Waikiki — I’m reminded of my grandfather. It’s a running joke of mine to tell tourists that the statue looks just like him, but it’s more than just a playful quip.

Surfing, as much as we take it seriously, has its lighter, more personal moments, and this is one of mine. Duke Kahanamoku wasn't just a pioneering surfer; he embodied the true spirit of the sport with his style, grace, and kindness. His legacy of the OG beach boy status is something I strive to emulate in my work as a surf photographer.

Like Duke, I aim to bring a blend of elegance and warmth to every session. The most rewarding part of my job is the connection I build with my clients and surfers. When they feel safe and valued in the water, it enhances the entire experience and reflects in the photographs.

Duke’s influence is evident in how I approach each session, ensuring that the essence of surfing — its joy, its freedom, and its camaraderie — is captured with authenticity and respect. His spirit lives on in the waves and in the surfers who continue to honor his legacy, and it’s a privilege to reflect that in my work.