Video by Yentl Touboul | Photography by Carles Medina | Words by Josh Barrow
We find ourselves on assignment in Bull Bay, a vibrant coastal town on the south side of Jamaica to shadow and document the country’s most prolific surfer. Our muse, Mr. Beckford, nicknamed Shama, alias “the Superman,” was born and raised on the island, lives roughly eight miles east of the capital, Kingston, and is one of the first and only people from Jamaica to turn professional in his field.
While most athletes from small nations relocate toward the infrastructure that sustains a career, Shama’s remained rooted in the same community that raised him. He provides for his family and is a man of the people, continuously sharing what he gets with those around him. It’s impossible not to notice his surfboards, trunks, and everything else needed to partake, used by locals all around here. His ambitions were never only personal, and there’s nowhere in the world he’d rather be than at his waterfront beach home, living with his mum, five sisters, and brother.
Wave-wise, we knew Jamaica’s renowned for being fickle. We were continuously told the charts here are impossible to read and the forecasts invariably incorrect — and they weren’t wrong. But despite chasing our tails daily, we left the island content with what we got, with many plans to return. Beyond the entirely empty lineups wherever we went, and the friendly locals, personal highlights included Red Stripe for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oh, and tonic wine mixed with Campari to see us home!
Read our accompanying article celebrating something special with Shama, Quiksilver & Bob Marley in our upcoming print publication: VOLUME XVIII, coming to the world on August 4th.
