Forged by Water, Defined by Black’s: Tyler Richter’s Surf Story

"YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN 'EM" SERIES

Some surfers grow up chasing waves, and some discover the life by accident. For him, it started with reluctance. At seven years old, his dad signed him up for a summer surf camp in La Jolla—something he wanted no part of. But the moment he felt that first push into a wave, everything changed. Baseball, the sport that had defined most of his young life, suddenly faded. Surfing became the thing that lit him up.

Growing up in Coronado, he had always been close to the water, but surf camp was the spark that unlocked an entirely new world. His dad spotted it immediately. The early-morning drop-offs, the encouragement, the willingness to let him chase something new—those were the supports that helped turn a curious kid into a dedicated surfer. By the time he reached High Tech High in Point Loma, he faced a choice between baseball and surfing. He chose the ocean.

With no formal coaching, he learned by doing—by wiping out, watching, listening, and pushing himself. He loved the humbling process of figuring things out. That early stubbornness became one of the defining traits of his surfing.

Finding Home at Black’s Beach

His introduction to Black’s Beach came in middle school, thanks to a friend’s dad who brought him along for a session. The cliffs felt towering, the waves were head-high, and the energy in the water was unmistakable. He can’t recall whether he caught a wave that day, but he remembers the feeling of being somewhere powerful, somewhere that demanded both focus and respect. He was hooked instantly.

Black’s quickly became his home break and his proving ground. The lineup had a clear pecking order, one that you learned fast. Surfing it on a big day earned you quiet respect; surfing it on a small day meant navigating crowds. Still, the place left a mark on him—its challenge, its beauty, its rawness.

The biggest change he’s seen came during the COVID boom. Crowds surged, and new surfers arrived without the etiquette or awareness the break requires. For him, respect in the water is everything, and losing that can shift the entire dynamic of a session.

Defining Moments Along the Way

One of his earliest breakthroughs came when his dad bought him his first custom board when he was a sophomore in high school—complete with FCS2 fin boxes, something none of his friends had yet. It made him feel like he’d stepped into a new level of surfing.

Later, working in the surf industry, he found himself meeting people he once had on posters pinned to his bedroom wall. It was a surreal moment of realizing he’d carved out a place within the world he grew up admiring.

There was also the unforgettable day after a four-hour session at Black’s when his boss at Surf Ride kept calling, asking him to teach surf lessons. After the fourth call, he finally agreed—and showed up to find Kelly Slater and UFC fighter Israel “Izzy” Adesanya waiting to ride. He wondered why he was even there with Kelly on the scene but “Izzy” needed a beginner surf coach and Tyler fit the bill. So all three hit the water together at Table Tops. He couldn’t believe he was sharing a break with one of the greatest surfers of all time and a UFC champion that he was pushing into waves. It became one of those stories you keep forever, a reminder of the doors surfing can open.

Israel “Izzy” Adesanya, Kelly Slater & Tyler

Boards, Style, and Expression

In the past few years, he’s gravitated toward twin fins. The swallow tail setup works almost everywhere and lets him draw different lines—looser, more expressive, more fun. He still keeps a couple of pin tails in the quiver for specific days, but the twins have his heart.

When it comes to inspiration, he loves watching surfers who bring playfulness into their riding. David Rastovich, for example—constantly shifting his back foot, constantly exploring. It’s surfing as an expression rather than just performance.

Looking at the Ocean Through New Eyes

As he steps into lifeguarding, he knows the ocean will reveal new sides of itself. He’ll see its dangers, its unpredictability, and the moments when people underestimate its power. But he believes that will only deepen his respect for the water and strengthen his sense of responsibility in it.

His surf goals reflect that same respect: pushing himself at La Jolla Cove on a big day, returning to Hawaii’s North Shore, and finally making the long-anticipated trip to Nicaragua.

Advice for New Surfers

We asked Tyler if he had advice for those looking to get into surfing. His message was simple:

• Learn the etiquette.

• Talk to people.

A simple conversation in the lineup can change the entire atmosphere. Surfing is a privilege, especially in Southern California, where warm water and world-class waves are the norm. Taking a moment to appreciate that can make even a crowded day feel special.

At His Core

He sums it up in two lines:

“Trading the desk job for the beach.” and “The simple act of going surfing isn’t just standing on a board—it’s nature, camaraderie, respect, and humility.”

Surfing is his compass, Black’s Beach is his classroom, and the ocean will always feel like home.