Beyond the Break
A conversation with Greyson Fletcher and Nate Tyler on and off the board
By Haven Heffernan
In the golden state, where sun-kissed shores meet rolling hills, 805 Beer has taken the surf and skate world by storm with a mesmerizing cinematic creation, Convergence. The captivating film shares a heartfelt narrative that transcends the thrill of riding waves and skating pools, delving deep into the lives of its stars, Greyson Fletcher, Nate Tyler, and Conner Coffin. As we sit down with these iconic board athletes for an exclusive Q&A, we uncover the essence of Convergence—a mesmerizing story of passion, perseverance, and family. Greyson and Nate go beneath the surface, sharing their experience as athletes in the film that brought their lives to the forefront of the California coastline.
Nate Tyler:
Can you share a bit of background about yourself personally and your surfing career?
I grew up in Cayucos, on the central coast of California, and I started surfing at the age of 10 when my dad introduced me to the sport. We lived far from the beach so we only could surf on the weekends but I was completely hooked from the start and it has turned into a lifelong obsession to get in that ocean.
Could you describe your experience during the making of Convergence and any memorable moments from filming?
The film was special in the sense that it got to show our lifestyles along with surfing. The home section was very fun because my family got to be involved in the filming process and we ended up getting some good waves around home which is hard to do when you have a tight filming window.
How does Convergence compare to traditional surf films?
I think the insight into our lifestyle beyond surfing sets it apart. Other films you become obsessed with just getting the best waves and the best performances. Convergence showcased the waves and performances alongside a deeper look into who we are.
Can you provide some insight into the level of dedication required to excel in surfing?
I personally have never been a competitive surfer on a professional level so I can’t speak to what that takes, I have always been a freestyle surfer working on video parts and creating content. Although on the surface it sounds mellow, it does take serious dedication and has its challenges. It is very rewarding and motivating to release a surf film, that is always my favorite part as you have worked so hard on it for so long.
What has been the most memorable achievement or experience in your surfing journey so far?
I would say the lifestyle that I get to live now and how it has been shaped by surfing. I was very fortunate and got to live a richly cultured life of travel and great friends for years and now I am rooted in an area I enjoy with my family. I am so fortunate for everything surfing has given me, I am so aware and appreciative of that now at my age.
Are there any surfers or athletes who have inspired your own journey, and if so, how have they influenced you?
I was very inspired by all of the free surfers and competitive surfers before me. Rob Machado has always been high on my list because of his style and flow.
What are your favorite food or hang-out spots when you’re not surfing or skating?
I pretty much live at a couple Mexican food places around my zone. Any burrito joint is my favorite.
Greyson Fletcher:
Can you share a bit of background about yourself personally and your career as a board-riding athlete?
I come from a family of surfers, but I’m a professional skateboarder. I learned how to surf in San Clemente. My grandpa, Uncle Nathan, and dad taught me how. I stopped when I was a little kid and started surfing again when I was 20. Local influences would’ve been my family, Archy and Gavin Beschen. I’m also a big fan of the Gudaskas brothers.
Congratulations on Convergence! Could you describe your experience during the making of the film and any memorable moments from filming?
Thanks! I had a blast filming for Convergence. The whole team was awesome. I’ve known Connor for a long time and I got to get to know Nate and he is really rad. Perry absolutely killed it on the film and Dana ripped it up behind the lens at the skatepark. It was insane being in the water with Connor and Nate. They’re absolutely mind-blowing in person and they’re also cool and interesting people. I don’t know what I enjoyed more honestly, surfing with those guys or hanging out with them telling stories. Shout out to the local boys up there for hanging out and ripping also! Santa Cruz crew rules!
How does Convergence compare to traditional surf films?
Three guys on a fun trip up the coast surfing, skating and laughing—it was pure fun. Convergence stands out because we got some skate clips in there as well. Connor is one of the most powerful surfers and Nate is really smooth and stylish. They cover all grounds of surfing between those two.
What are your thoughts on the recent Rip Curl WSL finals?
Watching Filipe and Ethan going off at lowers vs each other was insane. At that level of surfing, those guys can do whatever they want on the wave at any time. Carves, airs, you name it. One is an air master and the other a carve master.
Are there any stand-out characters that you’ve had your eye on this season?
Ethan Ewing for the tour. His rail to rail surfing is insane. I always watch A.I. and Parko surf and his carves remind me of watching them surf. He’s killing it. Also, Ivan Florence when it comes to free surfing but he's my best friend and I’m his fan every year.
Can you provide some insight into the level of dedication required to excel in professional skating?
Honestly, I’ve been thinking lately that it is like jujitsu or another martial art where you get a black belt. They say it takes ten hard years of constant dedication to get your black belt. It feels like ten years of doing something consistently is a good introduction. So that applies to whatever you want, school has the same formula really. You get your introduction and then you hit college. You then get to pick what you want to dedicate your hard work and time towards. What motivated me the most in skating was skating with friends. I love watching my friends skate and it's always somebody’s turn to make the group laugh at them.
What has been the most memorable achievement or experience in your professional skating journey so far?
Honestly, the entire experience as a whole. I traveled the world with a very close friend group, pushing my personal limits skating as far as I could push them, knowing my friends were always there to have my back and they were doing the same. I had the time of my life thanks to my friends, family, sponsors, and fans. It’s more than just skating, you show up to pretty much any skatepark in the world and the skate community has always been there. Random barbecues, beers, house parties, laughs, skate spots, and love for going and pushing around your skateboard.
Are there any surfers or athletes who have inspired your own journey, and if so, how have they influenced you?
My uncle had me watch John Cardiel growing up. He absolutely destroyed everything in his path and he will go out of his way to destroy everything not in his path. Skateparks, street spots, dirt, he will rip anything anywhere at super speed and heights not reachable. He’s my favorite skater. I also watch A.I. videos daily—he destroyed everything in his sight with the best style ever.
What are your favorite food or hang-out spots when you’re not surfing or skating?
I live in San Clemente and eat at a place called Super Bowl a lot. I get the teriyaki chicken bowl and the curry bowl. The owner’s mom is the head cook and she rips the kitchen up. I don’t hang out anywhere but if they had a roller skate rink still, I’d hang out there!
