Finding the Rhythm

Javii looking out at New York City waves in Rockaway Beach.

On a hot and sunny July morning, I ran into a friend on the beach as we both stopped and watched a surfer neither of us recognized. I’ve photographed surfers in Rockaway for years, and I can spot them by their style, their tell (everybody has a tell), and/or their board from a pretty far distance. I’d been shooting from my balcony as I did most mornings, but headed outside, wanting to get a closer shot of the unknown surfer. His style confident and strong, he caught airs one after the other, charging in a way that made the waves appear bigger than they were. East Coast surfers are gifted in that. I knew at once he traveled to surf, and I wanted to know more about him. After riding a wave to shore, he walked out and noticed me. I mean, it’s hard not to notice someone pointing a 400mm zoom lens at you. He had the most infectious smile, and I knew my camera would be drawn to him if we did a shoot together. His name was Javaun Brown, Javii for short, and he was from Jamaica. He was visiting NYC for the first time and staying with a friend he met on a surf trip to Puerto Rico. We exchanged information and made a date to shoot together.

A few days later, I met up with Javii at Beach 69, where he’d started temporarily working as a surf instructor, making extra money for his travels. He’d become savvy over the years at stretching his money and using his surf instructor skills to make money wherever he ended up. He was helping a surf student warm up before a lesson with David, the owner of Sierra Surf School. I watched Javii interact with the student, and how he was confident but not cocky. His movements slow and methodical, he had her mimic the moves, and she relaxed immediately. Afterwards, Javii and I walked downtown to find a less crowded spot. Our conversation was slow and thoughtful. We started with surfing but quickly eased into talking about everything: family, travel, and mental health. He was so easy to talk to, and I let my guard down at once. We bonded over similar struggles and our devotion to nature and the ocean.

Is this your first time in New York City?

JB: Yes this is my first time in New York City, my first time in the states, and my first time being away from home.

What do you think of it so far? Is it everything you thought it would be or different?

JB: I think New York City is a global center for many things, including culture, technology, finance, and other entertainment. Therefore there are lots of opportunities here that I haven't been exposed to. It is definitely different from what I thought it would be, because I’ve never really been to or seen a  big city before. Almost everything is new to me here, which is just a great experience for me and my life’s journey. Definitely lots of opportunities where I could make my way and find the rhythm of things I want to do. 

When did you first start surfing?

JB: I started surfing when I was 5 years old on a bodyboard. It was the best feeling I ever had at that age and point in time. Since then I’ve never stopped doing it, despite the challenges faced in my daily life. Surfing has changed my whole life and makes me the person I am today. 

How long have you been a surf instructor? What do you love about teaching someone to surf?

JB: I have been a surfing instructor for 9 years. I was certified 2 years ago, which helped me to go to school for a little bit, because my parents were financially unstable. I love teaching because I like to see people happy surfing the waves of their life and enjoying the ocean vibes. The ocean is a healing place. Making a difference—students may be going through difficult times in their lives, and surfing could help turn things around for them. Seeing students progress—it can be enjoyable to watch students learn the basics of surfing, like standing up on their first wave, as well as more advanced techniques. Sharing a passion—some people feel natural at coaching and enjoy sharing their love of surfing with others.
 

Localsurfer.javii  offers different experiences in the water: surfing, boat tours, water falls. Tell us more about your business and what clients can expect if they hire you?

JB: So my small business is what I live from. Sometimes it is not consistent enough, because not everyday we get tourists. Clients can expect a safe space, great local vibes, peaceful atmosphere, and all around positive vibes. I give undivided attention during each tour, and each tour is customized based on what the individual wants to do.

Have you always been an ocean lover? What inspired that love and appreciation? 

JB: Yes, I have always been an ocean lover, because I grew up around the ocean. I’ve spent all my life in and around the ocean, surfing, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing a boat. I live by the ocean. I think it is an ultimate resource that shouldn’t be taken for granted. It is just basically my life; everything I do revolves around the ocean. 

You’re a world traveler. Has travel always been a part of your life? 

JB: Yes, it has always been part of my life to travel and see different cultures, places and things, different perspectives of the world and its history and all the diversity of the world that is so unique. 

Where have you traveled and surfed that you loved the most and would go back again?

JB: I love Puerto Rico, El Salvador, and Panama. I would definitely go back to any one of these countries again. Also I’m open to new opportunities to surf other countries. 

You represented Jamaica at the ISA world surfing games in Puerto Rico back in March. What was that experience like?

JB: I loved it. It was a great experience, and I’m so grateful to have had it. I got to see most of the top tier surfers in the world that surf in the World Surf League and also surf with them. I normally watch on television; it was so inspiring to see them live in action. 

One of my favorite things about living in Rockaway is the community. It looks like you have a really supportive community at home too. What is that community like? What does community mean to you?

JB: My community is a very small village that is known for its clear waters, surfer-friendly waves and the shore's soft, powder-white sands. But even more prominently, Boston Beach is renowned for its delicious Jamaican eats. This beach claims to be the birthplace of jerk seasoning. So come hungry and ready to taste-test at nearby eateries, which feature jerk foods. The community means a lot to  me. Working and acting together, building friendships along with being united is vital to how we operate in the world. It is always home for me. 80% of the people in the community know me as that great surfer. I would love to get more surf equipment there and put my community on the map so people know that there’s great surfing in my community. 

I see that you’re always wearing this unique and beautiful elephant necklace. Is there special meaning behind it?

JB: I have been wearing this necklace since I was 17 years old. It means protection, stability, resilience, wisdom, and good luck in all fortunes. 

The heart of this journal is experiences in the wild. I live in New York City, but living by the beach is much different than living in the city. What does wild mean to you? How have you made sure to keep wildness at the heart of your daily living?

JB: Wild for me means living and growing in natural environments. It means you only get the day once so you might as well just live and enjoy it. Take everything for what it is, accept it and live the reality. 

When we shot together on the beach, we really connected over our shared mental health struggles. You told me about this magical place back home that helps you calm your mind and find peace when you're feeling down. Tell me more about that body of water and how it comforts you.

JB: This body of water is called the Blue Lagoon. It is located in Port Antonio and is a wildly popular travel destination for families and honeymooners. Glistening, turquoise blue water surrounded by lush greenery. The blue is a vision of beauty. The water seems to have a bit of magic to it, as the color changes throughout the day, depending upon the way the sun shines upon the surface. The vibes there are incomparable; warm sea water meets the mountain spring water. This water comforts me, because it heals my soul and always puts my mind at ease. I have an innate connection with this natural environment. 

You talk about meditation helping you be at ease with your thoughts. I've always found it challenging to meditate. Any advice for how to do it and how to incorporate it into daily life?

JB: Find a comfortable place, Bring mindfulness into meditation, Start your meditation. The challenge of focusing the mind. Get the hang of meditation and Bring your meditation to a close. In meditating I acknowledge wandering thoughts so I can let them go and return to focus. You notice your surroundings and the feelings within your body. Here are some ways to incorporate meditation in daily life: Start small, find a quiet place, focus on your breathing, use guided meditation, and be consistent in whatever you are doing. Connect it to an existing habit. 

Looks like you've continued your travels after NYC. Can you share some of the highlights?

JB: Yes, I have continued my travels after NYC. Some highlights: went back to Ohio to get the rest of my luggage together. Then headed back to my home land, where I only spent 2 weeks before taking off to Trestles in San Clemente, California to watch the WSL Final 5 event and to meet and greet some more legends in the surfing industry. I made some great memories, exploring and connecting with surfers, other people and companies, and picking up surfboard sponsorship from Lost Surfboard Mayhem by Matt Biolos. After that I entered a competition in Huntington Beach by A Great Day To Be Stoked, where I came in second place which was a big motivation for me. 

After that I went to El Salvador to chase waves, because it was flat ocean in Jamaica. It was great to surf and catch up with some old friends. Afterwards, I went to Puerto Rico to compete in the Corona pro circuit where I had a not so good experience, but I had a great time. Now I’m back in Jamaica. 

What’s next for you? Any other exciting travel or competitions?

JB: Honestly not sure what is next but I’m planning on going to Central America for a little bit. Another exciting trip I’d love to take is to set foot in the motherland (Africa). I have local competitions coming up. However, I'm not sure about international competitions. Life doesn’t always go how you plan. So I’m just following my heart and intuition.

Javii, what are two or three things you know for sure in this life?

JB: I know for sure I want to put Jamaican surfing on the map, competitive wise and friendly surf wise, letting people know there’s surfing in Jamaica. I know for sure I want to help and definitely build up my community. Last but not least, definitely build more on myself and my surfing career. 

You can follow along Javii’s journey on Instagram @localsurfer.javii