"IN THE SHACK" WITH, Paul DiMarco

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"IN THE SHACK" WITH Paul DiMARCO
By: Melissa Rae

Atlantic Surf Life recently had the chance to interview Senior ASL Photographer and CEO Paul DiMarco. Paul DiMarco has been shooting for over 10 years and over the past few years he has put down the board when the waves are up and picked up the camera. " I have always loved shooting the surf but always focused on what made me the most money and that wasn't my surf photography." After leaving New York and moving to Florida Paul started focusing on his passion, surf photography. Below is a short interview between ASL and Paul DiMarco so come on in the "Shack" grab a cold brew and chill!

Name: Paul DiMarco

Nick Name: Paulie Dee but some of the guys from LI call me Heavy Dee

Sponsors: My Wife, Momma Jo and The Doctor.

Camera Brand : Nikon who cares if I can't have a tan lens!

Favorite Glass (Lens) : Nikon Lenses.

What's your favorite thing to shoot: I really enjoy shooting people and sports. But surfing is my passion.

Mac or Windows : Mac, since the beginning of time! I have converted my entire family to Mac. Make the change!

Mentor : I worked under Fabrizo Cabiblanca in the 90's as a graphic designer and he showed me a lot in print and design. I really don't have a mentor in Photography. I am self taught and lucky to have worked with a lot of great photographers picking up skills here and there. I also read up on everything as soon as it hits the market and never stop trying new things.

What's the hardest thing about shooting Surfing: I think I started shooting surfing a little to late. I am 37 now and really put the pedal to the metal around 35. I have a wife and two kids that count on me. So dropping everything and going on a surf trip some times is kinds difficult. But I love my family and I love shooting but my family comes first and making money is the top priority.
Living in South Florida is also a pain. The waves here can't compare to some spots on the Atlantic Coast Line. So you always have to travel if you even want to compete with the other guys shooting around the globe. It's only May and I have gone North about 10 times in a month.

Local surf break: I grew up surfing Gilgo Beach in the winter. West End II and Long Beach in the summer but now I surf mostly around the South Palm Beach area in Florida area. But living in South Florida you always have to move and find waves.

First Board: My first short board was a Waves Tools shaped by Lance Collins. Swallow Tail, 6'2' and super thick. I think my dad paid 75 bucks for it at Rockaway Surf Shop. My First long board was a 9.0 Takayama that I picked up at Crogs in NJ.

How old were you when you started surfing? The first time a surfed in the ocean I was 12 years old. I use to surf in the Long Island Sound during hurricanes when I was a kid with by buddies Harry Carter and JP Dusold. Big chops and sucking beach break.

When did you start shooting? In my teens. I always had a camera with me as a kid. My Father was a Camera junky and filmed all my sporting events. But my first paid gig was in 1998 shooting nudes for a website. That was interesting!

Goofy or reg: Reg

Magic Board in small surf: 6'5' Bunger Retro..... It's a freaking wave magnet! I also surf a Stewart LSP 9.0 which is a sick Long Board.

Go-to board when it's double over head and pumping: 6'5' WRV but I folded it on my last trip to Costa Rica. I also try to shoot when it gets really big.

Favorite Atlantic Surf Spot: Long Island can deliver the goods in September but I have a good spot in South Florida that is sick during the North East Winter Swells that can deliver 200 year lefts in bright blue warm water.

Biggest wave ridden in Atlantic and when: The summer and fall of 1995 was unforgettable. We had swell after swell on Long Island. I broke 3 boards that summer. I can remember this one day that was at least double overhead and hollow. I was out alone and ridding a 6'2" single fin that I took off the wall because all my other boards broke. That was a great summer Bunger!

Best surf trip: Costa Rica in 1998 the first time in CR with my crew from back home. I spent a lot of time surfing alone because it was so big but shit was it fun!

Chicken, Beef or Veggies: I like it all if it's cooked correctly but I stay away from the red meat as much as possible.

Coffee, Tea or Energy Drink: Stay away from sugar kids. Coffee and tea. But if you need it slug down a Redbull it won't kill you.

Favorite type of food: Sushi and BBQ's!

Local watering hole: I really don't have a bar that I hang out in. I do most of my drinking out back in my pool with my sexy wife and friends jamming to reggae.

The sure thing cocktail: A Ice Cold Beer, Heineken preferred or some Rum Punch.

What ya rolling in: A fully loaded Mini Van..... I mean a Van, lol.... and I love it. I don't under stand all these 2 wheel drive trucks in Florida. Why?

Favorite Surf Movie: Big Wednesday.

Blondes, Brunettes or Red Heads: Girls Girls Girls!

Haters should? Go home and shut up. Gezzzzz

Flip flops or shoes? Burks, I have foot issues

Phobias? Germs, gas pumps and sharks.

Favorite music and band? Jam Bands, Phish, Bob Marley and The Dead.

Gym's are for? People that don't go and pay for it.

When it's flat? I Work.

Advice for Groms? "Respect your parents and follow your dreams. If your good at something focus on it and go for it!"

Your go-to website for swell forecast and info? Swellinfo.com, Magicseaweed.com and surfline.com

How would you change the world? I would change the US. People here are so freaking uptight and need to open up. Get naked!

Have you had any shots in mags or cover shots? Yes a few shoots in ESM. No cover shots yet.

What's next? I am going to finish my submission to the Follow The Light Foundation plus focus on my Family and Business.

Website? www.pauldimarco.com

Facebook? Yes, it's a great resources to to connect and promote

Twitter? Nope, I started an account and deleted it.

Closing statement? Surf Photography is extremely competitive but keep shooting and never give up your goals!