Every surfer has a story and this is the latest installment of our Surf ATL Community Spotlight series where we will feature surfers and those part of the surf culture in the Atlanta area. Check out our previous spotlights on Thomas Roginsky, Spencer Broome, Anthony Kennedy, Nick Bramwell, the Merlo Family, Mike Dobbs, Kristian Erik Bjerke, Jamie Eichler, Doug Paul, Brandon Spivia, Robert Hanson, Liam Spoon, Eric Ilustrisimo, Susan Bond, Jason Smith, Garrett Gilfillan, Silvia Saey, Scott Mennicke, Tammie Dalrymple, Wes Espinosa, Peter Gudbrandsen, Kelby Graham, Kayvon Nazarian, Abigail Pierce, Clark Campbell, and Katy Harrison.
Introduce yourself!
My name is Sam Burrafato. I’m 24 years old originally from the Chicago area but pretty much grew up in the Alpharetta area. I have been on the water for as long as I can remember.
Do you ocean surf, wake surf, river surf, paddle surf? Any or all of the above?
I surf wake and the snow mostly but love all things watersports and am a fan of action sports in general.
How did you get into surfing? In Atlanta or somewhere else?
I first got into it at my dad and uncle's cabin on Sister Lakes in Michigan. They threw me on a pair of skis at 3 years old. At 5 years old I saw someone wakeboarding and got into that. When I was 10 or 11 O’Brien came out with a wakesurf board and I had to give it a go. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Where and how often do you surf?
I live on Lake Lanier and surf Lanier as much as I can. And get on the snow every chance I get in the winter.
What is your favorite thing about surfing?
My favorite thing about surfing has to be friends and family but also the progression aspect. Being able to enjoy yourself socially while progressing your skills is something special.
What are your hopes for the Atlanta surfing community in the future?
I hope wake sports continue to grow and that there are more opportunities and events in the area.
Any surfers in the Atlanta or Georgia community who should be spotlighted/catch your eye?
Brandon Spivia and reelimpactstudios have been creating great content and great dudes to be around.
