Ian Crane is patient. He’s spent nearly a decade in his own shadow. In Kolohe’s shadow. In San Clemente’ shadow. He’s always been there, right there, ripping, but for whatever nonsensical reason, his surfing hasn’t been given it’s due. But that all seems to be changing.

Last year Crane spent nearly 6 months in Indonesia working on a film project. He won Stab High. He’s able to take what he learns in the pools to the sea. He’s dominant at Lowers. He fucking hates the WSL. He’s a throwback to a time when our favorite pro surfers were fun, had good style and a vibe you want to be around and watch.

“He’s like a labrador,” says Kolohe Andino. “He gets invited on every trip now because everyone wants to be around him.” And I can’t imagine a better way of putting it. We had lunch with Ian and made him answer a silly questionnaire but it’s pretty funny and he deserves all the attention we can give him. He’s waited long enough.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Surfing with buddies.

What is your greatest fear?

Being in LA, and then having the earthquake, like the big one happens, the one they always talk about. I dread that I’m up there around all those humans and things and the big one hits. I always think about that every time I’m going to LAX. And I’ll be stuck in LA with all these people.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I hate that I’m getting upper shoulder and back hair.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I can’t stand when people are one-sided in everything and don’t listen or hear and just talk to hear themselves and don’t give a fuck about any other outlook.

Which living person do you most admire?

Mason Ho. 100 percent Mason Ho. He’s completely the coolest guy in the world. And actually, Michael Ho too. Mason and Mike.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Surfing. I’ll drop serious cash to go on a surf trip. I’ll spend my retirement to continue going on surf trips.

What is your current state of mind?

Frazzled. Completely mind blown and completely overwhelmed. I’ve been putting off every aspect of adulthood and it’s all coming down to one month and it’s right now. Car. House. Money. Travel. Bills. Contracts. Everything. And I just don’t know how to deal with it.

Crane and Crosby Colapinto. PHOTO: Brandon Guilmette

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Self control. I think when people are out of control you get a more compelling outcome. Especially in surfing, art or music or anything cool that has expression and emotion.

On what occasion do you lie?

I lie to get out of situations that are uncomfortable.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I fucking hate my swollen toes. I can’t even wear shoes, these things are double the size right now.

Which living person do you most despise?

Eric Logan. I don’t know him but he’s a good person to blame for a lot.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

A deep voice.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Charming smile.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Fuckin. And it’s worse than saying “like” after every word.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Surfing.

When and where were you happiest?

Surfing. In Indo. On a boat. With my friends.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could write. That would be pretty cool. Because I can’t write. Or spell. Actually, I’d love to be able to storytell, I want to be a great storyteller. That would be sick.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My toes. At the moment, that’s my biggest problem.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Maintaining a childhood dream.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

Maybe a labrador. I think if you asked the labrador they’d say human.

Where would you most like to live?

I wouldn’t want to live in one place. I don’t really want to live here, but it’s a nice place to be based out of. I’m happy here when I’m able to travel, but if I lived here and didn’t travel I’d be pretty baffled.

What is your most treasured possession?

Ummmm….surfboards, but they’re always rotating, car...don’t care. I have a bunch of trinkets, but too many to care. I just have a bunch of crap and some surfboards.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Locked up abroad. Doing something stupid in a foreign country and being locked up.

What is your favorite occupation?

Glass blower. That has to be the sickest thing ever.

What is your most marked characteristic?

That I’m always happy. People always say that. But I’m pretty volatile. I always bounce back to happy pretty quick, but I’m not that even-keeled really.

What do you most value in your friends?

I have friends that are like family, that’s valuable.

Who are your favorite writers?

What’s the guy who wrote The Rum Diary? Hunter S. Thompson. Makes me want to go to Puerto Rico. Do people really drink like that? So wild. J.K. Rowling too. But apparently her story is fake?

Who is your hero of fiction?

Harry Potter is pretty cool.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I don’t know enough historical figures to know who I identify with.

Who are your heroes in real life?

It’s for sure pro surfers. Taj Burrow. Dane Reynolds. Michael Ho. Derek Ho. Barney. Guys who are doing fun stuff.

What are your favorite names?

I have a friend named Yasmine who’s really into this, I should have her answer this.

What is it that you most dislike?

Gentrification.

What is your greatest regret?

Blocking people out.