In this post, we’ll take a dive into the story of Tina Cohen: pro surfer, business owner, and now the creator of one of the largest female-led surf channels on YouTube. She lives and breathes the think bold lifestyle. And Insta360 has played a part in helping her achieve her goals!
We interviewed Tina to get her insights on becoming a professional female surfer, using Insta360 cameras, and how she grew an online presence to reach the success she’s at today.
1) Could you let us know a little about yourself?
My name is Tina Cohen. I am a half-Japanese girl who was born and raised (and still living) on the North Shore of Oahu. With a father who is a professional surf photographer (Photo Gordinho) and a mother who was a Japan Champion in bodyboarding (Emiko Sakai-Cohen), the ocean, surfing, and the beach was always a part of my life.
Fast forward to today and not only am I known as a "professional surfer" myself, but my sister, Sally Cohen, is one of the top ranked WSL Championship Tour surfers in the world, and my youngest sister, Julia Cohen, is following in our footsteps with her own natural surfing talent. To top it all off, I currently date professional surfer Jamie O'Brien.
2) How did you become a professional female surfer?
My journey to becoming "professional" was not traditionally done. Typically, to become a professional surfer, you need to compete in contests, work on your ranking, and have good results. But I am proud to be able to prove to others that you don't have to listen to what society has taught us. As long as you believe in it, you can achieve it!
3) How did you get started as a vlogger?
It was just 2 years ago when I started my vlog with no sponsors, no supporters, and no knowing how it would go. Regardless, I put my head down and hustled, worked hard, and look at what I've achieved!
I want to prove that it’s possible to start with no sponsors. Just passion and support from my family and friends. Now I am one of the biggest woman-run surf channels on YouTube. I now have various athlete sponsorships and thousands of views per video! YouTube has definitely changed my life in such a positive way. And my favorite part is the people I get to meet because of my videos!
4) What do you use Insta360 cameras for? Which is your favorite and why?
How Tina uses Insta360 cameras
Since my channel is surf-driven content, I typically try to have a surf segment in all of my videos. And let's be real, the best footage is always the ones from inside the water (POV) which is exactly the type of content Insta360 enables.
Her favorite picks
Between the RS, the X3, or the GO 2, I feel like each week I have a new favorite camera. Probably because I like to switch up my content style and each camera is so unique. One of my favorites is the GO 2, which I also call the "hat-cam," since I often mount the GO 2 on the hat clip and surf with it on. I absolutely adore that angle since it is hands-free and so easy to use!
5) Got any tips for other young female creators looking to find out how to become a vlogger?
Have the right mentality
I get this message a lot. People ask me, "How do I start a youtube channel?" or, "When is the best time to start?" and the answer is always the same. "Just do it!". There is never a perfect time. Once you start, there definitely will be hard times and mean comments. But ignore it all because as long as you believe in yourself, YOU CAN DO IT. If I can do it, so can you!
Post consistently on YouTube
Whenever I’m asked how to become a vlogger, I always think back to the beginning. Ever since I started YouTube, I post every single Saturday at 9 am HST, and I believe consistency is one of the most important factors in having a YouTube channel. Along with that, I sometimes have help filming content, especially surfing, but I love editing my own videos.
6) What does Insta360’s slogan “Think bold” mean to you?
"Think Bold" means a lot to me in so many ways. As an Asian woman who didn't come from money, being able to stand up and show others that if they think bold enough, they too can achieve their goals is what I hope for.
I had 4 jobs while in university, I bought my own car, and had no help through it all, but it really molded me to think boldly about how I want my life to pan out. I believed I could become a Youtuber without editing knowledge, I believed I could become a professional surfer without competing in contests, I created a swimsuit company without any investors, and I definitely believed in my dreams and thinking boldly at each step!
Thanks to Insta360 believing in my dreams from the beginning when my channel was first created, I am able to keep living the lifestyle I do! Thank you Insta360 for always believing in my vision!
7) What has been your proudest moment as a female vlogger? What are your goals for the future?
So much has changed for me. I travel and film for work, I own my own swimsuit company, I have my own pro-model Wave Bandit soft top, I am sponsored by brands like Insta360, Blenders Eyewear, and Buell Wetsuits and the craziest factor of it all–I am known as a professional surfer.
I'd say I am most proud of how hard I work each week to put out consistent content that I am happy with! As for a goal, I hope to reach 100K subscribers, keep proving to everyone that you can do anything you put your mind to, grow my swimsuit company, and honestly, just be happy!
All in all…
Using Insta360 cameras has been a key part of Tina’s progression as a vlogger, as a surfer, and as a role model for other up-and-coming creators out there. She’s managed to build a brand, a YouTube channel, and a professional surfer status. All down to her own ability to think bold. To not be constrained and to live life to its fullest. You can follow Tina’s journey and her surf content at her Instagram or her YouTube channel. Let’s help her hit her 100K sub dream!
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