What does it mean to be a professional surfer in 2009?  Unless you’re in the Top 16, being a success comes down to media coverage.  Way back in the 20th Century, media coverage meant surf magazines and films.

Of course, the internet has changed all that… although it’s taking the surf industry a while to figure out how to leverage Web 2.0.

Some learn faster than others: Jaime O’Brien has been making his own films for years, and now he’s embracing social and viral marketing, as evidenced by his obsessive, deranged updates on Twitter.

It’s interesting to note the gap between how Jaime is now representing himself on Twitter and how the magazines have portrayed him.  It appears that he’s much weirder and funnier than we were led to believe.

In fact, after scanning Jaime’s Twitter feed, I think he’d fit right in commenting on PostSurf.  Judging by the clip below, it sounds like Jaime is definitely following PostSurf, and that he understands surf media is inevitably changing.

But I can’t tell if JOB’s a fan of PostSurf, or simply another sensitive pro waiting for their chance to crack me.  In fact, I can’t tell shit from this clip.  Can someone please translate for me?  Did David Lynch direct this? I kept expecting the midget from Twin Peaks to come out and start speaking backwards.

Here are some of Jaime’s recent tweets. Better or worse than a “Jaime O on the Hotseat!” feature?

JOB on his Bali Trip:

Back on Bali. Speeding my scooter through traff. Looking for a very particular noodle shop that serves breast milk.

Gettin out of dat club. The only bad thing about Bali is Europeans. The only bad thing about Europe is Europeans and no waves and shit food.

…and end at a tantric sex show feat. monkeys. I heard about it from my cabbie last night. He said they play “Fields of Gold” throughout.

Will you stay with me, will you be my love among the fields of barley… I fucken hate hate HATE STING. I bet he SUPs in lakes.

…Outside rented villa watching a monkey masturbate a sleeping German. Germ prob thinks it’s a little boy.

JOB on Class:

Yes, there are classes in the world and yes, I now belong to the upper.

Fucken identity theft is a crime against the rich.

At least I have people to sort this shit out for me. I guess identity theft is a crime against those who work for the rich.

JOB on JOB:

Is “too arrogant” such a thing?

Editing vid of last few days magic sessions. I love looking at myself in the barrel. I love how massive my dick is. Cocky? Maybe. True? Yes.

If you rule, like me, you don’t separate “arrogant” and “confident.” You just go about ruling.

taking my stitches out. over them. I am beautiful in every single way.

Backside barrel riding is an art that few attempt, fewer master and none do better than me.

HOT/NOT with JOB:

The ASP should start a midget world dream tour for surfers under 5′6. one stop could be my bathtub. I’d splash some barrels for them.

Did John Lennon deserve to get shot? definitely. Die? probably.

Greg Noll is a hero.

Why did shit Mormons ever come to Hawaii? Aside from having multi wives, their deal is hammered. I can’t think of a less cool religion.

People who insist on eating organic are as bad as people who get small, hip tattoos. Like anchors or stars.

Transvestites should dress in formal evening wear always. Like fucken gowns. Even at Foodland.

Thanks to Jason Reposar for the photos.