Text: Bryan Boy
Photos: Kathy Lo
Twenty four year old Bellport, NY native Johnny Knapp shampoos his hair once a month and tries to avoid soap as much as he can. Meet the ultimate all-American, all-natural surfer guy who has a penchant for lifeguarding, photography, writing, DJing and entrepreneurship.
How long have you been a lifeguard?
Nine years.
Who do you usually rescue? Any out of this world “Rescue 911” experiences?
It would be mainly children. You always have them during summer time. Thankfully there are no horror stories. The most imperative thing about lifeguarding is that you don’t want to put yourself in a shady situation. I try to foresee what’s going to happen and prevent it before I have to do something. It’s not being lazy but why would I want to do more work than I have to?
Has anyone pretend to drown for you to rescue them?
A couple of sixteen-year old girls… (*chuckles*) I wish.
And gays (like me?)
There’s a section in Fire Island called The Pines and The Grove. Sometimes there’s a real party scene there so drug overdoses and whatnot happen from time to time.
Where I lifeguard is very quiet. Really quiet.
How do you keep so healthy?
My diet is mainly fish. No beef, pork or chicken whatever. I mainly exercise.
Tell me about your grooming habits.
I don’t have any. I’m a poor groomer.
How often do you shower?
Every day or every other day. Salt water is the most natural.
You don’t use shampoo at all?
No.
When was the last time you used shampoo?
Maybe a month ago.
Soap?
Bronner’s
Do you brush your teeth?
Yup, daily. Twice. I don’t floss.
Why don’t you use shampoo?
I don’t like it.
What is it about shampoo you don’t like? The bubbles? I just don’t get it. You’re like the first person I’ve come across that doesn’t use shampoo. Ever.
Just don’t like it. It makes your hair feel fake.
How do you feel about being naked in front of the camera?
Liberated.
Do you do it often?
No.
Have you been in porn?
No.
Gay porn?
No.
Gangbang creampie? *laughs*
No.
Would you ever do porn?
No.
For ten grand?
Ten grand? Twenty is my rate.
Twenty? Oh ok. So everybody has a price?
*laughs*
I also DJ. I’ve been doing that since college. I had a radio show at school and then some friends who work at a bar were looking for a DJ and it occurred to them that I had a show so they invited me to DJ.
What kind of music do you play?
A lot of hip hop, 80s, disco, funk. Nothing too current. I’m stuck in the past!
I see you’re into photography. How did it start?
It kind of came about. I’ve always loved photography, but I acted on it in the last couple years. I think some of the best pictures took place during winter when it’s cold. That’s how it started. In the summer, you can go in with your trunks or whatever. In the winter there’s a whole process to it. There’s a whole different beauty. You know, like a summer sunset is like whatever. But when you add snow, cold weather, rain or really bad conditions that’s not ideal. So, like I would go out and try and get this shot. Kind of spontaneous. It gave a boost to the whole experience when it happens. I don’t really shoot people that much. It’s not something that interests me. I love the nature and outdoors. My connection to it is what I try and portray in photography.
The New York Times recently featured you and the Cornerstore Cooperative, the pop-up store in Bellport.
That came about this summer. There’s the main part of town and there hasn’t been much change there. But as the recession came, a lot of people couldn’t afford rent and some of the local shops closed down.
Our store is current because it works with the times. Instead of saying, “there’s a recession,” our store is kind of embracing it. So instead of falling down on hard times, I’ve tried to use that to my advantage. Our space is pretty prime. We approached the landlord and asked if we could do something. She was totally down. So, like, where a usual tenant would come in and sign a lease, we’ve been able to avoid that.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I have no idea. I’m trying to lay the foundation right now. Taking proactive steps to mold everything together and follow it for the next couple years. There’s nothing permanent, I mean I’m getting these jobs that I’ve always wanted. For instance, writing for different magazines. I’m currently writing for Drift, a new magazine which has launched recently in North America and Europe. I love surfing, so I’d love to have a career which would allow me the time to travel and surf.
Ultimately what do you want to be?
The same thing I’m doing now. Nothing too permanent. I have commitment issues. I just want to be that “guy”. Whatever that guy is. Is that too big?
Thank you so much Johnny.
Thank you.
