There's people at both ends plus everywhere in between. So it's similar to skiing if you ask me.
You've got JJF, who just released a movie (that I need to see) while doing the whole WSL thing. What often happens is the WSL surfers will go elsewhere on the off days and stack clips. You've got Dane Reynolds, who gets wildcards often but really is mostly a film guy. You never see Clay Marzo compete anymore but he's insane in his edits. There's people who think competition is stupid and straight up don't compete. But even Mick Fanning, who I'd say is a very serious competitor, has a new Rip Curl clip of a boat trip he took to film.
Nobody only surfs in contests. It's too fun to only surf when there's a contest. So when they go and freesurf, as you call it, there's often a filmer and an edit results. Although I'm sure all the CT guys go and surf without cameras from time to time too. But it's like skiing. You see video from most people, competitors or not.