IMAGES FROM TOP: SURFER MAGAZINE: 1960-2020; INTO THE WILD; AFROSURF
From the beaches of Southern California to the shores of Africa, a summer swell of photographic surf tomes — SURFER MAGAZINE: 1960-2020, INTO THE WILD, and AFROSURF — celebrate and explore the rich history and culture of the sport through a diverse spectrum of lenses:
In its six decades in print, Surfer magazine was considered “the bible of surfing” before it ceased its print edition in 2020. SURFER MAGAZINE: 1960-2020, culls together the most iconic covers and pages from the magazine’s history to create a curated anthology on the evolution of the sport, and its style, design, and culture.
INTO THE WILD is a vibrant celebration of surf life captured by fashion photographer Matthew Brookes, who followed a group of young surfers from Venice Beach on their adventures up and down the California coast. The result is a documentary of van culture, and the story of youth who follow their passion — living for the simple joy of surf, travel, and freedom as they chase the waves.
AFROSURF showcases the beauty and diversity of African surf culture in a rich and colorful collection of profiles, essays, photographs, and illustrations that for the first time showcases the surfers of Africa’s vast coastline — from Morocco to Somalia, Senegal to Mozambique, South Africa and beyond. This vibrant book is the creation of Mami Wata, a Cape Town surf company dedicated to the power of African surf.
SURFER MAGAZINE: 1960-2020
Founded in 1960 by surfer, artist, and filmmaker John Severson, Surfer magazine quickly became the sport’s leading voice. With a mix of travel articles, contest reporting, surf spot profiles, big wave pictorials, and surfer interviews, Surfer featured the world’s best photographers, writers, and graphic designers who chronicled the ever-evolving sport.
SURFER MAGAZINE: 1960-2020 presents those timeless, inspirational, and historically significant covers and pages from the magazine’s archive in a chronological progression of the sport, gear, style, and top surfers throughout the decades. Written and edited by photographer and former Surfer photo editor, Grant Ellis, it is the ultimate reference guide for surf aficionados and anyone interested in surfing and surf culture.
SURFER MAGAZINE: 1960-2020 BY GRANT ELLIS © 2022 RIZZOLI NEW YORK
INTO THE WILD
In the second monograph by New York and Paris-based Matthew Brookes, the photographer focuses his lens on the nomadic lifestyle of a group of surfers from Venice Beach. INTO THE WILD features portraits, still life, and atmospheric photographs, layered with collage and illustration, that create a collection of work that is both documentary and ethereal in style.
Brookes is known for his editorial projects and natural, simplistic style. Born in England and raised in South Africa, his work has been featured in major publications such as GQ Style, Vogue and L’Uomo Vogue, and with that fashion photographer’s eye he captures these surfers uniquely inherent style as well.
The book also includes interviews by Zack Raffin, known for his work with surf publication Stab Magazine, and a surfer himself who grew up surrounded by the van culture that is the continuum throughout the images in the book.
INTO THE WILD IS PUBLISHED BY DAMIANI
AFROSURF
Surf culture has historically been defined by images of blond hair and blue eyes. Published in summer 2021, AFROSURF is the first book to capture and celebrate the surf culture of Africa. It is jam packed with surfer and skater profiles, essays, poems, photos, illustrations, ephemera, and more, all packaged in an astounding and dynamic design that captures the diversity and character of Africa.
This unprecedented collection compiled by Cape Town surf company, Mami Wata, brings together its co-founder Selema Masekela — highly regarded TV presenter, activist, musician, and passionate wave-rider — with some of Africa’s finest photographers, thinkers, writers, and surfers.
Mami Wata sources and manufactures all their wares in Africa, and works with local communities to strengthen their economies through surf tourism. With this mission in mind, Mami Wata is donating 100% of their proceeds to support two African surf therapy organizations, Waves for Change and Surfers Not Street Children.
