Almost five years since the magazine ceased print publication, SURFER is back on newsstands. The timing of the relaunch rides the proverbial wave of post-Olympics buzz where the sport garnered unprecedented worldwide attention. The surfer considered the greatest of all time, Kelly Slater, graces the magazine’s cover.
At the helm of the publication is new editor-in-chief Jake Howard. Howard has been a fixture in the surf publishing world for more than 25 years, and brings a wide array of experiences to the role, including previously serving as managing editor for SURFER. “To have a seat at the editor’s desk of SURFER, it’s a dream. In 1960, John Severson published the first issue of SURFER, and to be able to carry on that tradition and legacy, it’s a tremendous honor”.
Adding about the cover, “As we were trying to figure out the best way to celebrate the resurgence of SURFER, who better to land on the front of the book than the GOAT himself? For over 30 years he’s taken us on an unimaginable ride. From his world titles, to innovations in surfboard design and wave pools, to his unflinching commitment to the environment and making the world a better place, it just feels right to have Kelly on the cover of this issue.”
In addition, the magazine features five-time world champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore who writes her first piece for the magazine. “Surfer Mag was little Riss’s source of inspiration”, she shared on Instagram. “I looked forward to every edition, reading about and soaking in every photo of my heroes on surf trips, dreaming of one day being just like them.”
The issue also features a beautiful tribute to the late SURFER lensman Art Brewer, as well as an in-depth piece about the disastrous environmental impact of mineral mining along South Africa’s wave-rich coast. Other features include a story on intrepid explorer Captain Martin Daly, who true to form has been uncovering new wave fields while fending off pirates. Artist Thomas Campbell, brings the power of the surfboard to light through the relationship of Ryan Burch and Bryce Young.
On sale on newsstands August 23, 2024, the first 50 buyers of the issue on SURFER.com will receive a special gift box containing SURFER gifts and merchandise.
