Collections 4: Surfer and International Surfing Magazines - Late 60s and 70s

I'm happy to share a new collection that I've been preparing to showcase for a while now; it's a collection of Surfing and Surfer magazines from the 1970s - what a fantastic group that I came into.  

From the collection of a lifelong surfer and enthusiast, the magazines serve as a time capsule, preserving the freedom and wonder of an ethereal sport. From the origins of its culture to popular craze, the long history of surfing requires a deep study to truly comprehend the lasting impact that this post doesn't even begin to peel away. But your interest may be piqued nonetheless. From athleticism to nirvana, the pages convey an ethereal world out of reach for many, myself included.   

I am mesmerized when I stare at photos and films related to surfing. it's probably one of the only things I'll admit to being a bit envious of; the flow and ease that a surfer exudes while skimming the surface of the ocean. I know, though, that it takes so much more effort than what appears. I am simply too scared; I have way too much respect for the ocean. I can appreciate its grandeur from the shallows and sand. If I've learned anything in this life is: that sometimes recognizing your limitations and staying in your lane is wise. It's just so cool though!

So enamored of the surfing and in awe of the ocean, I am reminded of an installation I had at a gallery in Park Slope-Brooklyn, NY, 2013 that I titled, When the Wave Breaks.

A tribute, the installation was my interpretation establishing that each panel  represented a part of the journey; the highs and lows of the ocean floor, winds and currents ultimately culminating in a giant wave and its crest.

Out of curiosity, I inquired about the speed that a surfer reaches. Although factors that affect the speed such as the type of board a surfer is using as well as his and her skill level and the size and type of the wave, a leisure surfer averages somewhere around 3 to 10 mph (5 to 16 km/h); whereas, a professional surfer, tackling a 7 ft wave, can easily get up to 20 miles per hour (32.19 km/h.)

Chock full of goodies, from amazing photos and what was happening in the surfing world to must have fashion and gear, this way of life is expertly documented. The covers and pages throughout emphasize the duality of surfing: the magnificent power and skill conveying an effortless grace. Such a lightness and pure joy for living drifts off of the pages and into your mind. 

 

 Feel free to reach out for more information about what you see below. 

 

Please note: The prices listed are based on condition compared to what I have found from other sellers. Also, note that the issue for Surfer, Volume 10; No. 2, May 1969- is a cover only. The photo is by: Art Brewer, "Variations on a theme - the Rorschach-like design features Pat Tobin at Sunset Cliffs.")