"If you don't know Surfer Magazine, God love you, this is your last chance."
This is what William Finnegan writes in the Introduction of Surfer Magazine: 1960-2020, published by Rizzoli New York. While it's a sobering reminder that the Bible of the Sport is no more, the line sets the stage for surf fans to enjoy the highlights of the magazine's 6-decade run with this meticulously curated and wonderfully presented 300-page anthology.
Inside its pages, you'll discover the most timeless, inspirational, and historically significant covers.
You'll also see the chronological progression of the sport, the gear, the style, and the world’s top surfers throughout the decades, from Mickey Dora to Kelly Slater.
If that's not enough, you'll read insight from some of Surfer's most respected editors, including Matt Warshaw, Steve Pezman, Jim Kempton, Paul Holmes, Sam George, and more.
Here are 3 reasons why Surfer Magazine: 1960-2020 should be your next purchase.
Photo courtesy Rizzoli
#1: You (Probably) Missed Some Stories Along the Way
Unless you're a Surfer Magazine hoarder — unless you've read and collected every single issue since 1960 — there are probably a few stories you've missed from the publication during its reign... 75-cent Surfer covers in the 1960s, black and white photos from surf action at the Huntington Beach Pier in the early 1970s, dispatches from a North Shore winter in 1975, the 1987 World Title race, a 1996 profile on Lisa Andersen, the rise of Carissa Moore in 2009, Nathan Fletcher and the heaviest wave ever ridden in 2011, John John Florence ascending to the surfing throne in 2015....
While you can't read 60 years of content in the book, you can see highlights like these — and much more — in Surfer Magazine: 1960-2020.
Photo Courtesy Rizzoli
#2: Own a Piece of Surf History
As Surfer Editor Jim Kempton writes in the book:
"Every issue of surfer was a biblical chapter — to be memorized, studied, revered. "
"The Bible of the Sport" isn't just Surfer Magazine's reputation — it's a reality.
For 60 years, Surfer Magazine singlehandedly chronicled all that was surfing and surf culture.
Now, as we look back, its esteemed editors created more than just a magazine; they created pieces of history.
Why can this look in the rearview mirror be necessary?
Because the only way for us to know where going as an industry, culture, and sport is to know where we came from.
That's exactly what Surfer Magazine: 1960-2020 is — a piece of tangible surf history that every surf fan should own.
Photo courtesy Rizzoli
#3: Sheer Entertainment
We get it — refreshing your social feed may sound more entertaining than reading. But with captivating photography, brilliant design, and page-turning content, Surfer Magazine: 1960-2020 can be just as addicting — if not more — than the social algorithm.
Whether you're looking for a birthday or holiday gift, a long read for an upcoming trip, or something to keep you busy during a long flat spell, Surfer Magazine: 1960-2020 is a must read.
You can buy the Surfer Magazine: 1960-2020 here.
Photo courtesy Rizzoli