Ride More. Live Salty. Shop Local.
A new generation of surfers is paddling out into frigid winter lineups with thinner wetsuits — or sometimes none at all. Is it climate confidence, social media courage, or something more reckless? We dig into the data, talk to coaches, and break down what's actually going on out there.
A growing number of American surfers are peeling off their neoprene and paddling into frigid lineups with nothing but board shorts and sheer stubbornness. We dug into the science, talked to the diehards doing it, and tried to figure out whether this is a legitimate lifestyle shift or just the most committed flex in surf culture.
Growing a surf shop beyond your zip code without turning it into a soulless retail box is one of the hardest balancing acts in the industry. We talked to five independent shop owners who figured it out — and they were surprisingly candid about the moments they almost didn't.
Mass-produced boards ship fast and cost less — but they can't tell you anything about the break you surf every morning. Across the US, a passionate network of independent shapers is crafting boards tuned to specific waves, specific surfers, and a specific philosophy that no factory can replicate. Here's who they are, what they're building, and how to find one near you.
The ocean giveth and the ocean taketh away — especially when it comes to your skin and hair. We dug into the science behind saltwater, UV exposure, and cold-water surf sessions to separate feel-good myths from what's really happening to your body out there. Spoiler: it's more complicated than your post-session glow suggests.
Fast-fashion thinking has crept into surf culture — cheap wetsuits, mass-produced boards, and throwaway gear are quietly trashing the same waters we paddle out into every day. Here's a real talk guide to building a quiver you can feel good about, from vintage board hunting to brands that actually give a damn.
Tired of fighting forty strangers for a waist-high closeout at the most-tagged beach on Instagram? The good news is that within two hours of almost every major US metro, there are waves worth finding — if you know where to look and how to show up right.