Since 1965, the Windandsea Menehune Surf Competition has stood as a cherished tradition in Southern California surf culture. Created to encourage and support the next generation of surfers, the contest has long been a launchpad for young talent destined to carry on the sport’s treasured legacy.

In the light before sunrise, a unique crew gathers at Turnarounds Beach in Carlsbad—surfboards under arms, coffee in hand. This is First Light Surf Club, a grassroots North County movement that’s part surf session, part community, and all about starting the day with stoke and purpose.

Using specialized equipment or techniques—whether seated, standing, or prone—para surfers compete at all levels and redefine what’s possible in the water.

I had the rare opportunity to visit Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch in Lemoore with Sauce Basics and JS Surfboards—on a private jet, no less—alongside some serious surfing talent.

Wave pools are a luxury. Let’s just get that out of the way. Like snow sports, there is a barrier to entry but if you can afford it, wave pools are fun!

At just 15, Eden Walla from San Clemente is already making a name for herself in competitive surfing. She’s homeschooled, which gives her the flexibility to travel for competitions and chase swells around the world.

A new addition at Hansen’s Surf Shop is bringing sustainability and style together in a way that speaks to both surfers and conscious consumers.

North County’s Best-Kept Secret If you’ve been surfing North County since 2006, chances are you’ve seen the label Degree 33 under the...

Wave Pools & Full Send Mode Zeke Szekely’s story isn’t your typical surf story. He’s been to jail. He’s been to rehab. He won a national...

Once a novelty, wave pools are now a real option for surfers looking for consistency, accessibility, and variety.

June - July 2025 Elaine Brodie Summer’s officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring you the June/July issue. This time...

March - April 2025 Lorenzo Diaz With spring in full swing and everything coming back to life, it feels right to dedicate this issue to a...

SKATER, SHAPER, AND THE ART OF PURE FUN Danny DiCola may not be a household name in surfboard shaping, but that’s fine by him. Born in...

Duran Barr & Crew To surf is to feel, a blessing no surfer can deny. The ones that choose to devote their time teaching this blessing are...

Life Shaped by Water Kira’s connection to the sea runs deep. Raised in a surf-loving family, she was on a board as soon as she could...

The Rise in Helmet Use On Dec 3rd 2023 at Pipeline’s Backdoor on Oahu’s North Shore, professional surfer Joao Chianca dropped into a huge...

Sean Mattison Honors Mike Hynson Few people in the surf industry were as deeply connected to Mike Hynson as Sean Mattison. A former...

Mike Hynson (1942-2025) The surf world has lost one of its most iconic figures. Mike Hynson, legendary surfboard shaper, surfer, and co-star of the groundbreaking surf film The Endless Summer, passed away in January 2025 at the age of 82. His influence on surf culture, board design, and the way the sport is recognized worldwide is immeasurable. Mike Hynson working in shop A Life Dedicated to Surfing Born on June 28, 1942, in California, Mike Hynson was the son of a U.S. Army

MIKE HYNSON, ACHIEVING A DREAM Mike Hynson did not let life pass him by. Over decades, every project he tackled he did with style, passion, and an infectious laugh. The pioneer surfer and co-star of the classic surf flick, The Endless Summer, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, leaving behind a surf culture he created just by being himself—a unique and curious individual with flair who never shied away from dreaming big. Much has already been written about his passing, b

Andy Davis has always been drawn to “Dream and Play”. Fortunately, his artistic talents, strong connections and life experiences have enabled him to make it a reality through his work. His work embodies the playful, free-flowing essence of surf culture, capturing moments of joy, movement, and nostalgia in a way that resonates globally. While we proudly claim him as a local artist, his art has reached audiences far beyond North County San Diego, gracing walls, apparel, and g