From the Publisher

Oct 2026

When I first started surfing, I came to it much later in life than most people. What I didn’t expect was how quickly surfing would introduce me to people I otherwise may have never met.

That’s what I love most about surfing. It’s a leveling ground. It brings together people of different ages, backgrounds, financial situations and walks of life, all sitting in the same lineup waiting for the next wave.

Over the years, surfing has become an important part of my family’s life, too. Some of our best conversations happen on the drive to the beach, between sets in the water, or cheering each other on when someone catches a great wave. For me, surfing has always been as much about the people and connections as it is about the waves.

That’s also what we want Local Break to celebrate.

I originally joined Local Break as its graphic designer, where I had the opportunity to work alongside Elaine and Lorenzo and see firsthand the passion they put into building this magazine and its connection to the local surf community. Their work created a strong foundation, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue building on what they started while carrying that same spirit forward.

As we looked at where Local Break could go next, we felt that moving to a digital format made the most sense. Most of us have our phones with us wherever we go, and we wanted the magazine to be something you could easily access wherever you are. Maybe you're sitting at Swami’s after a session, grabbing a coffee in Cardiff, watching the waves at Oceanside Pier, or taking a break at Seaside or La Jolla Shores. Wherever you find yourself, we want Local Break to be right there with you—something you can pull up, explore and enjoy whenever you have a few minutes.

Going digital also gives us an opportunity to be a little kinder to the environment we all love. By eliminating the need for large print runs, paper, ink, packaging and much of the distribution that comes with a traditional magazine, we can reduce waste and the resources required to put each issue in your hands. It feels right for a surf magazine to find a way to celebrate the ocean while being more thoughtful about the impact we have on it.

And there is plenty to discover in this issue.

You’ll meet surfers who have built remarkable lives around the water, local artists and craftspeople who put their passion into their work, businesses that have become part of our community, and families whose lives have been shaped by surfing. You’ll find stories about travel, food, creativity, persistence and, of course, waves.

But more than anything, we hope these stories make you feel connected.

Connected to the people in your lineup. Connected to the businesses you pass every day. Connected to the surfers whose stories may be completely different from your own, yet somehow feel familiar.

That’s what Local Break is all about.

Real people. Real stories. Our local communities. And the joy that brings us together through surfing.

Welcome to the next chapter of Local Break. We hope you enjoy the ride.