The Role of Surf Magazines in Shaping Surf Culture
Before social media and surf vlogs, surf magazines were the heartbeat of the global surf community. They captured the soul of the sport — from epic waves and legendary riders to the evolving style, art, and attitude that defined each generation. These magazines didn’t just report on surfing; they built its mythology.
The Golden Era of Print Surfing
When Surfing Found Its Voice
In the 1960s and 1970s, as surfing moved from a niche pastime to a global movement, magazines became the storytellers of the culture. They introduced readers to faraway breaks, new board designs, and the rebellious spirit that made surfing so much more than a sport — it was a lifestyle.
Surf Photography’s Artistic Boom
Each issue was a window into paradise. With jaw-dropping photography and poetic editorials, surf magazines inspired countless people to pick up a board. The imagery of perfect point breaks, sun-bleached hair, and waxed boards on station wagons created a visual language that still defines surf culture today.
The Magazines That Defined Generations
Surfer Magazine (1960–2020)
Often called “The Bible of the Sport,” Surfer Magazine was the first and most influential surf publication. Founded by John Severson in 1960, it set the tone for what surf journalism would become — artistic, adventurous, and deeply connected to the ocean’s rhythm.
It shaped generations of surfers with stunning covers, iconic photography, and thoughtful essays that blended environmentalism with wave-chasing wanderlust.
Surfing Magazine (1964–2017)
Surfing Magazine captured the thrill of performance and competition. While Surfer leaned toward art and lifestyle, Surfing emphasized athleticism, progression, and modern surf photography. It chronicled the explosive growth of the professional surf tour and helped launch countless careers in the 1980s and 1990s.
Tracks (1970–Present)
An Australian institution, Tracks gave voice to the country’s surf scene and counterculture. Known for its bold design, honest writing, and sometimes rebellious tone, Tracks reflected the free-spirited ethos of Australian surfers and remains one of the few major surf magazines still in print today.
The Surfer’s Journal (1992–Present)
The Surfer’s Journal took the concept of a surf magazine to a new level — part art book, part cultural record. With long-form storytelling, fine art photography, and timeless design, it continues to celebrate the soul of surfing rather than chasing trends. It’s the go-to for readers who see surfing as both sport and art form.
Wavelength & Carve (UK)
In Europe, Wavelength and Carve have long captured the essence of cold-water surfing, travel, and community. Their focus on adventure and storytelling has helped broaden the perception of surfing beyond warm, tropical beaches — showcasing the passion of surfers braving icy waters with equal stoke.
The Decline of Print and the Rise of Digital Surf Media
By the 2010s, the digital wave hit hard. Many print surf magazines folded as social media and online platforms began to dominate. Instant surf edits and Instagram clips replaced the monthly anticipation of a new issue. Still, print didn’t disappear completely — it evolved. Modern publications like The Surfer’s Journal and independent zines continue to thrive among readers who crave something tangible and timeless.
Why They Still Matter
Even in the digital era, the legacy of these surf magazines endures. They were the bridge between surfers around the world — shaping values of respect, adventure, and creativity. Each cover, each story, and each image helped define how generations saw the ocean and themselves.
Final Thoughts
Surf magazines were more than paper and ink — they were cultural time capsules. From Surfer’s poetic covers to Tracks’ rebellious spirit, they reflected surfing’s ever-changing identity while preserving its soul. Though the format may have shifted to screens, the impact of those print pages continues to ripple through surf culture today.