SHAPING SURF HISTORY

Photographer Jimmy Metyko captures a pivotal time in the history of California's surf culture in the early 1980s. His images document the rise of Tom Curren, a young talent who would later become a three-time world champion, as well as the emergence of Al Merrick, a then-unknown surfboard shaper who was destined to revolutionize surfboard design.

Over a four-year period, Santa Barbara experienced an amalgamation of innovation, personalities and unique meteorological events, most notably the rare El Nino of 1982-83. This unique weather phenomenon created exceptional surfing conditions, which were extensively documented by Metyko.

Through a captivating mix of action shots, intimate moments and backdrops of epic waves, Metyko's work provides insight into a significant chapter in surfing's cultural evolution. It illuminates the current status of the sport and promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation for it.

Author: Jimmy Metyko | 304 pages | English | published September 2023 | 24 x 29 cm | Hardcover