Current Issue:

33.6

On the cover: Tahurai Henry, velocity and shadows at Teahupoo. “I wanted to convey the sense of speed and energy that goes along with the wave itself,” says photographer Ben Thouard, “but I also wanted to experiment with light and the silhouette of the rider. A lot of attempts went into capturing this photo. This one stood out from the others.” 

In this issue, we investigate magic surfboards, dig through a shooter’s 50-year-deep file, walk the beach with a trendsetting scavenger, and view prime selects by a South African photographer. We also head due north in Europe to cut first tracks in the Arctic Ocean, and more. Pick up your copy of TSJ 33.6 today.

Features

Page 16

ESSAY: LESSONS BY THRASHING

What’s the difference between defeat and noble capitulation? Occasionally, the ocean will send a signal.

Words by Antoine Wilson | Artwork by Pierre Knop

Page 24

INTERVIEW: NOT FRIENDS

Pro skateboarder Elissa Steamer on learning to surf at Ocean Beach, San Francisco, the longevity of her career, sobriety, and more.

By Travis Ferré | Illustration by Yann Kebbi

Page 32

THE NORTHERN EMPIRE

Witchcraft, frigid water, and cosmic rifts from two elemental pin-drops in the Scandinavian Arctic.

Photo by Magnus Nordmo

Page 34

PART I: VARANGER, FARAWAY

Breaking the compass in the clear, dark north.

Words by Beau Flemister | Photo by Ryan Valasek

Page 48

PART II: RÁN

A slab in the Arctic Ocean and a dream among the halls of a pagan goddess.

Words by Freddie Meadows | Photo by Magnus Nordmo

Page 58

PARANORMAL OBJECTS

Beyond our surfing abilities and quantifiable design knowledge lies our obsession with magic surfboards.

Words by Kyle DeNuccio | Photo by Bernard Testemale

Page 70

ARCHIVE 60S–00S A+

At home and into the photo files with Jeff Divine.

Words by Ben Waldron | Photo by Kevin Voegtlin

Page 94

THE BEACHCOMBER

Flotsam assemblages and square knotting with installation artist Jim Olarte.

Words by Matt Titone | Photo by Zach McDuffie

Page 102

PORTFOLIO: ANT FOX

Elemental and fleeting energy from the South African photographer.

Introduction by Will Bendix

Page 120

WE NEVER DRIVE AT NIGHT

Short fiction by Madelaine Dickie

Art by Katrien de Blauwer

Page 128

UNDERCURRENTS

John Peck recalls his greatest wave, the side-cut fish, white-knuckle flights, thrash metal, and more.

Photo by John Barton

Purist surf energy from Page One to close-of-book, delivered directly to your door.

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