The latest blow to the surf world comes from the death of surfer/shaper Chris Hawk. Chris (along with his brothers Sam and Tom) was an early influence on surfing in Huntington Beach. With shaping experience gleaned from years spent surfing Hawaii and working with shaping legends like Dick Brewer, Chris became one of the hottest shapers on the West Coast in the 60's and 70's. His contributions to surf culture and surfboard design recently garnered him an invitation this year to the Surfers' Hall of Fame, but his induction ceremony was moved forward prior to the normal July event due to Hawk's terminal diagnosis with throat cancer. Chris will be remembered for his contributions to the sport, but his greatest achievement was creating a true surfing life. To build a life experience based on the pursuit of waves and funding said pursuit through a surf-related gig (shaping being the epitome of surf culture perpetuation) is the goal of every wave rider. It's a shame that Hawk's journey was cut short before its completion.
On a much lighter note, the latest edition of Surfer Magazine boasts guest editor Joel Tudor, which in and of itself is not exceptional, but instead, it's his collaboration with editor-in-chief Joel Patterson that is illuminating. Patterson has overseen a steady improvement in both content and delivery at the mag and even his intro to Tudor's foray into surf literature is honest and inspiring. Tudor and Patterson work together to craft a different look and tone (closer to John Severson's original concept), highlighting counter-culture icons and underground legends in a non-traditional layout. But this isn't something out of character for the mag of late. Looking through my collection of Surfer Mags from previous months, I have relished the in-depth profiles of "real" humans (not pro surf puff pieces) and probing articles on travel and the environment. While Transworld Surf serves its purpose as the purveyor of blips and blurbs and gross out comedy (and yes there is a place for that), Surfer has risen above the fray with some great (dare I say) journalism from surfing's inner realm. Keep it up Patterson.
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