An Homage to Surf Culture
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Everywhere you looked in the cavernous Hurley sports company warehouse the walls were filled with artworks – paintings, photographs, montages – depicting the ocean and surfers.
Raw and vibrant, it was a giant, visual wave that stimulated the senses.
Representing the artists in Robb Havassy’s new book Surf Story II, the art on display at the premiere reception in Newport Beach gave guests a preview of what’s in his 550-page book – Robb’s heartfelt homage to surfing and the surf culture.
The massive, two-book collection of art and stories from more than 200 of the most influential artists, photographers, writers, and iconic figures in surfing shows their love and passion for the sport.
SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel were excited to share the stoke on this momentous occasion with Robb and our friend artist Colleen Gnos, who is included in the book.
We were in awe of all the people who turned out for the celebration. Literally the royalty of surf culture creatives, everyone was there to thank Robb for this epic sequel to his 2009 Surf Story.
Watching them pose for a group photo, Patti thought of the famous 1943 MGM studios photo of all its actors – and Louis B. Mayer’s quote: “More stars than in the heavens.”
The Surf Story II reception was equal parts gallery show and book-signing party with friends and family mingling and the artists signing each other’s books and enjoying the vibes.
Robb – at the center of it all – signed books, gave hugs and greetings, and took in the sights and sounds of this long-awaited day.
Like Bruce Brown’s landmark 1966 film The Endless Summer – on display in a 50th anniversary DVD edition – Robb Havassy’s herculean achievement tells the neverending story of surfing.
Surf Story Project: More than a book – It’s history!
– Drew Brophy, surf artist
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Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.