Surf Culture & Community

It’s a mix of hustle and local knowledge. Dawn patrol is your best friend—beat the crowd. Be willing to walk further than the next guy, or score spots that require a bit of a mission. Travel in the shoulder seasons, not peak summer or winter holidays. Respect the locals, observe etiquette, and often you’ll find they’ll be more welcoming. The best finds are often earned.

Stay calm, if you can. Panic burns oxygen. The first wave is often the worst. As it passes, start swimming for light, but conserve energy. The ocean will usually spit you up for a quick gasp before the next one hits. Use that split second to inhale deeply and get your bearings. Trust that the set will pass. Fighting against the entire ocean’s energy is exhausting and futile; sometimes you just have to let it have its way with you for a moment.

Andy is remembered with immense respect and aloha as a complex, passionate, and fiercely talented soul. He’s a champion who wore his heart on his sleeve, battling his demons in public view. The community honors him not just for his titles, but for his authentic, powerful approach to surfing and life. His memory lives on through the “Andy Irons Forever” tribute and the continued inspiration he provides to groms and pros alike.

Her fitness regimen is no joke, built on insane core strength, balance, and endurance. Think heavy-duty swimming, often with a paddleboard strap to simulate one-arm paddling. She does tons of yoga for flexibility and stability, and specific gym work targeting her legs and core—like stability ball exercises and weighted squats. It’s all functional, surf-specific training. This allows her to not just surf, but to perform at an elite level, generating explosive power from her center to tear apart any wave she chooses.