The Encinitas Library had the distinct pleasure of hosting surf publishing legend Steve Pezman, co-founder of The Surfer’s Journal, for an author event Sunday afternoon May 18, 2025. The gathering of surf and magazine fans was treated to a captivating dive into Pez’s remarkable career, spanning over five decades in the heart of surf culture and media.
Pezman, a true icon of the surfing world, is known for his profound influence on how the sport and its lifestyle are chronicled. Before co-founding The Surfer’s Journal with his wife Debbee in 1992, he spent over two decades as the group publisher of Surfer Publications (which included Powderand Skateboarder Magazine). This rich history provided ample fodder for his presentation, which included a reading from his 2022 book, Turn and Go! 50 Years of Surf Writings.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre, the Argentine ball of energy almost single handedly responsible for pressing surfing into the Olympics, is over the moon on the recent confirmation of Trestles as the host site for surfing during the 2028 LA Olympics.
“Following the amazing success of surfing in Teahupo’o, and in talking to many of the world’s athletes, we knew that any solution for LA had to feature the best performance waves, and there is no doubt that location is Trestles,” Aguerre says. “We would like to thank the LA28 leadership team and the International Olympic Committee for their understanding and support of the best conditions for the athletes. . . This decision furthers the existing trajectory of hosting Olympic Surfing in iconic ocean waves. The perfect peak at Lowers offers a high-performance canvas like no other in Southern California. We are so excited to see the world’s best battling it out for Olympic glory on its venerated cobblestones. . . We look forward to continuing to work with our friends at LA28 as we embark on our third Olympic cycle. The Olympic Movement is riding a new wave of innovation and inclusivity, powered by the youth and we are proud to join with LA28 in embracing that spirit to deliver an unforgettable Games.”
Indeed. For the complete official release from the ISA, please follow the jump.
We asked Apple’s Image PlaygroundAI to create a “skateboard” for us. It delivered something straight out of a PacSun catalog circa 2009. Our AI future certainly looks bright, doesn’t it?
No, we haven’t talked to Matt Biolos. Nor have we tried. It’s quicker to just post a link to TMZ and call it a day.
Lost International is suing Lady Gaga for trademark infringement for her “Mayhem” album … claiming they own the rights to the term as used in the surf company’s distinctive logo and that Lady Gaga’s use is basically identical. . . In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Lost says they’ve been slapping a stylized version of “Mayhem” on their surfboards and merch for over a decade … and Gaga ripped off the design for her latest album.
Skateboarders, those habitual arbiters of style, always seem to make the coolest stuff, especially when it comes to retail. So, thanks to coffee industry website Sprudge, here are some of the best caffeine filling stations in the skateboarding world (pictured above, Boise, Idaho’s Push & Pour).
Coffee shop/skate shop hybrids are still relatively rare, but they cater to their local communities of skaters and ramp watchers, and they’re showing the world that serious coffee is a great fit for skating culture. I wish there were a hundred of these places to report on, but there’s not—at least not yet. Instead, I took a look around to learn more about seven cafes across the United States serving coffee-loving skaters, offering espressos with a side of grip tape and a helmet.
Because, you know. Of course we all need the THPS 3+4 reboot. Plus, you can play it on a PS4. Still. Plus, Rayssa Leal, Chloe Covell, Jamie Foy, Zion Wright and Yuto Horigome. . . but reportedly no Bam Margera. Huh? Still haven’t played the 1+2 reboot all that much. Oh well. Guess we’ll be able to wait until the alleged release in July 2025.
Dale Smith, Brian Bent, and Steve Pezman.
