Dale Smith, Brian Bent, and Steve Pezman.
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 Powder and 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.
A good crowd of surf weathered locals and industry folk enjoyed Pezman’s perspective, shaped by a lifetime immersed in the ocean and the stories it yields. From his early days as a surfer in Orange County in the mid-1950s, a time before surfing hit mainstream pop culture, to pushing limits on Oahu’s North Shore, including surfing Waimea Bay, Pezman’s personal experiences are deeply intertwined with the evolution of surfing itself. He shared anecdotes that painted a vivid picture of the sport’s formative years.
What truly sets Pezman apart is his intellectual approach to surf culture. He spoke about his transition from the editorial side of Surfer to becoming its publisher, a role where he famously prioritized sharp writing and compelling narratives. He emphasized the importance of a “reader-supported” model for The Surfer’s Journal, a radical concept at the time, which allowed the publication to focus on expansive, long-form content rather than being dictated by advertising. This philosophy, which has made The Surfer’s Journal a cherished, almost literary, periodical, resonated deeply with the audience.
(Editors Note: In our continuing effort to understand the world we live in, this story was written by Google Gemini AI. You’re welcome. We’re doomed.)
