American Surf Magazine Articles

Our Favorite Shoes for Surfers in 2025

There are many options littering the digital marketplace, making it hard to know where to look. There is no need to fear, as we got you covered with an in-depth list of our favorite footwear. Also, a piece of versatile footwear is important in the face of any landscape you are sneaking through to surf. Whether it’s a hike through prickly bushwack or a stroll down a paved set of stairs, staying properly equipped for all-terrain is pivotal.  In partnership with adventure photographer Jeff Johnson,...

What We Love About John John Florence's "Here"

Here is the embodiment of these attributes in the realest set of surf film, combining clips from all three Florence brothers into a tasteful look at Oahu’s most talented brotherly trio. This surf film encapsulates the 2023-2024 Hawaiian surf season, giving viewers a glimpse into surfing’s most unforgiving stretch of coast. Here isn’t just a set of stacked clips produced for the viewer's enjoyment; it’s a purposeful film that builds throughout, ending with a climactic show of elite-level surfing....

Byron Bay Shark Attacks (2025 Report)

The beaches of this area are famous for their laid back atmosphere and reeling peaceful break but visitors should be aware of the looming shark presence. Byron Bay has a history of shark attacks, as the surrounding beaches are considered some of the most dangerous in the New South Wales area. A recent attack occurred in February of 2019 when a surfer was bit by a juvenile great white, losing a chunk of his leg before being able to narrowly escape. The surfer survived but was extremely close to b...

The Best Men's Sunglasses for Surfers & Beachgoers

A balanced pair of sunglasses offers all these elements, remaining at an affordable price point. A perfect pair of shades provides a functional piece of eye protection, maintaining a sleek design that will turn heads when placed below your brow. Ombraz are sustainable sunglasses that combine utility with style, going for an armless approach. They give a modern look to outdoor glasses, offering a plethora of new options for polarization. They come in Zeiss grey, brown, and yellow making for a fu...

Bondi Beach Surf Guide

Nestled right under the nose of Australia’s most coveted city, Bondi Beach offers surfers a fast-breaking busy wave. Bondi Beach is reminiscent of Sydney’s bustling streets, becoming an infamous surf circus on any given day. Be ready to navigate packs of surf-hungry locals and beginners with a death wish, while out in the lineup. With a backdrop of screeching tires and flashing lights, this break is as chaotic as the city it calls home. When the winter season begins, the swell will follow and th...

San Onfre Surf Guide

Longboards or Mid-lengths are highly recommended to have the best time while out at San’O, providing the optimal amount of foam to get you into as many waves as possible. This is due to the soft and steady form that waves take at this break, creating a calm and peaceful session for all surfers. The waves will continue throughout the year, as even during the surf off-season, the waves will rarely go flat. It is best to surf early in the morning to beat the crowded line of surf-hungry locals. You...

The Ultimate Guide to Hooded Rashguards

Not only are they great for surf-utility but they look even better, with modern designs pushed by pro surfers such as John John Florence, hooded rashguards are a must for your surf-gear closet. The hooded rash guard is taking the surfing world by storm and finding the perfect one will be a simple task, as long as you know where to look. These rashguards retail at around $90, so if you are on a budget you may want to consider looking elsewhere. Check out more about Freefly's Men's Pinnacle Hooded...

Shark Attacks on Australia's Gold Coast (2025 Report)

Knowing the protected areas, being informed on what to do during a shark attack, and staying prepared for the worst is vital when entering the entrancing ocean depths of the Gold Coast. The golden shores of Australia glisten with clear blue waters, being a paradise for surfers, but beneath the surface lurks many oceanic predators. Throughout the past 70 years, the Gold Coast has only seen around 20 attacks and only two of them were fatal. The first fatal incident took place in 1958 on a stretch...

The Ultimate El Captain Surf Guide

This spot is primarily known for its rocky point break, providing surfers with a peeling right wave that will take you on a joy ride down the California Coast. Akin to Rincon on bigger swells, this spot will be perfect for surfers with a more advanced skill level. The main take-off area is extremely risky and hard to predict, landing you right above a cluster of salt-covered boulders. El Cap is one of the few waves in the Santa Barbara area that gets steep enough to throw a proper barrel. The ma...

Shark Attacks in San Francisco (2025 Report)

Sharks in this area tend to keep to themselves, as they have their sights set on seals and sea lions. Human interaction with sharks is sporadic and shouldn’t elicit a fear of the ocean, especially in the San Francisco area. Nonetheless, sharks are still aggressive marine predators that every ocean-goer should be aware of when approaching an aquatic pursuit. This means that maintaining a safe level of precaution is vital when approaching the San Francisco shoreline. However, fear of sharks should...

Shark Attacks in Santa Barbara (2025 Report)

Across the California coast sharks cover the ocean floor, rarely being spotted until it is too late. However, shark attacks are sporadic, proving that these aquatic predators are not as menacing as people think. Shark attacks are few and far between in the Santa Barbara area, resulting in a county-wide consensus of ocean comfortability. Many Santa Barbara's residents are never inclined to the terrible thought that a shark attack could occur on their kelp-covered shores. The first incident involv...

How to Surf Rincon: Where to Park, Where to Paddle Out

Also known as the Queen of The Coast, Rincon is one of California's most coveted surf spots, due to its seemingly endless rides on a proper swell. This famous surf spot sits right on the county line dividing Santa Barbara and Ventura, giving locals from both counties a fair claim that this spot is theirs. This arc-shaped bay leads the periodic bursts of oceanic energy southbound down the 101- Highway until coming to a halting crash at The Cove. Rincon works best with a northwest swell direction,...

The Ultimate Big Sur Surf Guide

Unlike other more predictable spots around California Big Sur’s breaks can be fickle. The breaks along this coastline are heavily affected by the tides, wind, and swell direction, which will all be defining factors in creating a proper session with rideable waves. The best time of year to surf in Big Sur is during the Fall or Winter, as the swell direction will mostly be coming from the northwest. This direction brings the most consistent and powerful waves to the shores of Big Sur, offering sur...

How Malibu’s Surf Community Is Rebuilding in the Wake of Wildfires

The familiar scent of salt air was tinged with smoke, making lineups feel lighter in the shadow of loss. In the aftermath of the wildfires, Malibu surfers weren’t just wrestling with battered waves and murky water. They were facing something deeper, a fractured community scarred by destructive flames and the loss of family homes. The Palisades Fire left over 6,800 structures destroyed and many families without a home. The runoff from these memory-filled structures left many surf spots polluted a...