Swell Season Surf Radio · Episode

There was a time when surf magazines didn’t just report on surf culture—they helped create it. Before influencers, reels, blogs, vlogs, and even the internet, magazines like Surfer were our conduit to the wider surfing world. They told us who mattered, what was happening, where surfing was going, and what was worth celebrating, questioning, or remembering. And the editors were the stewards of that culture. Steve Hawk was at the helm of Surfer Magazine—the “Bible of the Sport”—from 1990 to 1998, one of the most transformative periods in modern surfing. The Momentum Generation was emerging, VHS surf videos were reshaping how we consumed surfing, the culture and aesthetics were changing, and the internet was about to upend everything. In this episode of Swell Season Surf Radio, Steve joins us to look back at those years: the beautifully chaotic Surfer newsroom, the rivalry with Surfing Magazine, the blurry line between editorial independence and the surf industry, and what it meant to help shape surf culture before algorithms took over the job. We also talk about what surfing has gained—and lost—in the digital age, the importance of community in the lineup, and Steve’s fascinating career after Surfer, which took him through Surfline, Swell.com, the Tony Hawk Foundation, HBO, Sierra magazine, and Stanford Business. Those seemingly disparate experiences all collide in Steve’s debut novel, Nearshore, a fast-moving ocean noir that brings surfing together with Silicon Valley, nuclear terrorism, AI, environmentalism, and some uncomfortable questions about technology, power, and who gets to shape our future. In many ways, Nearshore feels like Steve Hawk’s entire career packed into one story.And that gives us a lot to talk about. Steve Hawk is our guest on this episode of Swell Season Surf Radio. Follow Steve on his instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevehawk6211/?hl=enYou can Purchase his new book, “Nearshore” here: https://inkspellbooks.com/book/9798217062331  The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow https://www.instagram.com/swellseasonsurfradio/ on Instagram or go to our website: https://www.swellseasonsurf.com/  Music:  Artist: David Bowie Song: The Man Who Sold The World Album: The Man Who Sold The World 00:00 Surf Magazines Matter02:08 Meet Steve Hawk 04:30 From Rookie to Leader 07:13 Learning to Manage 09:16 Money and Surfing13:04 Swag and Sponsors 15:50 Did Surfer Shape Culture17:39 Great Stories and Writers 22:05 Inside Surfer Office30:26 North Shore Slide Nights 36:01 Show Up and Be Kind41:14 New York Surf Culture 44:35 Rockaway Boardwalk Scene 44:54 Diversity In The Lineup 47:48 Surf Clubs And Community 48:45 Offline Culture Comeback 50:38 Surfing And Intellectual Life 54:13 Crowds And Finding Empty Peaks 55:36 Democratization Of Surf Media 01:01:16 Algorithms And Tech Oligarchs 01:06:54 Cambridge Analytica And Precrime 01:08:48 Billionaire Villain Blueprint 01:14:14 Nuclear Terror And Scapegoats 01:17:47 Ocean As Antidote 01:20:10 Unfettered Capitalism Critique 01:24:38 Politics In Fiction 01:25:02 Surf Authenticity Details 01:25:47 Real Life Stories 01:28:52 War Tech And Surfing 01:31:21 AI Fear And Control 01:33:04 Magazine Rivalries 01:35:34 Donut Prank Fallout 01:38:58 Split Cover Debate 01:42:51 Tudor Cover Myth 01:45:38 Surfing Future Predictions 01:48:09 Climate And Ocean Threats 01:51:33 Media Diet And Bubbles 01:55:49 Surfers Questionnaire 01:59:25 Where To Find Nearshore 02:00:58 Final Thanks And Outro

YouTube video by Swell Season Surf Radio

In late May, Costa Rican police arrived in central Pavones at 4 a.m.—dressed in body armor, rifles in hand, and gas masks on—to escort demolition crews. Their mission: tear down local businesses. Residents, caught off guard, had to scramble just to salvage food and goods from inside the buildings. Shockingly, the local government of Golfito appears to be backing developers and demolition teams over the very citizens they were elected to serve.At the heart of the issue is a controversial slate of proposed luxury real estate developments. These projects threaten to reshape Pavones—impacting the environment, limiting beach access, and displacing local, family-run businesses. On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we are joined by Walter Brenes, a dedicated environmental lawyer standing alongside the local community against aggressive real estate developments. Walter shares the ongoing battle to protect Pavones' unique culture, environment, and heritage from gentrification and unlawful land concessions. We discover the historical context, current challenges, and the legal fight to save one of the world's most treasured surf breaks. This conversation explores the broader implications of unchecked development and the erosion of local communities worldwide. Tune in to learn how you can support Pavones and join the resistance. Don't miss this critical discussion on preserving the soul of Pavones. To learn more about how you can support the community of Pavones here are a list of resources: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-pavones-costa-rica-protect-our-communityhttps://www.savethewaves.org/endangered-waves-past-site-pavones-costa-rica/ The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow https://www.instagram.com/swellseasonsurfradio/ on Instagram or go to our website: https://www.swellseasonsurf.com/  Music: Artist: Malpais Song: Malpais Album: Uno 00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast 01:53 The Controversial Real Estate Developments in Pavona 03:21 Interview with Walter Breez: Defending Costa Rican Communities 04:28 The Impact of Gentrification in Costa Rica 04:53 The Surge of Foreign Investments Post-COVID 09:52 The Cultural and Environmental Significance of Pavona 22:53 The Role of Local Government and Corruption 27:09 The Fight Against Unchecked Development 41:14 Costa Rica's Environmental Wealth 42:03 Surf Culture and Respect 43:06 Impact of Surf Retreats 46:26 Fighting for Local Communities 48:16 Challenges of Tourism and Development 51:13 Legal Battles and Community Support 55:44 Cultural Preservation and Resistance 58:06 The Role of Influencers and Expats 01:01:39 Privatization and Local Resistance 01:04:19 Personal Sacrifices and Community Defense 01:05:45 Call to Action and Support

On the latest  Swell Season Radio Art & Design Series, Design host Chris Labzda sits down with the multifaceted Australian artist, surfer, and musician, Ozzy Wright. Ozzy shares insights into his unique path, transitioning from a passionate young surfer to a versatile creative force in art and music. The conversation dives deep into his inspirations from skate culture, the influence of brands like Volcom, and his approach to creating art that resonates emotionally. Ozzy also reflects on the evolving art scene in Australia and the balancing act of creativity and family life. Ozzy is a legend of the sport and his artistic style both in and out of the water has influenced the culture throughout the 21st century. Definitely an episode not to be missed!  You can find Ozzy Wright’s work here: https://ozzywrong.com/ Or follow him on instagram https://www.instagram.com/ozzywrong/?hl=en The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow https://www.instagram.com/swellseasonsurfradio/ on Instagram or go to our website: https://www.swellseasonsurf.com/  Music:  Artist: Ad Astra Song: Do you Like Me? Album: Consume: Psy-Harmonics, Vol. 6 00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Ozzy Wright 02:05 From Surfing to Art: Ozzy's Journey 04:00 Influences and Inspirations 09:40 Balancing Art, Music, and Family 19:18 Art Scene in Australia 22:31 Early Art Adventures in London 23:21 Exploring Textile Art 24:30 Sewing as a Medium 28:00 Creative Influences and Volcom 29:36 The Surf and Art Connection 37:26 Music and the Goons of Doom 40:17 Inspiration for Young Creatives

On this  episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, host Tyler Breuer welcomes surfboard shaper and surf legend Neal Purchase Jr. to discuss his incredible journey through the world of surfing. From his early days screenprinting for Billabong and becoming a free surfing pro in the 90’s  to his innovative board designs with deep family roots, Neal shares stories and insights that have defined his career. Joined by  co-host and friend of the show, Paul Colbert, the conversation explores Neal’s pivotal moments in surf cinema, his unique duo fin setups, and his recent shaping residency at Pilgrim Surfing Supply in New York. The episode also touches on the evolution of surfboard preferences, balancing a surf-centric lifestyle with family responsibilities, and advice on fatherhood and surfing longevity. Don’t miss this deep dive into the spirit of surfing and the craft of shaping with one of the industry's most revered figures. You can find Neal and order some incredible shapes at his website: https://www.nealpurchasedesigns.com/ Or follow him on instagram https://www.instagram.com/nealpurchasejnr/?hl=en The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow https://www.instagram.com/swellseasonsurfradio/ on Instagram or go to our website: https://www.swellseasonsurf.com/  Music:  Artist: Concrete Blonde Song: True Album: Concrete Blonde  00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:09 Rewind to 1992: Surf Camp Memories 02:25 Neil Purchase Jr.'s Surfing Legacy 03:41 Welcome Neil Purchase Jr. 04:01 Early Surfing Adventures and Influences 05:20 The Evolution of Surf Culture 06:36 Challenges and Changes in Surfing 18:23 Health and Aging in Surfing 21:50 Backside Tube Riding Techniques 33:50 Shaping and Design Innovations 44:49 Shaping Around the Fin: Techniques and Insights 46:11 Exploring Twin Fins and Surfboard Design Evolution 48:12 The Thrill of Surfing: Swells, Boards, and Trave l48:38 Custom Surfboards: Crafting the Perfect Ride 50:06 The Art of Surfboard Shaping: Techniques and Materials 58:00 Surfing Culture and Community: Reflections and Changes 01:05:45 Balancing Family and Surfing: Personal Insights 01:17:56 Memorable Surfing Experiences and Lessons Learned 01:21:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast , we connect with an old college roommate and long-time friend, Enrique Moose Huerta. We  reminisce about our  time at Flagler College, including our surfing adventures and dorm room antics. Moose shares his journey from college surfer to creative producer and independent consultant, shedding light on his experiences with Vice Media, Nike, and starting his own consultancy, Land Sea. The episode also delves into Moose's latest project, the East Coast Special podcast, which beautifully encapsulates the charm and grit of East Coast surf culture. Moose describes the podcast as a love child of Eastern Surf Magazine and Longboard Magazine, aiming to highlight the unique stories and characters of the East Coast surf scene. Listen in for hilarious stories, reflections on how our paths have evolved over the years, and insights into Moose's creative process and inspirations. You can follow East Coast Special on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eastcoast.special/ You can listen to East Coast Special on all podcast platforms. Here is a link to get you started: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UhLpIqLV52tDl3gxmQtBF?si=_FSBO3cvRmi_OMrbHCGtJA&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadu1c--hCPKK9ipV5KlTQRgS-bGHm-s0VLIF6cPbGhK1E79O2cYTgd_7VECeg_aem_XUHxzjIu2pSC1ZIcAo9u8g The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow https://www.instagram.com/swellseasonsurfradio/ on Instagram or go to our website: https://www.swellseasonsurf.com/  Music: Artist: Elliot Smith Song: The Biggest Lie Album: Elliot Smith 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 03:27 Reconnecting with Moose 05:00 Thoughtfulness and Upbringing 09:05 Surfing Beginnings and High School Experience 16:55 College Days and Roommate Stories 35:50 Single Fin Hoe Down and Surf Community 38:17 Reflecting on the Contest and Moving to California 39:17 The Evolution of Surfing Events 40:46 Influences and Inspirations in Surfing 44:44 Career Beginnings and Moving West 48:37 Working at Nixon and Industry Insights 52:41 Transitioning Out of the Surf Industry 01:06:18 Starting a Podcast and Creative Freedom 01:21:49 The Saxophone Prank 01:22:06 College Memories and Mishaps 01:23:47 Flagler College Experience 01:25:15 Mentorship and Influences 01:29:57 Podcasting Journey and Reflections 01:36:25 Nostalgia and Personal Stories 01:43:57 Final Thoughts and Farewells

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome Claudia Lebenthal, a force in visual storytelling and editorial design, to discuss her illustrious career and her love for both sports and fashion. Claudia shares her journey from growing up in New York City to cultivating a deep passion for ocean sports, ultimately leading to her latest project, 'Surfer Stories.' This book pairs the world's greatest surfers with acclaimed storytellers, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into their lives. We dive into her experiences, from her first surf at San Onofre to her editorial roles at Allure and Women's Sports & Fitness, and her interactions with icons like Randy Hild and Rell Sun. We explore the human stories behind the surfers, touching on themes of perseverance, competitiveness, and the seamless blend of art, culture, and athleticism. We hope you enjoy…  You can follow Claudia Lebenthal on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/styleofsport/You can purchase her book here and find her Style of Sport here: http://www.styleofsport.com The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow https://www.instagram.com/swellseasonsurfradio/ on Instagram or go to our website: https://www.swellseasonsurf.com/  Music:  Artist: The Untouchables Song: Free Yourself Album: Wild Child 00:00 Introduction to Swell Season Podcast 01:18 Meet Claudia Leventhal: A Visual Storyteller 01:56 Claudia's Athletic Journey 03:26 Growing Up in New York City 04:21 Discovering a Love for Water Sports 04:55 College Sports and Water Polo 06:41 From Fire Island to Surfing 08:07 Sneakerhead Origins 10:12 The Surfing Revelation 11:52 Roxy and the Surf Culture 20:56 Writing 'Surfer Stories' 25:58 The Human Side of Surfing 43:53 The Unique Nature of Surfing 45:32 Surfers' Distinct Behaviors and Traits 47:14 Action Sports and Extreme Athletes 47:35 Universal Themes in Surfing 48:52 Diversity and Surf History 49:23 Challenges in Surf Journalism 50:23 The Mystique of Tom Curren 55:35 Surf Photography and Iconic Figures 01:10:22 The Mythology of Surfing 01:13:07 Future of Surf Photography 01:15:53 Turning the Book into a TV Show 01:21:26 Final Thoughts and Shameless Plugs

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we talk  with Brooklyn-based artist and sign painter Jon Bocksel. With nearly two decades of experience, Jon's work artfully combines history, typography, and his love for hand-lettered signs. We discuss Jon's meticulous creative process, the timeless craft of hand-painted signage, the evolution of written language, and how these elements intersect with surf culture and everyday spaces. Jon shares insights into his artistic journey, his background in printmaking, and the influence of surfing and skating on his work. It’s a fascinating conversation on creativity, craft, and culture.  We hope you enjoy…  You can follow Jon Bocksel on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jonbocksel/ Or check out his work at https://jonbocksel.info/  The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow https://www.instagram.com/swellseasonsurfradio/ on Instagram or go to our website: https://www.swellseasonsurf.com/  Music:  Artist: Television Personalities Song: Diary of a Young Man Album: And Don’t the Kids Just Love it 00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast 01:10 Meet John Boxell: The Artist Behind the Signs 01:59 John's Creative Process and Inspirations0 2:31 The Intersection of Surfing and Art 03:24 John's Artistic Journey and Influences 04:49 The Challenges and Rewards of Hand Lettering 09:19 From Skating to Surfing: John's Evolution 12:56 The Path to Becoming a Professional Artist 27:24 The Art of Sign Making 32:59 Balancing Art and Life 40:13 The Unpredictable Nature of Wave Pools 40:58 The Art of Sign Making 42:40 Glass Gilding Explained 44:10 The Challenges of Gold Leaf Work 45:10 Maintaining Focus in a Distracted World 45:40 From Skating to Surfing 46:15 The Evolution of Surfing and Sailing 47:19 Creating Films and the Influence of Limitations 51:53 The Philosophy of Limitations in Art and Surfing 53:32 Competitive Surfing and Personal Preferences 56:16 The Craft of Hand-Painted Signs 57:23 The Intersection of Art and Performance 01:04:06 The Future of Handcrafted Work in a Digital Age 01:05:26 Shaping Surfboards and the Value of Flex 01:09:24 The Joy of Riding Different Surfboards 01:12:28 Exciting Residency at the Albers Foundation 01:14:37 Conclusion and Contact Information