A prodigious aerialist and front man for the Goons of Doom, Oscar “Ozzie” Wright’s influence in wave-riding modernity is not to be understated. But cut through the marketing campaigns and one comes to find it’s his personal life, and more specifically his family and the death of his father on Christmas Day in 1995, thats really shaped who he is today.

They’re a culture unto themselves, and thanks to the acute eye and tack-sharp lens of photographer John Durant, 14 of San Diego’s most dedicated craftsmen have been documented in their own environs. This is their world.

What happens when high-performance surfing drops to its knees? Look no further than this esoteric band of West Oz kneeboarders to find out. And whatever you do, don’t call them “half men.”

One of the leaders of the 1950s WindanSea pack, “Pal” Al Nelson’s been around. From south of the border runs with Pat Curren to innovations in aeronautics, for all its intrigue and historical relevance, Nelson’s story has never been told, that is until he sat down with Pez and unloaded.

Italy’s hardly a land renowned for its surf culture, but as Derek Hynd comes to find out, that may just be its saving grace. In fact, it may be the saving grace for all of us.

One wave, one rider, six pages. Yes, Raimana Van Bastolaer’s Teahupoo spit-buster is worthy.

The father-son duo of Jerry and Ryan Burch are quintessentially North County. Open minded, prone to experimentation, happy to ride two-foot runners or eight-foot Swamis, the conditions dictate their equipment, and their creativity and passion for surfing enhances style that could only be passed down through the miracle of genetics.

What do Ireland, Hawaii and the Northeast have in common? They’re all featured in this photographic roundup.

It’s not often than an artist opens up his sketchbook for the world to see, but then John Severson’s never been one to shy away from sharing his vision of surfing with the world. Culled from recent travels and tranquil days at home in Hawaii, as you’ll come to see, Severson’s work is just as vibrant and energetic as ever.

Indo boat trips could be construed as cliché, unless Dave Rastovich, Craig Anderson, Ry Craike, Chris Del Morro and company are crammed onto a vessel together. With no lack of inspiration, unusual craft, and flawless wavescapes, this eclectic crew demonstrates exactly why the Mentawais are surfing’s favorite playground.