City Surf Book: The San Francisco you didn't know existed
When I was young San Francisco represented the edge of the earth. A place as enchanting as it was scary. It was a cliff where the odds of falling off were high and that is what made it exciting. I always loved that Oscar Wilde said everyone who went missing usually turned up in SF, but I learned over the years that it is not an easy place to arrive, but it quickly becomes a hard place to leave.
I have failed more times than triumphed in San Francisco. But that’s part of it. I like that the sea and the streets are full of life. Energy of all kinds. The cracks in the pavement are larger. The waves bigger and heavier. The horror of sharks and drowning only make the Anchor Steams taste better. I have celebrated survival and triumph with the ridiculous Kerouac cocktail inside bar Vesuvio so many times that I still end up with a free t-shirt after every visit. I have learned of secret waves that I know I want no part of inside that bar. And I dare not say where. But I love that you can still do that in the city.
San Francisco is much different these days. It is a city on the odd side of a transformation. But beneath the overwhelming and very visual battle between wealth and poverty, technology and art, there are still wonderful things happening. Wonderful sites to see. Fascinating people to meet. And incredible stories to tell. Which is what leads me to this.
Nate Lawrence and Leo Maxam created a book that tells some of these stories. And it illustrates those unique SF traits I’ve mentioned above. They partnered with The City Surf Project, a cause that has been taking inner city youth surfing for years, and this book is an opportunity to both tell their story — in pictures and interviews — as well as tales of the city itself.
If you’ve ever felt the soul crushing detonation of an OB set on the head — or even if you just appreciate the surf and love this city — this book is a must own. It is not what you expect, and that’s what makes it so SF. And the cause it supports is one getting real results.
I highly recommend getting the book and supporting The City Surf Project in San Francisco. The founder Johnny Irwin has developed this project and I am so stoked on how much it has progressed over the years and all the good work it does. Grab the book. Support the cause. And check out their site and get involved.—Travis Ferré
Get the City Surf Book here.
Learn more about The City Surf Project here.
