If Steinbeck were alive and writing in the twenty-first century, then surely, at some point, he would attempt to broach the topic of Southern California’s first family—a “tribe of chiefs” (according to their matriarch, Dibi) whose mythos is so eminent, so broadly understood that I’m beginning to believe it’s woven into the DNA of would-be thrillseekers, death-defiers, action sport fans and stars, etc. I’m, of course, referring to the Fletchers.

Because I’m none of the above, neither Californian nor competent at any of the boardsports, I’m told by more learned acolytes that there’s very little I could impart in this introduction you haven’t already consumed. And yet the Fletcher folklore continues to reveal itself in hypnotic resin fractals—like the setting sun on the surface of the sea—elucidating and mystifying all at the same time. Only a neophyte whose interests center on the family art practice, specifically Herbie’s art world metamorphosis, could unspool the stories left undiscussed by obsequious surf groupies or whomever passes as an industry “journalist” these days. Why ask about that large canvas featuring an almost geriatric Dennis Hopper rolling what seems to be a spliff when there’s a board that may or may not have been intended for the late, great Andy Irons right beside it?

“Five Will Get You Ten” by Herbie Fletcher.

Some of their story is embellished, some of it’s superficial, and some of it’s potentially false, but at its core, the Fletcher legend is a singularly Californian phenomenon that should be studied then historicized by the relevant experts and cultural anthropologists whose job it is to care about frivolities like dates and names and facts. The Fletchers are an ethos, a way of breathing that sees boundaries not as barriers, but as worthy provocations. “Life’s going to happen to you whether you’re inside with the air conditioning or outside living, so you might as well open the door,” says Dibi—or something to that effect. Watch the video or don’t, they don’t care and neither do I, but whatever you do, take the goddamn ride. —Eleanor Sheehan