ourCaste partnered with their staff photographer, Brooks Sterling to generate a series of type-altered landscapes together exclusively for San Diego alt-surf boutique, Aloha Sunday. The series, appropriately titled ‘ALOHA!’, consists of landscape images Brooks shot ranging from the Arizona desert to the central California coast, and even some Hawaiian paradises. ourcaste.com
Firmamento
Firmamento is a quality surf-inspired clothing brand born in La Barceloneta, the old fisherman neighbourhood of Barcelona. Their collection from tees to sweatshirts is made from organic cotton, recycled wetsuits, pure merino wool and recycled sails. firmamento.com
The Kit
The Kit is a collection of hand-picked travel items for the woman surfer by free-surfer Kassia Meador, designers Laura Rubin, Alexandra Cassaniti, and skin-care expert Jun Lee. Available for sale in NYC at Warm, LA at The General Store and online at Allswell.
Settembre Surf
Settembre Surf is a small workshop located in Sicily and overlooking the Mediterranean sea. They make their wooden surfboards by hand, drawing from their own history with the passion for Italian design while borrowing classic surfing heritage from overseas. www.settembresurf.com Photo by Helmut Berta.
Carapace Wetsuit Review
Based in California, Carapace uses an online ordering system that makes it easy to order your own custom-tailored wetsuit. We review the Carapace Exo 2 Backzip and report on the process and its performance in the water. Click to read the full review.
Young X Mystical Salty Merchants
The Mystical Salty Merchants has created the 1075 Longboard Single Fin for Beau Young and his custom longboards. Learn more about them at www.thesaltymerchants.com.
Sea Craft Supply Co.
For a taste of all things body surfing, we recommend Sean Starky's Sea Craft Supply Co. They carry all things oceanic, from fins to hand planes. Sean was featured in the bodysurfing film Come Hell or High Water, so he knows his stuff. Check them out at seacraftsupplyco.com.
Ziobaffa Wines
From filmmaker Jason Baffa (Singlefin: Yellow, Bella Vita) comes his latest creation: Ziobaffa organic wines. Jason has collaborated with traditional Italian artisans to create a wine that is inspired by the care-free surfing subculture. Find out more at www.ziobaffa.com.
Putnam Hilbers Flex Fin
Based on Greenough's revolutionary flex fin design, Kirk Putnam and Brian Hilbers collaborated with True Ames to produce this Volan beauty. Available at www.mollusksurfshop.com.
Byrd Hairdo Products
Byrd was created by a Newport Beach surfer who was inspired by his great grandfather's old-time hair tonic and barbershop. With a nod to '60s surf culture (think Mike Hynson in The Endless Summer), Chase Wilson created a line of pomades in three different formulations and a pocket comb designed in collaboration with FCS fins. Find out more here: www.byrdhair.com
Dermasport
Surfers are constantly exposed to the harsh elements of sun, wind, and salt on a daily basis. Dermasport was specifically formulated for active water persons who want to restore the proper ph levels of the face. Key ingredients include anti-aging peptides, antioxidants, soothing natural extracts and botanicals. Find out more at www.dermasport.com
EMIl skateboards
Inspired by the scooter that Marty McFly converts to a skateboard in Back to The Future, Niklas Groschup decided to create a prototype and was amazed how well it rode. His unique sidewalk surfer was born when his friends tried one and asked him to make more! www.emilboards.com
Passenger Hoodie
Passenger hails from the South Coast of England near the New Forest situated a few minutes from the coast and the forest. The Drifter Navy hoodie is all about comfort. It has a printed geometric design on a hidden inside pocket and pocket bags. They currently have a 40% offer on all full price items.
A Life Outside
Catherine Brabec's film A Life Outside is a feature length documentary about the lives of six New Jersey surfers who pioneered surfing at the famed Casino Pier in Seaside Heights. With appearances by Gerry Lopez, Muckey Munoz, Corky Carroll, and Shaun Tomson. Available to purchase or download here.
Finshack Tote Bag
Finshack is giving away their 'Hero' bag, graphic inspired by often unsung heroes of fin design with every fin order over £40 in December. Check it out here: www.finshack.com
High Five Slider Patch
Created by Leucadia graphic designer Dustin Ortiz, the Original High Five Slider Patch is a symbol for five to five foot sliders, high five to hanging five, high five to summer. Sew one onto your favorite jacket or backpack.
SurfEars
With SurfEars you can easily keep a normal conversation and hear what’s going on around you without feeling isolated. Blocking out water, cold air, dirt & bacteria, SurfEars help prevent ear inflammation (swimmer’s ear) and abnormal bone growth in the ear canal (surfer’s ear). Find out more about SurfEars at surfears.com or in the US at www.creatures-usa.com,
Bob McTavish: Stoked + More Stoked
Legendary Australian surfer/shaper Bob McTavish shares his story about his involvement in early days of surfing and shaping in his book, Stoked. More Stoked takes over where Stoked left off –the year 1968. More Stoked contains over 150 yet unpublished photos that takes off into the psychedelic hippy surf era followed by Country Culture up in heaven, the North Coast of NSW., Early Byron Bay, Angourie, and the mighty Lennox Head. Get your copy of More Stoked at mctavish.com.
Jones Mountain Surfer
Winter is here and in addition to big swells in the Northern Hemisphere, the hills will be alive with the frozen stuff. The Jeremy Jones snowboard design is hand-shaped by renowned San Diego, California surfboard shaper Chris Christenson. Available at jonessnowboards.com $349
Book Roundup
Looking for a gift this holiday season? Here is a selection of some of the best books we've seen this year. 365 Day-to-Day Surfing (Jim Heimann), Distant Shores (Chris Burkhard), The Surf Cafe Cookbook (Jane Lambert), Surf Texas (Kenny Braun), and The Surfboard Book (Sean McCagh).