Renowned surf writer Ben Mondy has teamed up with Rizzoli Publishing to release The Breitling Book of Surfing, a tribute to the global surf community and its diverse ethos. As a seasoned surf journalist with over 25 years in the field, Mondy is well-known for his engaging storytelling and unique ability to inject humor into the world of surfing. His latest work takes readers on a journey around the globe, showcasing the rich tapestry of surf cultures through the eyes of both famous and lesser-known surfers.
The book, which was just released, is a love letter to surf travel, exploration, and most importantly, the sense of community that binds surfers across continents. Mondy sat down with Surfer to discuss the inspiration behind the project: “It looks at various surf communities around the world, as seen through the prism of an eclectic mix of surfers,” he said.
Among the surf icons featured are legends like Kelly Slater, Steph Gilmore, Mikey February, Sally Fitzgibbons, Johanne Defay, and Jeremy Flores. But Mondy emphasized that the lesser-known stories were the most rewarding to write. “I probably enjoyed writing the stories of surfers like Effie Vrakas from Greece, Freddie Meadows surfing the Baltic, and Roberto D’Amico in Italy the most,” Mondy explained.
The large, coffee table-style book is filled with stunning visuals that capture the essence of surf life, making readers want to pack up and embark on their own adventure. Mondy notes that the visual component was essential to conveying the heart of the surf community, saying, “The main goal was to focus on the sense of community within surfing. The surfers have incredible personal insights, but placing those within the context of the waves and the people they grew up with made it far more authentic and revealing.”
While delving into the lives of surf giants like Slater and Gilmore was exciting, Mondy found special joy in uncovering the stories of lesser-known surfers. For instance, Swedish surfer Freddie Meadows spent six weeks camping alone in the Baltic Sea, waiting for a wave that might never break. Brazilian surfer Ciao Vaz stands out as a unique figure—he’s not only a SUP World Champion and Nazare charger, but also a famous soap opera actor.
The Breitling Book of Surfing, released by Rizzoli Publishing, is now available to order. Fans of the surf world can expect exclusive excerpts to appear on Surfer.com in the coming weeks, offering a taste of Mondy’s latest literary dive into the fascinating world of surfing.
This book is a must-read for surfers and non-surfers alike, as it beautifully captures the universal spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and passion that defines the global surf community.
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