Winter is coming and, with any luck, actual surf-worthy waves (i.e. skip work, get a neck tan line, and go to sleep sandy and stoked and with sore shoulders type of waves ) shouldn’t be far behind.
It is in this spirit that we present to you the Independent‘s Annual Ode to Waveriding, a collection of salt-water soaked stories dedicated to the men, women, and children of all ages that chase the wonder of riding rolling walls of ocean.
This year we have a hodge-podge of pieces featuring Santa Barbara-area surf sliders who have parlayed this passion to ride into things bigger than themselves, translating their pursuit of personal stoke into accomplishments that work to inspire well-beyond their immediate lives. So sit back, dig in, and enjoy.