In the year since I learned to surf last April, I’ve gotten to explore surf towns and beautiful, tucked away beaches all over California. I am originally from Minnesota, so I have experienced the child-like joy of catching waves as well as the utterly serene moments in between for the first time. This photo essay is intended to be a love letter to surfing, an ode to all those moments out on the ocean filled with excitement and with peace, amongst community and in solitude.
– Nora Povejsil, deputy photo editor
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Friends walking down the beach at sunset. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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Surfer riding a wave in Santa Cruz. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)Surfer riding a wave in Santa Cruz. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)Surfer riding a wave in Santa Cruz. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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Scouting for wave breaks. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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Surfer emerges from a sunset surf at Swami’s Beach. (Nora/Povejsil)Surfers making their way to shore. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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Friends walking on the beach after a sunset surf. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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Sandy, freezing toes. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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A wave breaking behind a cluster of surfers in Santa Cruz. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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A surf shop in Marin at dusk. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)Stinson beach from above while heading to Bolinas beach. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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Catching a last glimpse of the sky before heading home. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)
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Waiting for the final set of the evening. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)Sunset at a beach in Santa Cruz. (Nora Povejsil/Staff)