The Current Issue
Surfing Life #374 – Autumn ’25
Nhundu wanhtharra, surfing gals, guys, groms and grandmasters. Welcome to 2025, the year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Surfing Life magazine!
Like most underdog tales, our origin story reveals how SL started in 1985 as the overlooked younger grom—the first national surf mag based in Queensland, specifically at the mecca of Australia’s world-class waves on Yugambeh-speaking Country, the Gold Coast.
This type of hero shows an underdog whose greatest disadvantage (and its strength) is that they are persistently disregarded by “The Suits” (the establishment, a group of uptight, land-locked, culture vultures). The Suits branded surfers as “beach bums”, taunting that surfing is not an actual sport nor could develop into a legitimate business, let alone a genuine industry.
Forty years later (and a gazillion stories and shots), SL’s journey has evolved from the new grom on the block to a global surf mag (complemented by its worldwide Surfing Life TV show, podcast, surf travel, plus more)...
Recent Features
374 Autumn Issue
Surfing Life 366 Autumn Issue. On sale now!
373 Summer Issue
Surfing Life 366 Autumn Issue. On sale now!
372 Spring Issue
Surfing Life 366 Autumn Issue. On sale now!
371 Winter Issue
Surfing Life 366 Autumn Issue. On sale now!
370 Autumn Issue
Surfing Life 366 Autumn Issue. On sale now!
How To...
SURFING LIFE GUIDES
TIPS & TRICKS
Surfing Australia – HPC
I was asked to join the guys at the High Performance Centre (HPC) for a days coaching and I was pumped. I’d been to the HPS three years ago almost to the day and had a cracking time with the coaching staff. My wife had bought me a two day “Adult Surf Camp” for my birthday… what a great gift. Had I have known how good it was I would have just booked it myself, but a lovely gift to be sure.
TRAINING TO CONNECT – Part 2
In PART 2 we teach a new model for looking at movement of the human body. The exercises at the bottom will train your body to move with connection and flow.
TRAINING TO CONNECT – Part 1
In PART 1 we will introduce the foundations of neuroscience (brain science). This will help to understand how your thoughts, actions and habits influence the body.
John John Florence School of Duck-diving
Class is in, today's teacher is John John; and the subject is duck-diving.
How To – Pick a surf car for under 10 G’s
Australia, the great sunburnt land and it's vast amount of waves and beaches. They're just waiting for you ... but first you need the wheels to get there.
HOW TO – Chasing Swell and Shadows in Sweden
Surfing in Sweden is for the brave. And, possibly the insane. Icy water, icier winds and long drives combine for hotly contested waves. What's not to love!
How To: Film inside the barrel with Mikala Jones
Mikala Jones is one of the best barrel riders in the world. He also pioneered GoPro POV angles inside the barrel. So there's no person better qualified to teach you as to how it's done.
If you’ve ever had shoulder pain while surfing. Read this!
How many times have the waves been excellent, but the paddle out is beyond you? Read this, and do this for stronger paddling shoulders.
HOW TO: Beating Out Back Injuries and Surfing Better
Cara-Lee Goullée from Stoke Physio, gives us the good oil on protecting our back from injury and looking after it once it is hurt.
How To: Get Strong Ankles for Strong Surfing
As a surfer, the contact between your feet and your board is one of the most crucial aspects of wave riding.