A sign on the 130-year-old pier at Saltburn-by-the-Sea warns people not to jump off it. On a big surf day surfers make their way to the end of the sturdy 206 metre structure and jump like lemmings into the cold, murky North Sea. Words: Simon Palmer Photos: Ian Forsyth

Surfboards come in all shapes and sizes, but none quite so unusual as the Meyerhoffer Peanut. Is this revolutionary design born of genius or madness? Chris Stevens finds out. [Photos 1, 3 & 8 by Chris Stevens; 4 & 7 by Nick Allen]

Co-founder of the original Aussie counter-culture surf bible, Tracks, and director of 'Morning of the Earth', Alby Falzon lives up to his reputation as the spiritual father of the alternative surf lifestyle. Words: Jair Bortoleto Photos: Courtesy of Alby Falzon

In early 2008, longtime buddies Billy Hume, Jeff Myers, Joey Carter and Ben McBrien got together for a trip off the beaten track trip in search of waves and adventure. They headed for the icy waters of Alaska... Words: Jeff Myers Photos: Nick LaVecchia

Mark Sankey and Alexa Poppe discover Autumn's aquatic gifts in a late September road trip spanning France and Spain. Words: Mark Sankey. Photos and Design: Alexa Poppe

A road trip around the Scottish coastline reveals all of the anticipated joys along with a few unexpected pleasures. Words and Photos: Jonathan Barattini


John Franks

July 02, 2009 | Words By: Angela

the shore by john franksJohn was born in Weymouth, England, in 1974, but has never actually lived there. He grew up in Bilbao, where his grandparents founded St George’s English School. His mum remarried following his dad’s death and the family moved to a small town on the outskirts of Bilbao, just five minutes from the beach. That’s when John caught the surfing bug.

At 18 he packed up and left for Australia, spending three months surfing the East Coast, and his travels have seen him take in waves in Indo, Fiji, Tahiti and the US.
“First and foremost I consider myself a surfer – I can go without drawing or playing the guitar for a week, but I couldn’t be out of the water for more than one day. It gives me the inspiration to write songs and create pictures. My art doesn’t give me enough money to live so I work as a clothing representative. It’s a good job and it gives me enough free time to do my stuff. My dream would be to be able to live on what I like most doing: surf, paint and sing.”

www.myspace.com/johnfrankssmile

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the shore


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