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

They're trained to defend their country and protect our freedom and liberty, but when active service is over, many soldiers find themselves struggling with personal and mental problems that the army just doesn't want to know about. Could surfing provide some answers? Words & photos: Russ Pierre

Photographer Ben Thouard joins the Oxbow team aboard the Windward as they trawl pristine Pacific atolls in search of adventure, virgin waves and new opportunities.

Al Knost is one of the best sliders around and has a close connection with a scene far removed from the modern marketplace hustle. Ryan Tatar tracked him down with his project partner Tyler Manson and gave us an insight into their freshest work. Words: Ryan Tatar Photos: Jamie Bott & Tyler Manson

A worthy addition to European surfing culture, the surfilmfestibal festival attempts to connect the global surfing community through moving picture, art and education. Words: Howard Swanwick. Photos: surfilmfestibal

Devastated by more than a decade of civil war, the Republic of Liberia is still in a serious state of flux. Could surfing bring a new hope and more peaceful future to this West African nation? Words & photos: Nicholai Lidow & Kate Thomas. Additional photos: Ted Grambeau & Jamie Bott


Surfing essentials

July 22, 2009 | Words By: Rui

es-cent-ial_by_nightCarl is the man behind Es-cent-ial. Rui from Magic Quiver in Portugal shares some of his stoke and passion for surfing, and finds out a bit more about him and the Es-cent-ial vision. (Versão portuguesa).

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O que é essencial para ti?

July 20, 2009 | Words By: Rui

es-cent-ial_by_night1O Carl é o responsável pela criação da Es-cent-ial. Tem sido um enorme prazer falar com ele e partilhar um pouco da sua paixão pelo surf. Nesta entrevista podemos saber um pouco sobre ele e sobre a Es-cent-ial. (Also available in English here).

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