By Barilotti Steve
Barilotti Steve, 2018
Delve into the captivating world of surf culture through the lens of LeRoy Grannis, a pivotal figure in documenting the sport's evolution. This book showcases Grannis's remarkable journey, from his early days as a surfer in 1931 to his pioneering photography of the longboard era in California and Hawaii during the 1960s. Grannis's innovative approach involved using a suction-cupped waterproof box to his board, allowing him to capture unparalleled close-up shots of surfers and the action in the water. This collection, curated from Grannis's personal archives, presents a vibrant portrayal of surfing's golden age, capturing the essence of a lifestyle defined by freedom and adventure. From the exhilaration of riding the perfect wave at San Onofre to the dramatic wipeouts at Oahu's North Shore, Grannis's images encapsulate the spirit of a sport that has captivated generations.
Beyond the waves, Grannis documented the burgeoning surf lifestyle, including surf contests, gatherings, and the iconic woody station wagons that lined the Pacific Coast Highway. His work offers a glimpse into a time before shortboards and celebrity endorsements, when surfing embodied a pure, unadulterated passion. This edition revives Grannis's sought-after Collector's Edition in a compact format, making his iconic images accessible to a wider audience. Experience the energy and excitement of surfing's formative years through the lens of a true visionary.