The primacy of the surf photograph in surf culture is why surf magazines have remained remarkably resilient in the digital age.Their large format, physicality and permanence makes surf magazines well-suited to the presentation of still surf photography. A surf photo freezes a moment in the complex interaction between the surfer and the wave, allowing the viewer to engage with all aspects captured within the frame in great detail. The richness of detail provided in the still image not only illuminates the surfing aesthetic, it evokes memories and feelings of surfing experiences and cultivates a kinship with the subculture. The printed photograph is still considered the most hallowed medium of recording surfing, and through their superiority for showcasing surf photography, surf magazines are, therefore, both eloquent and resonant in their depiction of the surfing experience making them important contributors to the ongoing development and dissemination of surf culture
