Surf Festivities & Shuttered Artistry: A Surf Snaps Double Feature
Just when you thought the holiday cheer couldn't get any wave-ier, Cocoa Beach delivered the ultimate Christmas gift: the Surfing Santas event. Over 10,000 festive spectators packed the sand on Christmas Eve to cheer hundreds of Santas, elves, aliens, and even a parrot named Spike carving through the lineup. This isn't just a surf session—it's a community spectacle that's raised over $100,000 for the Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life nonprofit. FLORIDA TODAY photographer Malcolm Denemark captured the pure joy, noting, 'Smiles... you don’t see this at football games and baseball games.' The tradition started in 2009 with George Trosset and his son—now it's a global phenomenon with costume contests and Santa Swag! You can catch the full festive action right here.
While Santas spread stoke in Florida, legendary photographer Tom Servais is sounding alarms about the state of surf photography. Fresh off his Hall of Fame induction, Servais laments how the digital revolution and social media have transformed the craft. 'It’s harder for photos to become iconic because they don’t live in anyone’s mind for very long,' he explains. In the print era, magazine covers let images breathe; now, constant scrolling dilutes impact. Servais recalls Tom Curren's logo-less cutback as a perfect storm of style and timing—something rare today. With most pro shooters struggling to make ends meet, he advises newcomers: 'It’s a tough road, but if you love it, go for it.' For his full reflections on what makes a timeless frame, check out The Inertia's deep dive.
Whether you're paddling into holiday cheer or studying light angles, both stories showcase surfing's soul. From Florida's red-washed shorebreaks to Servais's darkroom wisdom, it's a reminder that beyond the waves, it's about connection and craft. Keep riding, keep creating, and keep that shutter clicking!