Kelly Slater’s Shock Wave

William Finnegan writes about the best surfer in history, who made a machine that creates perfect conditions on demand. Will his invention democratize surfing or despoil it?

William Finnegan writes about the best surfer in history, who made a machine that creates perfect conditions on demand. Will his invention democratize surfing or despoil it?

At the heart of surfing, whether you’re a kook or a famous charger, is the pursuit of moments so pure they clean you out

For Jock Sutherland, being hailed as the world’s best surfer was just one phase in an unlikely life.

The big-wave surfer tackles some of the most fearsome swells on the planet. On the surface, it looks like he’s just having fun.