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Larry Bertlemann, a Duke winner in ‘74, seeded a “new school” of surfing and brought low-rotation skateboard maneuvers to the waves. His belief that “anything is possible” helped redefine surfing performance, while inspiring the paradigm-busting pool riders of Southern California’s Dogtown skate scene. He defined the shortboard revolution in Hawaii. by @thesurfnetwork

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“There’s a difference between surfing and riding a wave. There’s a lot of people who can ride a wave, but not too many people who can surf one.” — Larry Bertlemann. The “Rubberman,” who passed away this weekend could certainly surf a wave. 💫

We’ve opened the paywall on our collection of Bertlemann video clips, interviews — including a rare video interview — and features, so head to the link in bio 🙌

There are far too many amazing stories to fit into a single post. Here, for example, is Phil Jarratt’s description of getting in touch with Bertlemann, who constantly had to change his phone number to elude his fans.

“He can be contacted only through an underground network of trusted friends who make the FBI look like kid stuff,” wrote Jarratt in 1979. “Life’s tough at the top.”

RIP to one of surfing’s most innovative and colorful characters ✨

Photos | unknown | Dick Graham | Dan Merkel/A-Frame | Gary Terrell | Art Brewer | Dan Merkel/A-Frame | Dan Merkel | Jeff Divine | Tom Sutherland
Video | Scott Dittrich | Hal Jepsen | Bill Delaney | Allen Maine | Hugh Thomas | Jack McCoy | Dick Hoole | Curt Mastalka by @thesurfnetwork

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RIP Larry Bertleman 1955 - 2026 Surf footage from Super Sessions 1975 via @thesurfnetwork Skate footage from the film Go For It! via @encyclopedia_of_surfing by @thesurfnetwork

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Aloha Larry Bertlemann 1955-2026 💫

Video | Scott Dittrich | Hal Jepsen | Bill Delaney | Allen Maine | Hugh Thomas | Jack McCoy | Dick Hoole | Curt Mastalka by @thesurfnetwork

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The Life Story of Doc Ball is based on the life of the first dedicated surf photographer. Doc Ball had a huge influence on promoting surfing world-wide during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Doc retells the history of surfing in California as captured through his photos shot from the water and his 16mm movies. These stories include the top surfers and innovators of that pioneering time. Streaming now @thesurfnetwork

🎥: @docball257443 by @thesurfnetwork

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In February 1976, more than 200 skateboarders participated in the second annual Ventura Skateboarding Championship in Grant Park. Here’s a quick snapshot from the action, which included just about anything you can imagine doing on a skateboard. 💥

Video | “Go For It” | Hal Jepsen | by @thesurfnetwork

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18 days ago

L A N C E C A R S O N 🇺🇸

Throwback Thursday! Here’s a snippet of the 1984 movie The Legends of Malibu. Lance Carson is one of the most important and iconic surfers of California surfing history.
To watch the full movie go to @thesurfnetwork .

🏄🏽‍♀️ @elcrsn
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#longboardsurfing #surfculture #surfhistory taken in California by @thesurfnetwork

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A story of balance between ancient beliefs and modern culture. This film explores Uluwatu Bali’s past, present, and future. A tale of resilience, greed, harmony and power. Streaming now on @thesurfnetwork

🎥 @maxdesantis_ @magicislandfilm by @thesurfnetwork

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Uluwatu a place like no other.. find out how we got here watch @magicislandfilm on @primevideo now at the link in our bio ! #magicisland #uluwatu #bali taken in Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia by @thesurfnetwork

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For the love of Indonesia and its people. Selamat hari raya merdeka! Very pleased to announce @magicislandfilm will be available to stream on @primevideo and @appletv through @thesurfnetwork at the end of this month! Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this special Film. taken in Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia by @thesurfnetwork

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Last week we paid a visit to the 1972 world event in San Diego, so it seems only right to share a clip of that year’s world champ Hawaiian Jim Blears. If you didn’t read Drew Kampion’s account of the ‘72 World Champs, what are you waiting for? Link in bio 💥

Born in Santa Monica, Blears moved to Hawai’i at age 11 and subsequently learned to surf. Blears was a two-time Hawaiian Surfing Association ratings leader, four-time Duke Kahanamoku Classic invitee, and of course, ‘72 World Champ. Blears also served as a North Shore lifeguard at Sunset Beach for 20 years. His sister Laura was one of the top women of her era, too ✨

Video
Bob Evans
Hal Jepsen by @thesurfnetwork

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WHAT FEELING DO YOU GET IN THE TUBE?
Like I’m locked in a closet with Raquel Welch. — Mike Purpus. Link in Bio for more Purpus wisdom and his humorous take on localism. 💥

With his signature puka-shell necklace and leather hat, Mike Purpus kept his sense of humor at a time when surfing took itself very seriously. Everything was just so heavy, man

By contrast, Purpus wore bright boardshorts over his wetsuit, airbrushed a life-sized Raquel Welch on his favorite board, and posed nude for Playgirl (we’ll leave it to you, the reader, to find those images on your own).

It wasn’t all shenanigans — Purpus rode Pipe with the best of them, competed in the Duke Classic multiple times, and appeared in just about every major surf film of the era.

“I always dreamed bigger than my friends. My surfing buddies of 1959 have families, nine to five jobs, responsibilities and security. I have four surfboards, a wetsuit and a pair of trunks. Today, surfing is still my life.” — Purpus, Surfer, 1973.✨

Photos: 1-Trestles | 1972 | Mark Keller. 2-Portrait | 1972 | Jeff Divine. 3-Pipe | 1973 | Dan Merkel. 4-HB | Lost and Found | Tim Barnes. 5-Playgirl promo (yes, we cropped it 🫣). 6-Jeff Divine. Video: Hal Jepsen | Steve Sonderberg | Greg MacGillivray | Jim Freeman | Jack McCoy | Dale Davis | Dick Hoole | Eric Blum | Lowell Blum by @thesurfnetwork

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