John Witzig

What I often yearn for about surfing’s early days are those jack of all trades types. Guys like George Greenough, Derek Hynd, Wayne Lynch, Chris Brock, Bob McTavish…without creating a list incredibly long, these surfers are examples of incredibly diverse individuals who took on countless roles within the blooming surfing sub culture. Surfer, shaper, glasser, fin designer, filmmaker, photographer, competitor, intrepid roamer…

John Witzig would first curse me out for dreaming up a time that is not possible now. “The past is the past”, he would say, as he has done so during our catch ups and countless email conversations. “I am more interested in the now”, he would continue whilst sipping a cup of hot coffee and smiling over the classic pages of his latest photographic book ‘Catalogue’. Before I can point out that his works are indeed deep-rooted in surfing’s now untouchable era, John would continue to argue his stance, stating that it is the end product itself, pages of nostalgic photographs bound together with current passion and enthusiasm, that excite him and keep his focus in the ‘now’. And then he would sneak out a contagious giggle and we would continue onto the next page, a double page spread of George Greenough looking suprisingly model-like and, indeed, timeless.

John, too, is brilliantly multi-talented and throughout his life has been associated as a surfer, writer, editor, publisher, traveler, photographer and even architect. Some of his early essays in ‘TRACKS MAGAZINE’ depict his jovial yet highly intelligent persona brushed with opinion and obsession for our environment. Yet it is his photographs that really lure us into those days gone past of ‘original’ surf culture whilst simultaneously inspiring something deep within, like the desire to re-connect with our history and rekindle the bohemian spirit in each of us.

In times of dire environmental, economical and humanitarian unease, sometimes a trip down memory lane is enough to give us the courage to turn the tables once again. John’s images just might do it. Take a quiet look and let the photographs talk to you. Allow surfing’s roots to bury into your soul and unleash the jack of all trades in yourself. Be it the construction of a simple board rack in the shed, brewer of your own beer, backyard shaping effort or putting the finger on the pulse capturing your friends riding rejuvenated classics…whatever it may be, let the beauty of surfing touch your heart once again. Thanks John for the passion.

All images* copyrighted and courtesy of John Witzig

*John’s portrait photo is copyright to Kuni Takanami & Surfer’s Eyes Media

John Witzig’s latest publication, ‘Catalogue’, can be ordered online HERE